Qigang Chen
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Qigang Chen (Chinese: 陈其钢; pinyin: Chén Qígāng, pronounced [tʂʰə̌n t͡ɕǐkɑ́ŋ]) is a composer of Chinese origin born in 1951 in Shanghai. He has lived in France since 1984, and obtained French citizenship in 1992.
Qigang Chen was born into a family of artists, including several members who were sent to the Laogai during the Cultural Revolution. Chen was sent to an ideological reeducation camp. After the introduction of induction courses for higher education in 1977, Chen passed a series of tests which allowed him to go and study abroad. At the age of 33 he arrived in Paris where he was the final student of Olivier Messiaen until 1988.
Contents
Awards
Chen received the 2005 Symphony Music Award of SACEM, Paris, and 2006 prize of the Académie Charles Cros. Chen Qigang was Music Director of the 2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremony in Beijing
- 1986
o First prize (awarded by the French Ministry of Culture) in the International Composition Contest (Buffet Crampon) for clarinet and string quartet in Paris
- 1988
o Winner of the 27th International Contest of Symphony Composition of Citta di Trieste o GermanyScholarship price of the 34th Stipendienpreis Summer Musical Camp
- 1989
o Awarded the Nadia and Lili Boulanger Grant
- 1990
o Selected "Musician of the Year" by the Chinese press
- 1991
o Winner of the Hervé Dugardin prize of the SACEM (Society of Composers and Publishers)
- 1992
o Awarded the Nadia and Lili Boulanger grant o Winner of the International Contest of Composition for organ of Saint-Rémy de Provence o Monographic CD by Musique française aujourd'hui (REM)
- 1993
o Awarded the Prize Villa Medicis Hors les Murs
- 1994
o Jury of the Irino International Composition Contest (Japan) o Jury of the Taiwan International Composition Contest
- 1995
o Portrait Qigang Chen organised by China International Culture Exchange Center at Beijing and Shanghai with the AFAA, the SACEM and the French embassy o Artistic consultant at Radio France for the Festival Présence 1996
- 1997
o Resident composer and professor at the Centre Acanthes of Avignon
- 1998
o President of the jury of the 9th International Composition Contest of Besançon
- 1999
o Creation of Wu Xing for orchestra performed by the Orchestre National de France o Creation of Instants d'un opéra de Pékin commissioned by the Olivier Messiaen International Piano Competition 2000 o Jury of the International Composition Contest at Hong Kong.
- 2000
o Awarded Grand Prize of the City of Paris o Artistic consultant at the Cité de la Musique in Paris for the project La voix du dragon o Creation of the four acts ballet Raise the Red Lantern from Zhang Yimou: based on Zhang Yimou's film of the same title, premièred by the China National Ballet in May 2001, Beijing. o First projection of art film based on Poème Lyrique II in Netherlands.
- 2001
o Wu Xing (The Five Elements) for orchestra owned the finalists award of "Master prize" in UK
- 2002
o Chen’s monographic concert was organized by The Beijing Musical Festival in which Iris dévoilée, Un Temps Disparu for erhu and orchestra, and Wu Xing received their Chinese premieres by the China Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Muhai Tang
- 2003
o Virgin Classics made Chen’s symphony works album “Iris Devoilée”
- 2004
o Resident composer at Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra
- 2005
o Awarded Grand Prize of Symphonic Music of SACEM
- 2006
o EMI/VIRGIN made Mr.Chen’s new works album “Extase” and awarded “5 Stars Disc”by BBC Music Magazine, “the best modern music albums of 2006”by French Charles Cros Academy o Awarded as “the best composer of the year” by French magazine “La lettre du musicien”’ as “the best composer of the year chosen by the professors of French high school. o Appointed as the artistic director of “Presence China”’s Chinese Part. o Together with Radio France and “Shanghai Spring” music festival propose “Presences China” series at Shanghai,Mr. Chen invited the international composers visit China and compose the feeling about China base on Chinese instruments.
- 2007–08
o Appointed as the music director for the Opening Ceremony of Beijing Olympic Games
- 2008
o Awarded Mercedes-AMG: National Spirit Achievers Prize o Awarded as the 2008 Honorable Fellow of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
- 2009
o The song You and Me awarded “Five One Programmes” Prize for the spiritual and civilization by the Publicity Ministry of China
- 2010
o Awarded Extraordinary Composer Prize of the 7th Chinese Golden Records
- 2011
o Initiated and associated with NCPA Young Composer Program “Composing the Future”, appointed the Chief Judge
- 2012
o Awarded “Rossini Prize” by Académie des Beaux-Arts of French Institute
o Decorated “Chevalier” for arts and letters by French Culture and French Government
List of Works
Work for instrumentals formation
- DANSE 舞曲(1987) for Oboe and piano.
