This month, talented composition student, Jennifer Yuan, will take up the sought-after role of Auckland Philharmonia’s 2024 Young Composer-in-Residence. This annual residency programme, a partnership between Auckland Philharmonia and the University of Auckland, supports New Zealand tertiary students to launch their professional careers as composers.
During the residency, Yuan will compose two works, one full orchestral work and another for chamber ensemble, under the mentorship of New Zealand composer, Ryan Youens. Each of the works will be performed by the Auckland Philharmonia at Learn & Participate events this year.
Auckland Philharmonia’s 2024 Young Composer-in-Residence is coveted by student and emerging composers as it provides them with the rare opportunity to hear their works performed in concert settings by a professional orchestra. Such an experience has often proven to be a valuable stepping stone for early career composers looking to build their portfolio.
Epsom-based Yuan completed her Bachelor of Music degree in composition and conducting at the University of Auckland last year. Her pieces have been workshopped by the Auckland Philharmonia, the Auckland Chamber Choir, and the Nelson Composers Workshop, and she has also provided orchestrations for the University of Auckland Opera Scenes concert. She currently sings in the Auckland Youth Choir and has also recently conducted a few ensembles, such as a chamber group for a student’s work at the Douglas Lilburn Trust Composition Prize concert.
Since childhood, Yuan has enjoyed the wide array of emotions and ideas that can be expressed through performing, composing and listening to music. She believes that through creating music in different ways you can communicate many feelings or thoughts, such as anger, sadness, happiness, or serenity, and share ideas, stories, values, or beliefs.
Yuan is excited about beginning the residency this month and the invaluable knowledge and experience that she will gain through the year-long programme.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me to progress my career as a composer and I hope to gain further knowledge about writing for an orchestra, increase my rehearsal experience as a composer with different ensembles, and create enjoyable and impactful music. I’ll also have the opportunity to connect with musicians and others involved in the music industry,” she says.
This residency is offered as part of Auckland Philharmonia’s Learn & Participate programme, which aims to enrich Aucklanders lives through music. The Learn & Participate programme brings together the orchestra’s professional musicians with schools, individuals and communities across Tāmaki Makaurau through events, concerts, and workshops that involve over 20,000 young people and adults each year.