Sinyan Shen

Full biography Sinyan Shen

Sinyan Shen is a composer born in China, known for her unique style that marries elements of traditional Chinese music with Western classical music. She received her education in composition at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and later obtained her master's degree in music at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Shen's works often explore themes related to her Chinese heritage and incorporate ancient Chinese poetry and folklore. Some of her notable compositions include "Poem of the Purple Bamboo," "Dream of the Red Chamber," and "Rainbow String Quartet."

She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work, including the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award, the Charles Ives Scholarship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the Aaron Copland Award. She has also been commissioned by various orchestras and institutions, such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra.

In addition to her work as a composer, Shen is also heavily involved in music education. She has taught at various institutions, including the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is currently a professor of music composition at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Overall, Sinyan Shen is a talented composer who has made significant contributions to the field of music through her innovative and culturally diverse compositions.