- Commissioned by the Wind Instruments National Contest (France).
- Length: 4mn 20s
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur
Chamber music
- LE SOUVENIR 回忆(1985) for flute and harp.
- First audition in June 1986 at the American Church in Paris. Flute: Jean-Marie Bauman; Harp: Sabine Chefson.
- Length : 11 mn
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur
- YI 易(1986) for clarinet Bb and string quartet.
- First prize in the International Composition Contest for Clarinet and String quartet. First audition on July 29, 1986 performed by Alain Acabo and the Ensemble des deux mondes.
- Length: 13 mn 10 s
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur
- CD : in 1993 MFA/REM
- YOU AND ME 我和你 (2012) for cello solo and 4 cellos
- Arranged from the Theme Song of 29th Olympic games in Beijing 2008
- Length: 5 mn
- Boosey & Hawkes
- VOYAGE D’UN RÊVE 梦之旅(1987).for flute, harp, percussions and string trio
- Commissioned by Radio France (1987).Awarded the “Stipendienpreis” in Darmstadt (Germany, 1988).First audition on November 17, 1987 at Radio France by Ensemble Musique Vivante under the conducting of Diégo Masson.
- Length: 18 mn
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur
- HUI SHENG 回声 (1992) For organ.
- Winner of the International Contest of Composition for organ in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (1992).First audition on September 12, 1993 in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence by Jesus Martin-Moro.
- Length: 12 mn
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur
- SAN XIAO 三笑 (1995) For 4 traditional Chinese instruments( bamboo flute, san xian, zheng,pipa)
- Commissioned by Radio France. First audition on February 11, 1996 at Radio France in Paris (Festival Présence) by the Beijing Hua Xia Ensemble under the conducting of Tsung Yeh.
- Length: 11 mn
- CD : by Huaxia Ensemble, Hugo HRP7174-2
- CD : Virgin Classics 0946 344693 2 6
- ENERGIE SPIRALE 回旋的力量 (1996) For oboe and percussions
- First audition on November 12, 1996 in Tokyo ( 2nd Link Ongakudo Festival) by Jean-Louis Capezzali (oboe).
- Length: 5mn
-Gerard Billaudot Editeur
- ENERGIE COMTEMPLATIVE (1996) for three flutes
- Length: 4 mn
- Unpublished
- L’ELOIGNEMENT 走西口 (2003) for string orchestra.
- Nomenclature: 5, 4, 4, 3, 1 or 10, 8, 8, 6, 2
- Length:15 mn
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur
- CD : by Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Conductor : Leonard Slatkin. Scheduled Virgin Classics 0946 344693 2 6
- INSTANTS D'UN OPÉRA DE PÉKIN 京剧瞬间 (New version of 2004) for piano solo
- Length: 9 mn
-Gerard Billaudot Editeur
Concerted music
- FEU D’OMBRES 火影 (1990) for saxophone and instrumental ensemble.
- Commissioned by the Ministry of Culture and les Grands Travaux du Bicentaire. First audition on February 1, 1991 by Jean-Pierre Baraglioli and the 2E2M Ensemble under the conducting of Paul Méfano for the Festival “Future Musique”.
- Length: 16 mn 30s
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur
- CD : in 1993 MFA/REM
- UN PÉTALE DE LUMIÈRE 一线光明 (1993) (Tribute to Olivier Messiaen) for flute and orchestra
Commissioned by the Ministry of Culture. First audition on February 15, 1994 at the Opéra de Rennes by Pierre-Yves Artaud and the Orchestre de Bretagne under the conducting of Claude Schnitzler.
- Length: about 16 mn
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur
- EXTASE 道情 (1995) for oboe and orchestra
Commissioned by the Deutscher Kammerphilharmonie and the French Ministry of Culture. First audition on October 11, 1995 in Bremen (Germany) by Rodrigo Blumenstock and the Deutscher Kammerphiharmonie under the conducting of Thomas Hengelbrock.
- Length: 17 mn
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur
- CD : Virgin Classics 0946 344693 2 6
- REFLET D’UN TEMPS DISPARU 逝去的时光 (1995-1996) for violoncello and orchestra
Commissioned by Radio France. First audition on April 23, 1998 at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in Paris by Yoyo Ma and the Orchestre National de France under the conducting of Charles Dutoit.
