Biography

Zhenyan Li (b.1998) is a Chinese composer based in London. Her works are inspired by theatrical elements, especially the performing style of traditional oriental theatre. Li has been commissioned by the Chinese Oriental Ensemble of Beijing, Manson Ensemble, Trio Estatico, and Barcelona Modern Ensemble. As an active collaborator, she has worked on projects with Architectural Association, London Film School, Leeds Lieder Festival, and SOAS University of London, as well as individuals, writer David Alfred, artists Toby Tobias and Lulu Wang, percussionist Beibei Wang, conductors Martin Rajna and Jessica Cottis. This year, her opera ‘Cummings &Goerings’ was premiered as part of the ‘Tête-à-tête’ Festival. Other projects also include works for international guitar society, Central School of Ballet, Psappah Ensemble and Lucerne Festival Composition Academy.

 

Li is also an active Chinese flute player. She is a member of the London Chinese Opera Studio founded by Chinese opera singer Kathy Hall and they have performed at the SOAS University of London and the Garden Museum, etc. Currently, Li is also teaching the Chinese flute at UCL.

 

Li finished her Bachelor of Music degree and Master of Music degree (with distinction) in composition under Rubens Akesnar and Edmund Finnis at the Royal Academy of Music with scholarship. Currently, she is 2nd year Ph.D student at the same institution studying with Philip Cashian and David Sawer.