Yunxin An, PhD student in Composition, won the UH Bands/UH Music Student Composition Competition in January with her composition Neon Night.
Neon Night is An’s first composition for wind ensemble, inspired by her concept of the modern-day nocturne. “When I stroll around the city these days, I often get this ‘unreal’ feeling. Everything, from the bright lights to the music echoing out of someone’s apartment…feels like nighttime nowadays is not what it used to be,” An said. “In Hawai’i, though, nature has a way of blending into the cityscape, holding everything in a subtle balance.”
The competition’s panel acknowledged that composing for a large ensemble is a significant accomplishment. Even though An was familiar with most of the individual instruments, the real challenge– and also the most exciting aspect– was learning how to integrate them as an ensemble. “In Neon Night, I would like to deliver the liveliness and the vibrant colors of the night scene,” An explained. “At the same time, it’s important to me that every musician in the ensemble has a part that is both meaningful and fun to play.”
“It is a privilege for any composer to see their vision for a large ensemble realized in a live performance,” An reflected. “I am truly grateful for this opportunity. Special thanks to Dr. Osborne, Dr. Boeckman, friends, and my furry friends, for helping me during my composition process.”
As the winning composer, Neon Night will be performed by the UH Wind Ensemble at the UH Bands Aloha Concert on Sunday, April 26 at 7pm in the McKinley High School Auditorium under the direction of Dr. Jeff Boeckman.