- Length: 25 mn
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur - CD : Virgin Classics 724354554926
- CONCERTO POUR UN INSTRUMENT DE SILENCE 安静协奏曲 (1996) for Guqin and instrumental ensemble.
First audition the April 2d 1996 in Amsterdam, by CHEN Leiji and Nieuw Ensemble under the conducting of Ed Spanjaard.
- Length : 14 mn
- Unpublished
- EXTASE II 道情2 (1997) for oboe and instrumental ensemble
First audition on July 11, 1997 in Avignon (Festival Acanthes) by Ernest Rombout and the Nieuw Ensemble (Amsterdam) under the conducting of Ed Spanjaard.
- Length: 17 mn
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur
- LA NUIT PROFONDE 夜深沉 (2001) for jinghu/jing erhu and orchestra
- First audition on May 27, 2001 in Paris by the Orchestre National de France.
- Length: 5mn
- Editions musicales Durand.
- IRIS DEVOILEE 蝶恋花 (IRIS UNVEILEDN) (2001) concerted suite for grand orchestra, three female voices and three traditional Chinese instruments.
- Commissioned by the Koussevitzky Foundation and Radio France. First audition on February 6, 2002 for the Festival Présences of Radio France.
- Nomenclature : 3 sopranos one of which on the style of Pekin Opera, 3 Chinese traditional instruments (Pipa, Erhu and Zheng) - 3.3.3.3 - 4.3.3.1 - 4 perc, pno(celesta), hp and strings (16.14.12.10.8)
- Length: 44 mn
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur - CD : Virgin Classics 724354554926
- UN TEMPS DISPARU 逝去的时光(二胡版) (2002), for erhu (two strings Chinese violon) and orchestra.
- Commissioned by the Montréal Symphonic Orchestra. erhu: Ma Xianghua. Creation on 23 and 24 April 2002 in Montréal under the conducting of Charles Dutoit.
- Length: 25 mn
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur
- UN TEMPS DISPARU II 逝去的时光(中提琴版) (2012), for viola and orchestra.
- Commissioned by Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra. Viola: YU Peijun. Creation on 18 November 2012 under the conducting of Muhai Tang.
- Length: 25 mn
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur
- SONGE D’UNE FEMME FRANCAISE 一个法国女人的梦 (2004- 2005) four soprano, clarinet and grand orchestra.
- Commissioned by the Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg & Vandoren SAS. First audition on 23 June 2005 in Strasbourg by Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg under the conducting of Muhai Tang. Clarinet : Paul Meyer, Soprano : Sumi Jo.
- Nomenclature: Soprano colorature, Clarinet solo, 3.3.3.3 - 4.3.3.1 - pno, hp, timpanies, 4 percussions. 16, 14, 12, 10, 8
- Length: 30 mn
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur
- ER HUANG 二黄 (2009) for piano and orchestra
- Commissioned by the Carnegie Hall. First audition on Oct 22nd 2009 in New York by Lang Lang and the Juliard Orchestra under the conducting of Michael Thomas Thilson.
- Length: 15 mn
- Boosey & Hawkes
- EXTASE III 道情3 (2010, arrangement of EXTASE) for oboe and Chinese traditional instrumental ensemble
- First audition on Sept 8th 2010 in Paris by Jean-Louis Capezzali and the Singapor Chinese Traditional Orchestra under the conducting of Tsung Yeh. Arrangement by Low Weilun
- Length: 17 mn
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur
- EXTASE IV 道情4 (2011, arrangement of EXTASE) for oboe and Chinese traditional orchestra
- First audition on June 2011 in Hong Kong by HUANG Zheng and the Hong Kong Chinese Traditional Orchestra under the conducting of Yan Huichang. Arrangement by Low Weilun
- Length: 17 mn
-Gerard Billaudot Editeur
- REFLET D’UN TEMPS DISPARU II 逝去的时光2 (2011, arrangement of REFLET D’UN TEMPS DISPARU) for violoncello and Chinese traditional orchestra
- Commissioned by Hong Kong Chinese Traditional Orchestra. First audition on May 2011 in Hong Kong by the Hong Kong Chinese Traditional Orchestra under the conducting of Yan Huichang. Arrangement by Low Weilun
- Length: 25 mn
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur
- JOIE ÉTERNELLE 万年欢 (2013) for trumpet in C and orchestra
- Co-commissioned by the Proms, Zaterdag Matinee, MDR and KT Wong Foundation
- First audition on July 1, 2014 in Beijing by Alison Balsom and the China Philharmonic under the conducting of YU Long.
