Shirunyu Li

Composer Shirunyu Li writes music that reflects a very natural identification with influences from a broad spectrum of influences, such as traditional Chinese arts, western concert music, urban environmental sounds, linguistic intonation and contours, and freely improvised traditions, through the prism of contemporary instrumental techniques and new sonic possibilities.

Her music was programmed on a number of graduating recital while her study in Manhattan school of music. And she took part in the best music festival in Beijing China, International Composition Workshop, with Professor Yi Chen, Long Zhou, David Dzubay. In 2019 summer, her string quartet was selected in Chigiana music academy summer composition workshop with Professor Richard Danielpour, he mentioned that “it is wonderful job that she composed with such restrictive materials but a vivid music in the first movement. Her music is both touched and logical.”

Her recent work Four pieces for two trumpets was premiered on one of the UCLA concert series on February 2021. This work was described by the trumpet performer Chloe Swindler as “challenging range, great melodic and rhythmic development, 10/10 would recommend”

Recently, she is working on an orchestra piece by using the technic that only motive through the whole composition. Like the last movement of Brahms 4th symphony, there is a passacaglia through to the end, but showing in various way. Shirunyu showing her respect to the great Brahms 4th and writing her own Orchestra Variation.

Away from composition studies, Shirunyu likes to explore music education. She teaches music theory, ear training since 2010, and help students prepare any kind of theory exam. She also teaches piano for young children. With her outgoing personality, kids always have a good experience study with her.

She is currently a second year-PhD student at university of California Los Angeles. And holds a bachelor's degree from Beijing Central Conservatory of Music and a master's degree from Manhattan School of Music both in music composition and theory.