Zhou Long is a distinguished contemporary composer, widely recognized for his ability to amalgamate traditional Chinese musical elements with Western classical music. Born on July 8, 1953, in Beijing, Long's musical journey is deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of his homeland. His experience during the Cultural Revolution had a profound impact on his artistic development, as he was sent to a state farm during this period before eventually enrolling at the Beijing Central Conservatory.
Long's move to the United States for further study at Columbia University under the tutelage of Chou Wen-chung and Mario Davidovsky heralded a creative synthesis of East and West in his compositions. His innovative approach has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2011 for his opera "Madame White Snake."
Zhou Long's discography is a testament to the unique sound-world he creates by blending the subtlety of Chinese philosophy with modern orchestral techniques. "The Ineffable," "Zhou Long & Chen Yi: Symphony 'Humen 1839'," and "Spirit of Chimes - Chamber Music of Zhou Long" all showcase his penchant for handling historical subjects and Chinese aesthetics with a contemporary flair. Works such as "Zhou Long: The Book of Songs" highlight his capacity to draw inspiration from ancient Chinese poetry, while albums like "Long: Rhymes (Orchestral Music)" and "Zhou: Tales From the Cave / Secluded Orchid / Heng / Valley Stream" delve into the rich folk traditions and tonal textures of his heritage. "Zhou, L.: 8 Chinese Folk Songs / Poems From Tang / Soul (The Flowing Stream - Chinese Folk Songs and Tone Poems)" further illustrates his deft integration of folk melodies with sophisticated orchestral landscapes, forging a musical language that transcends cultural boundaries and resonates with audiences worldwide.
Join them and feed your new music addiction, and add the artists you love!
Get Started