Michael Cooke

Yangfan Xu

Yangfan Xu is a Chinese-born, U.S.-based composer renowned for her contemporary classical compositions that weave together her rich Chinese heritage with broad global influences. Born in Lanzhou, China, Xu has garnered recognition for her ability to blend diverse cultural elements into her music, making her a distinctive voice in modern composition.

Educated at some of the world’s leading music institutions, Xu’s journey in music began in high school at the Central Conservatory of Music in China, followed by further studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music where she received her bachelor’s degree in composition. She then earned her master’s degree from The Juilliard School and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the New England Conservatory of Music.

Her works have been performed by prestigious groups such as the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, the New Juilliard Ensemble, and many others. Xu’s composition, “Fantastic Creatures of the Mountains and Seas,” is particularly noted for its premiere at Lincoln Center. Among her accolades are the 2023 Boston New Music Initiative Commission Competition and the 2021 Society for New Music’s Israel/Pellman Award.

Xu’s music often explores themes of multiculturalism, and she has a profound connection with nature and myth, which deeply influences her compositions. Her style is described as vibrant and full of life, often infused with narratives that bridge cultures and connect audiences from diverse backgrounds.

Tags: Biography, Music from Humans

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