Episode 05: Getting the Song Out with Vivian Fung

Today’s episode features Canadian Composer, Vivian Fung. WOV member Kathryn Tremills discovered Vivan’s music while searching the Canadian Music Centre listing of women composers and was excited to find her songs prism-like in their kaleidoscopic array of colours. Named “one of today’s most eclectic composers” by NPR, she is deeply committed to research and exploration of cultures that have taken her to Cambodia, Southwest China, and Bali. She is also a devoted advocate for the next generation. 

Audio Excerpts:

1. The second song from Six Haiku, performed by bass-baritone Giles Tomkins and pianist Kathryn Tremills.
2. “Lullaby I” from Songs of Childhood, recorded online by Emily Martin and Kathryn Tremills.

Other repertoire we talked about:

1. The Prayer by Vivian Fung performed by the Yannick Nézet-Ségui and the CBC Virtual Orchestra representing 28 orchestras from 10 Canadian provinces.
2. The Mirabai Songs by John Harbison.

Artists you should check out:

• Giles Tomkins
• Bethany Collier
• John Harbison
• Dawn Upshaw
• Julia Bullock
• Evan Ziporyn

Other things we talked about:

• Article by Vivian Fung: Embracing My Banana-ness: One Composer’s Journey Towards Finding Her Identity
• More information on Vivian’s Research Projects

To learn more about Vivian Fung:

• Visit: https://vivianfung.ca/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VivianFungComposer/?rc=p
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/vivian_fung
• Listen: Vivian's Spotify