A Texas composer talked about composition, arranging, and orchestration in “Composer in Focus,” a lecture held at the Recital Hall 2 of the UST Conservatory of Music at the Albertus Magnus Building last Feb. 6.
Aaron Lee described the mechanics of orchestration, emphasizing elements such as harmony, texture, and fluidity of music, and how important it is to know how to utilize these.
“Orchestration is the art of knowing how to put sound qualities of different musical instruments together to create a beautiful musical painting.”, Lee told the Varsitarian in an interview.
Lee amazed the audience with snippets of his works such as his Toccata for organ and orchestra, romance for violin and piano, and the 3rd movement of his piano concerto, a work that he said was “still in progress”.
He shared with the audience his journey from Buddhism to Christianity, his biblically inspired works, and his ministry of sharing the Christian values through his music.
“I go all around the world, not to be famous, but so that the people who are willing to listen may be ministered to. I think that music can speak into the hearts of people where words cannot penetrate,” he added.
Lee, a native of Malaysia, received his degree in music composition at the University of North Texas, and was awarded an honorary doctor of music degree by Central Philippine University.
He is an accomplished composer, with his works performed by well-known orchestras such as the Berlin Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra, Indianapolis Philharmonic Orchestra, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, to name a few.
A well-traveled musician, Lee has been all over the world, performing and conducting seminars in Europe, Asia, Australia, Canada, and in the United States. He has performed and has had works performed in venues such as the Little Carver Theater, Mabee Center, Royal Victoria Park and Carnegie Hall.
“Composer in Focus” was an event held by the Conservatory’s conducting, composition, and music technology department.
