Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Wang
Hi Sydney, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Although the entire rest of my family have careers in STEM, whether or not I wanted to pursue music has never been a question for me. Ever since I first started playing piano at age 4, music has been my greatest passion. I began studying composition at age 11. In addition to music, I have always enjoyed reading and writing as well, so the merging of those interests felt very organic. In high school, I was accepted into the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Nancy and Barry Sanders Composer Fellowship Program, where I had the incredible opportunity to study and work with world-class artists in the industry. Many of the people I met in this program remain some of my closest friends and collaborators to this day.
I continued my studies at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, and am in the process of finishing my BA degree in Music Composition. While studying at UCLA, I discovered a passion for opera and collaborative piano, both of which now comprise a large area of my work. Now, I maintain an active schedule as composer, performer, and producer. I am so grateful to be involved in every aspect of music-making; it feels like I have hit the musical jackpot in life!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I am grateful that my musical life has been filled with people who have inspired and supported me. Both of my parents work in STEM and immigrated to the United States after graduating at the top of their classes in China. Though they knew little of what a career in music entailed, they have always supported me wholeheartedly in my musical pursuits because they saw how much joy it brought me. I would say that the uncertainty or “unknown” factor involved in a career in the arts is one of the biggest obstacles I have struggled with. Early on, I became aware that as an artist, my livelihood inherently depends on whether or not my work connects with my audience. Finding that balance of staying true to my own artistic vision while composing music that speaks to others is an ongoing journey that I have learned to embrace. Furthermore, as composers, much of the creative aspect of our work is done in solitude, outside of the normal “working hours.” I seldom struggle with having the motivation to work hard, but on the flip side, it is easy for me to work myself into the ground – especially when balancing both composition and performance. It took me a long time to learn that while passion and a solid work ethic are important to being a good musician, so is a healthy lifestyle, patience, and the willingness to slow down and take a longer view of things. Rather than viewing the unpredictability of a musical career as something to fear, I now see it as a blessing: there are no limits to where my artistic journey can take me, which is exciting to think about!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a composer-performer-producer, one can truly say that I am passionate about and experienced in every step of the process of bringing music from idea to page to stage. Though I’ve had experience working in many different musical genres, I have an enduring love for composing concert music. The spontaneous nature of live performance and the magic of watching and hearing my music come to life on stage is an experience that I simply cannot put into words. My music has been played by artists and ensembles including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Pasadena Symphony, Salastina, Orchestra Senzaspine, Aperture Duo, and New Thread Quartet. I incorporate influences and styles from different genres and cultures into my music. At its core, my work is narrative; I draw inspiration from stories – both real and imagined, with particular interest in depicting themes surrounding heritage and the underrepresented.
Though my studies center on composition, I maintain an active schedule as a performer of both classical and new music. My dual identity as both composer and performer is one of my greatest strengths. I have a first-hand understanding of what works best from the perspective of both the person writing the music and the person playing it. In the past year alone, I have performed at over 30 concerts and premiered nearly two dozen new works. In March 2024, with special permission from the Bernstein estate and Indiana University, I co-produced and recorded a full-length album of Leonard Bernstein’s music on the composer’s own piano with a team of Indiana University’s musicians and engineers. This project marks the first time an album has been recorded using Bernstein’s piano. In June 2024, I performed as a pianist in the West Coast premiere of William Averitt’s oratorio “Easter, 1906” alongside James Lent and the UCLA Chamber Singers. I served as répétiteur in Music On Site, Inc.’s production of “Don Giovanni” in December 2024 and in the world premiere production of Daniel Kessner’s opera “The Camp” in 2025.
As a producer, I am involved in the organization of composers concerts in and outside of UCLA. I have helped produce and present concerts in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Italy. Inspired by the influences of new music on my own life, I want to do my part to help ensure that such impactful music can be heard and enjoyed by audiences everywhere.
I am in love with every aspect of music-making: composing, performing, producing. Each phase changes the music in a beautiful way as it transforms from page to sound, and I am, thankfully, uniquely set up to accompany my and other artists’ works for their entire journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Nothing brings me more joy and fulfillment than creating music and sharing it with the world. I love the community aspect of music-making – be it as composer, performer, or listener. I am always looking for ways to meet new people and foster opportunities to collaborate. I see every day as being full of possibilities and surprises – and that is exciting to think about! I truly feel blessed to be able to say that I get to do what I love for a living.
That being said, I also believe that it is important to maintain a balanced and diverse lifestyle outside of my work. When I am not busy making music, I enjoy reading, writing, making art, cooking, traveling, running, and spending time with friends and family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sydneywangmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydney.s.wang
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sydneyswangmusic
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/sydney-wang-121354980
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3UYIFEeNOeAcwiLz35MUNy?si=59gDh10ATFWbUREq9rRRsQ
Image Credits
Erica Hou, Angel Origgi
