Circling (2002)

The idea of an inter-cultural orchestra brings to mind several strands of a personal philosophy that I wish to work out musically. The theme of my composition can be described as 'the circle of music evolution'.

The circle will be completed in 4 sections: 1. Traditional music and instruments emphasizing simplicity and directness in form and content; 2. A more classical style (both Chinese and Western), with its attendant refinements and gentler statements; 3. A more modern sound, introducing greater complexity and technical mastery; 4. Finally, a return to the simpler and more traditional form. This circle is one that I believe has universal resonance, and can be witnessed in the art forms of all civilizations. It is an exploration of a very human cultural tendency.

In composing for the Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra I am motivated by a personal principle: as artists, and as people, we are reaching out to learn from other cultures, eventually returning to our source, enriched by the inter-cultural experience. This then is the personal artistic circle that accompanies all inter-cultural work, and I believe it is a common ground for artists the world over.

Jin Zhang