- Length: 23 mn
- Boosey & Hawkes
Vocal music
- POÈME LYRIQUE II 水调歌头2 (1991) for baritone and instrumental ensemble
- Second version of “Poème lyrique” commissioned by the Nieuw Ensemble (Amsterdam). First audition on 2 April 1991 in Amsterdam by the Nieuw Ensemble under the conducting of Ed Spanjaard.
- Length: 12 mn
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur
- CD : in 1993 MFA/REM
- INVISIBLE VOICES 看不见的声音 (2005) for 6 mixte voices and grand orchestra.
- Commission : Stuttgart City & Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra. First audition on the October 27th 2005 in Beijing by the Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra under the conducting of Sir Roger Norrington, voices : Stuttgart Neue vocalsolisten.
- Nomenclature: Soprano, Mezzo soprano, Alto, Tenor, Britone, Bass. 3.3.3.3 - 4.3.3.1 - hp, timpanies, 4 percussions players. 16, 14, 12, 10, 8
- Length:20 mn
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur
Symphonic music
- YUAN (ORIGINS) 源 (1987-1988) for symphonic orchestra
- Commissioned by Radio France (1988). Winner of the 27th International Contest of Symphony Composition in Trieste (Italy; 1988).First audition on July 5, 1990 at Radio France by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Radio France under the conducting of Yves Prin.
- Length: 17 mn
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur - CD : by Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France. Virgin Classics 0946 344693 2 6
- LUMIÈRES DE GUANG LING 广陵之光 (1989) for instrumental ensemble
- First audition on November 14, 1989 at Radio France by the De Nos Jours Ensemble under the conducting of Jean-Luc Darbellay.
- Length: 16 mn
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur
- WU XING 五行 (The Five Elements) (1998-1999) ) for symphonic orchestra. 1 Water (2'03); 2 Wood (1'54); 3 Fire (2'07); 4 Earth (2'13); 5 Metal (2'00)
- Length : 11 mn
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur - CD : Virgin Classics 724354554926
- ENCHANTEMENTS OUBLIÉS 失乐园 (2004) for grand string orchestra, hp, pn, celesta and percussions.
- Commission : Orchestre National de France. Nomenclature suggested by Kurt Masur.
- Nomenclature: Hp, pn (celesta), timpanies, 4 percussions. 16, 14, 12, 10, 8
- Length : 19 mn
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur
Instrumental music and electronics
- RÊVE D’UN SOLITAIRE 孤独者的梦 (1992-1993) for instrumental ensemble or orchestra and electronic
- Commissioned by the IRCAM (1992). First audition on April 28, 1993 at the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris by the Ensemble InterContemporain under the direction of Mark Foster.
- Length: 22 mn
- Gerard Billaudot Editeur
Music for Ballet
- RAISE THE RED LANTERN (Epouses et concubines) 大红灯笼高高挂 (2000)
- First audition on May 2, 2001 in Beijing by the China National Ballet.
- Length: 90 mn
- Editions musicales Durand.
- CD : September 2005 by EMI Asian 0094633467729 M4018-2L
Music for Film
- UNDER THE HAWTHORN TREE 山楂树之恋 (2010), a film of ZHANG YIMOU.
- Length: 110 mn
- Producer : New Images
- CD : October 2010 by Jing Wen
- FLOWERS OF WAR 金陵十三钗 (2011), a film of ZHANG YIMOU.
- Length: 140 mn
- Producer : New Images
- CD : by Sony Classical 88697 99256 2
- HOME COMING 归来(2014), a film of ZHANG YIMOU.
- Length:
- Producer:
- CD: by Sony Classical
Song
- YOU AND ME 我和你 (2008) for man and woman voice
- Theme song of 29th Olympic games in Beijing 2008
- First audition on Aug 8th 2008 in Beijing by LIU Huan and Sarah Brightmann
- Length: 3 mn
- THEME SONG OF FILM UNDER THE HAWTHORN TREE 山楂树之恋 (电影«山楂树之恋»主题歌) (2010) for man’s voice
- Length: 3 mn
- MOTHER AND CHILDHOOD 母亲-童年 (2011) for man’s voice
- First audition on Jan 1st 2011 in Putuo by Chang Shilei
- Length: 5 mn
- INVISIBLE FORBIDDEN CITY 看不见的紫禁城 (2011) for man’s voice
- Length: 3 mn
Music for open air project
- The MUSICS for the OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 29TH OLYMPIC GAMES 北京奥运会开幕式部分音乐 (2008)
