IMAGES FROM MY CONSCIOUSNESS
by arthur yuen.
Images from my Consciousness, a string quartet (15 minutes ca.) inspired by the traditional painting concept called xieyi 寫意 [freehand brushwork], which involves conveying an idea through simple means. In this work, xieyi is presented through the imagination of my memory, associating these fragments with distinctive motivic gestures. This way, it avoids a direct translation from image into music, yet each gesture can be subtly integrated to evoke a sense of cultural associations.
Here, he draws on Chou Wen Chung’s explanation of freehand brushwork: “the open space untouched by the brush is where the ideas reside.”
CREDITS
Aoife Ansen O’Connell [cello]; Angus Findlow [violin]; Patrick Gorry [sound]; Joe Hunt [sound]; Josephine Korda [conductor]; Ming Lee [video & editing]; Keir Lundy [sound]; Christina Maxfield [violin]; Jeanette Szeto [viola]; Arthur Yuen [composer]
Po Hang Yuen is a composer and educator specializing in cross-cultural composition and interculturality. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Music in Composition at the Guildhall School of Music and Dance, Po Hang integrates diverse cultural elements into his work, pushing the boundaries of musical expression.
Po Hang’s educational journey includes earning a Master of Music in Composition with Distinction from both the Royal Northern College of Music and King’s College London, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Music from The University of Hong Kong. He has enriched his expertise through various specialized training programs and masterclasses, including those hosted by the Peter Eötvös Contemporary Music Foundation and Sävellyspaja.
As an educator, Po Hang has imparted his knowledge and passion for music to students through roles such as a visiting teacher for WeCompose and a Music Specialist for the Chinese Children’s Culture and Art Promotion Association. His efforts in teaching underscore his commitment to fostering the next generation of composers.
Po Hang’s work has been performed through numerous residencies and festivals, such as the Britten Sinfonia’s Opus 1, the Sofia Symphonic Summit, and the Vienna Summer Music Festival. Recent works include “Images From My Consciousness” for the Valette Ensemble and “Cosmic Embrace” performed by the Avanti Chamber Orchestra.
He has achieved success in competitions, being a finalist for the Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Prize and receiving the 3rd prize in the MAP-IMC 2023 Composition Competition. Po Hang has been awarded several scholarships, including Fee Bursaries from GSMD and the Dean’s Scholarship from NEC.
