For Mum, Dad

Details

KOE full profile / Flute-Cello Duo / 2 musicians

Composers featured: Danzi, Lei Liang, Zhou Long

Other players: Eva Ding, flute; Emma Kato, cello

Full program notes

KOE Presents: "For Mum, Dad" – A Journey Through Contemporary AAPI Music

Join us for an evening of intimate chamber music, featuring works by living Asian and Asian American composers that explore themes of identity, heritage, and connection. This program brings together flute and cello in a collection of works that resonate deeply with our experiences and cultural stories.

Gobi Canticle – Lei Liang (11 mins)
We begin our journey with Gobi Canticle, a piece that evokes the vast landscapes and ancient traditions of Mongolia. Composer Lei Liang draws inspiration from Mongolian folk music, weaving in chants and melodies that feel both haunting and beautiful. This piece is a meditative and powerful reflection on the landscapes of Liang’s heritage, and we hope it transports you to distant, arid plains, echoing with the sounds of history.

Sunset in Gion – Yuki Ohnishi (5 mins)
In this short but evocative work, Yuki Ohnishi transports us to Gion, a historic district in Kyoto, Japan. Sunset in Gion captures the delicate beauty of a cityscape at dusk, with colors fading and shadows lengthening. It’s a quiet, contemplative piece that invites the listener to slow down and savor the moment. This piece holds a special place in our hearts as it reflects the fleeting beauty and nostalgia we often feel when remembering places we call "home."

Something to Say – Corey Chang (11 mins)
Something to Say by Corey Chang is an homage to the resilience and strength of immigrant parents. As the child of Taiwanese immigrants, Corey has channeled his personal history into this powerful work that celebrates empowerment and the journey to finding one’s voice. We feel a special connection to this piece, as it mirrors our own journeys of identity and belonging. The music moves from soft, introspective moments to bold, triumphant statements, capturing the complex emotions of navigating life in a new world.

Su (Tracing Back) – Zhou Long (7 mins)
Zhou Long’s Su is an exploration of memory and reflection. The piece is named for the Chinese word that means “to trace back.” It serves as a musical journey through history and heritage, a tracing back of one’s roots. The melodies ebb and flow, reminiscent of ancient Chinese musical traditions while also feeling distinctly modern. For us, this piece captures the bittersweet beauty of reconnecting with one’s heritage and honoring the generations that came before.

Three Chinese Poems – Corey Chang (11 mins)
(Movements 2: Quiet Night Thoughts and 3: Looking Out To Sea, Warmed By The Spring Air)
In Three Chinese Poems, Corey Chang brings ancient Chinese poetry to life through music. Composed for KOE, this piece reflects the timeless themes of longing, renewal, and connection. The second movement, Quiet Night Thoughts, inspired by Li Bai’s iconic poem, expresses the quiet homesickness of looking up at the same moon as those far away. The third movement, Looking Out To Sea, Warmed By The Spring Air, based on a poem by Haizi, evokes a sense of renewal and warmth, like the first hints of spring. Corey’s compositions create an emotional bridge between past and present, mirroring our own journeys of identity and belonging.

Each piece in this program speaks to the diverse stories of the Asian and Asian American experience. We hope this evening invites you to connect with these stories, to find echoes of your own, and to experience the powerful blend of music and memory that lies at the heart of “For Mum, Dad.”

Videos from this ensemble