Cheri Chuang
After graduating with a B.A. in fine arts from UC Davis, Cheri Chuang pursued studies in composition, music theory, and electro-acoustics at San Jose State University for two years under Pablo Furman, Brian Belet, and Allen Strange.
Some of her favorite pieces from the choral repertoire include Sergei Rachmaninoff's Vespers, Maurice Durufle's Requiem and Quatre Motets, and Frank Martin's Sanctus. She also enjoys Camille Saint-Säens' piano concerti and Maurice Ravel's orchestral works. Her favorite musical artists include Adiemus, Deep Forest, and Tulku.
In her spare time, Cheri sings and plays drums with her good friend and fellow composer Denise Matzion, paints in oils, and volunteers for the community. She also loves animals and cars.
Two of her favorite quotes which have helped her in her own life and that she wants to share with everyone, are stated below:
"The currents that determine our dreams and shape our lives flow from the attitudes we nurture everyday."
- Anonymous
"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion… if you want to be happy, practice compassion."
- His Holiness The Dalai Lama
FROM THE COMPOSER
" In Aure Dei "
Communicating the unconditional love of God through sound is music's greatest challenge. To convey the transcendent and ineffable nature of this force, I decided to compose a prayer in the form of a dialogue between the one who prays and the One who hears. Subtle use of the musical form termed call and response signifies the call of the individual and the response of the divine. The soloist soprano's calls are answered by harmonic responses from the choir in a smooth texture that eventually blends the soloist into the larger whole - just as each individual is part of the divine. The original text features Aramaic, Chinese, English, French, Italian, Latin, Spanish, and Sanskrit that contribute to the universal character of this piece - for a person's culture, country, and ethnicity are not discriminated against by God. The goal of this composition is to remind the listener that we are not alone...a simple call can receive a tremendous response from the divine. - Cheri Chuang
