I have just won my second commission from the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra for new work Currents of Inevitable Convergence for chamber orchestra and computer music. Commissions won two years in a row! I have kept pretty quiet about this recent commission simply because it was a two-phased competitive process. After the initial selection in the spring of 2012, I embarked on this large-scale composition. The work was completed at the end of 2012, and was sent off for a second round judging. The piece came out on top as one of six compositions winning the commission.

The NTSO was looking to commission chamber works, and I decided to use the maximum instrumentation allowed: string quintet, woodwind quintet, tuba, 2 percussionists, and computer. I deliberately wanted to write a piece that showcases the artistry of the conductor. This has been an ongoing focus of my larger ensemble works, partly because I am a conductor myself. After seeing how successfully conductor Fusao Kajima performed winning works in 2011, I knew immediately I would love for him to conduct my music if I win another commission from the NTSO. He is a passionate musician with impeccable skills, who can bring out all the nuances in a new piece of music. It will be an honor for me to work with Mr. Kajima for the premiere of this new work.