Ligeti Etudes Meets 18 Composers

“Ligeti Etudes meets 18 Composers” is a commissioning project in which 18 new works for piano solo will be composed to celebrate Ligeti's centenary birthday in 2023. The 18 composers are hand-picked by Han Chen to meet his vision for the future of classical music, which is diverse and creative.

Each composer is to be paired up with one of the 18 Ligeti Etudes. The pairing is meant for a specific inspiration for the composers to initiate their compositions. Composers can choose to study the Etude, go against the Etude, or just sit with the Etude when they compose. They can also compose an Etude, or even come up with something totally different. Nevertheless, the pairing is both conscious and subconscious, a basis for the composers to fly with their imagination. After the composers finish their new works, Chen will work closely with the composers to prepare for the world premieres of the works.

Migration Music

Migration Music is a series of interviews and performances featuring immigrant composers. As an immigrant myself, I always wonder what it means to other immigrants to have left their countries and moved to a new world. If a composer, I also wonder what impact has migration had on their music. By talking to them, I attempt to understand the immigrant stories of each composer. By performing their music, I strive for an emotional connection with their artistic output. Please join us to explore the diverse music and personalities in contemporary American music. Migration Music is supported by Metropolis Ensemble.

Youtube playlist

Duo Rapide

Duo Rapide is Roberta Michel, flute and Han Chen, piano.

Coming out of the pandemic, the two performers banded together for a new project that excites both of them: presenting music that breaks boundaries. Starting from Boulez’s Sonatine, the duo has found their voice that defines what a flute-and-piano duo can be. 

They strive to be cutting-edge, witty, and empathetic, putting together programs that capture the breadth of compositional voices. While taking inspiration from the twentieth century masterpiece, the duo champions new musical voices and is committed to premiering new works.