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In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Museum of Chinese in America continues to honor the remarkable contributions of Asian and Asian American women composers to the musical landscape. This time, MOCA is pleased to collaborate with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s to celebrate the legacy of Chen Yi.

Join us for an in-depth conversation between Chen Yi and MOCA’s curator, Herb Tam, as they explore her musical journey and legacy. This discussion will reflect on the evolution of her work, revisiting an interview she gave to AsianWeek 30 years ago. We are particularly interested in how her experiences have shaped her music, especially as she returns to New York City for a five-borough tour (see description below). The evening will conclude with a performance of Chen Yi’s compositions by St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble.

Performers
St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble  

Program
Sprout, Chen Yi

ABOUT Chen Yi

As a prolific composer who blends Chinese and Western traditions, transcending cultural and musical boundaries, Dr. Chen Yi* is Distinguished Professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, and a recipient of the Charles Ives Living Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Her music is published by Theodore Presser, commissioned, and performed world-wide by such musicians and ensembles as Yehudi Menuhin, Yo-Yo Ma, Evelyn Glennie, Chanticleer, the Cleveland Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, BBC Symphony, BBC Philharmonic, Halle Orchestra and Royal Philharmonic, the Seattle, Pacific, Singapore, China National, San Francisco, Chicago, New Zealand Symphonies, the LA, NY, and China Philharmonics, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra and Sachsische Staatskapelle Dresden, recorded on Bis, New Albion, New World, Teldec, Albany, Bridge, Naxos, and many labels. She has received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in composition from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, and Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Columbia University in the City of New York. Major composition teachers are Profs. Wu Zu-qiang, Chou Wen-chung and Mario Davidovsky. She has been inducted to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the American Academy of Arts and Letter.

* Chen is my family name. Yi is personal name. Chen Yi can be referred to Dr. Chen, Prof. Chen, Ms. Chen, or Chen Yi, but not Dr. Yi, Prof. Yi, or Ms. Yi. 

ABOUT OSL NYC Five Borough Tour

The Music of Chen Yi
March 23 – 29, 2025

Orchestra of St. Luke’s offers a free concert tour across New York City each season. This March, the tour will highlight award-winning composer Chen Yi, celebrating her creative journey and diverse musical influences. Born in China and now a longtime resident of the U.S., Chen Yi will present her beloved string compositions alongside traditional Chinese instrumental works that have profoundly shaped her distinctive musical voice.

For more information, please visit https://oslmusic.org/24-25/nyc-five-borough-tour/