Zhou Tian was born in Hangzhou, China in 1981. His father, a violinist and composer working in the TV industry, tried teaching him the violin, but Zhou eventually switched to piano since learning from his father “just didn’t work.” He was always surrounded by talented musicians during his childhood, and after joining the Shanghai conservatory, Zhou naturally developed inspiration and admiration from the people around him. After having his first string quartet debuted at the age of 18, a young Zhou decided he would become a composer.
In his compositions, Zhou creates “sonic mosaics,” masterfully blending different musical and cultural influences. His works are colorful, energetic, and engaging, containing elements of Western Classical, Chinese traditional, jazz, marching band, and many other music styles. Some of his works also feature traditional Chinese instruments! Although his music contains many new and fresh ideas, he wants his music to acknowledge and pay respect to the composers and musicians who came before him.
In our city of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra commissioned his “Concerto for Orchestra” to be debut in 2013. This performance was received enthusiastically, and his works are often performed by the Cincinnati Wind Symphony as well. Zhou Tian hopes to do more to promote cultural exchanges between the US and China, bridging audiences in both countries.
