Feb. 2022 (for clarinet, violin, and piano)Inspired by Edith Wharton’s novella Ethan Frome, this piece explores the theme of inverted fairytale. The bright, playful beginning reflects the somewhat untroubled life of the Frome household and the light-hearted interactions between Ethan and Mattie. But Zeena’s jealousy of her husband and cousin’s budding romance begins a chain reaction of events…

Feb. - Oct. 2021 (for violin and piano)Millions of people’s bright futures were extinguished, leaving their families and friends behind to suffer the aftermath of sudden tragedies. Many lives, dreams, opportunities, loved ones, and happiness were lost due to COVID-19. Even without a pandemic, we sometimes encounter moments where we forget how to smile, where the colorful world is soiled by gloom,…

July 2021 (for flute, horn, and piano)A friend once told me, “I wish mosquitos disappeared from Earth; they benefit no one.”The annoyingly energetic mosquitos are given a second purpose in this piece, transforming into beautiful stars as they float upwards to decorate the sky.Ensemble Winner of the National Young Composers Challenge 2021; performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra members @…

June 2021 (for flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and piano) Here’s a new version of Sherlock Tango, this time with a new instrumentation and protagonist. Who’s Nyarlock? He is my version of the genius.Performed and recorded by International Contemporary Ensemble in July 2021.National YoungArts 2023 Finalist WinnerThe American Prize National Nonprofit Competition in Composition (chamber division)…

June 2021 (for bandoneon, violin, cello, and piano)Inspired by the world’s beloved Sherlock Holmes, this piece begins with a creepy carousel-like music that the mischievous Moriarty, the arch-enemy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s mastermind detective. Holmes intervenes before the situation becomes too perilous, looking for clues and solving the puzzle before humanity suffers great destruction. The…

May 2021 (for violin, guitar, bassoon, and percussion)The giant finger-eating hamster is back, but this time as a quartet!Recorded by International Contemporary Ensemble in May 2021. 

Feb. 2021 (for violin and classical guitar) This piece was inspired by a weird dream I had, which involved getting chased by a 9 feet tall vicious hamster that indulges in eating human fingers - specifically thumbs. The rapid strumming of the guitar illustrates the victim desperately trying to shake off the hamster off of their hand. The melancholy theme introduced by the guitar makes the…

Jan. 2021 (for brass quintet)Inspired by Nobel Prize-winning author William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, the brass quintet tells the story of a group of British schoolboys marooned on an uninhabited island and their disastrous attempt to govern themselves. First, the scar—the plane crash site—and the key players of the novel are introduced. The conch is blown by Ralph to summon the other boys…

July 2020 (for piano quintet)“Avast, Ye!” illustrates a pirate captain and the crew's adventure in search of the ancient tree rumored to hold the sap of salvation, which can heal any type of injuries and wounds. With the energetic opening, the ship sets sail and endures the wild, untamable waves in desperation to claim the magical power of the tree. As the sea calms down and the rain clouds roll…

June 2020 (for two violins)Everyone knows the importance of practicing 40 hours a day, thanks to Brett and Eddy’s teachings of the Ling Ling ways. However, we must also remember that by playing our instruments, we are fulfilling their essence and dreams.This violin duet illustrates the story of one lonely violin, waiting and waiting in its case to be played. Will the case ever be opened? Or will…