Ye Xiaogang Speaks on Artistic Integrity

On the afternoon of the 20th, from 1 to 3 p.m., Professor Ye Xiaogang addressed faculty and students, primarily from the composition department, at Studio 512 of the Conservatory of Music of the University of Missouri–Kansas City, where his touring delegation had just arrived.Speaking entirely in English, Ye shared reflections on navigating different creative contexts: from the freedom of purely personal composition to the demands of major commissions, film and television scoring, and institutional or state-commissioned projects. Throughout, he emphasized the importance of remaining true to one’s artistic nature and inner authenticity, while also being mindful of musical language, stylistic orientation, and communicative intent.The lecture offered students a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of China’s most prominent composers about the balancing act between individual expression and external expectation - a subject of particular resonance for young composers preparing to enter an increasingly global profession.That evening, the ensemble of CUHKMus Shenzhen presented the first concert of its American tour. Titled Light on the Strings, the chamber music programme featured works by Ye Xiaogang, Chen Yi, and Yu Pengfei, among others.The concert marked the delegation’s formal artistic debut on this American leg of the tour. The programme highlighted a range of contemporary Chinese compositional voices, brought to life by an ensemble of performers traveling from Asia.Kansas City–based music critic Paul Horsley attended the performance and praised the concert’s artistic quality, describing it as compelling and finely delivered. He noted, however, that stronger publicity could help attract a broader mainstream audience and allow more listeners to benefit from such programming.The lecture was delivered in English without subtitles. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit klassikom.substack.com