Modern Muses

Originally from China, the sheng is a traditional instrument – a mouth organ – with a three-thousand year history. Its sound was part of Korean composer Unsuk Chin’s childhood and she had long dreamed of writing for it. She was inspired finally to fulfil her dream when she heard the playing of sheng virtuoso Wu Wei. With the help of Wu, Chin began the long, collaborative process of learning how to write for sheng which resulted in the remarkable Šu for sheng and orchestra – and a deep friendship between composer and performer.