Biography

Zhenyan Li is a London-based Chinese composer and Dizi (Chinese flute) player whose music is shaped by the traditions of East Asian theatre. Drawing on its storytelling of contrast, ambiguity, and illusion, she brings theatrical sensibilities into her compositions. 

 

Recent commissions include commissions from a multidisciplinary Orchestral project The Exoplanets’ by the City of London Sinfonia, Rough for Opera and the Beijing Music Festival, with performances by the Ensemble Modern, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, and at festivals such as Lucerne Festival and Tête-à-Tête Festival. Additional projects includes works for the International Guitar Foundation, Central School of Ballet, Psappha Ensemble, Theorbo Today, and Leeds Lieder Festival. As an active collaborator, Li has worked with institutions such as the Architectural Association, London Film School, Leeds Lieder Festival, and SOAS University of London, and with artists including Lulu Wang, percussionist Beibei Wang, and conductors Naomi Woo, Martin Rajna, Charlotte Politi, and Jessica Cottis.

 

As a Dizi player, she is a member of the London Chinese Opera Studio and leads the Silk & Bamboo Ensemble at SOAS University of London.