Sing the Stories of the Living (part 2), with Saunder Choi

Ryan continues his conversation with Los Angeles based Filipino composer Saunder Choi. In this episode they delve more deeply into the question of what constitutes an authentic cultural exchange. Saunder makes the case for more fully exploring a culture by going beyond the well-known folk or patriotic songs, and looking to their contemporary poetry and stories. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “Explore music from other countries that are not folk songs.” -Saunder Choi Show Notes: Culture shock, moving to the US, and being an immigrant composer. (cultural exchange through music) Why musical hybrids are interesting Music, social justice, and why mixing the two is inevitable. Choral music of Asia and why conductors should go past programming on folk songs of that region. (Globalization hazzuh!) Bio: Saunder Choi is an emerging LA based Filipino composer. his works been performed, programmed, recorded and read by the USC Thornton Symphony, Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Philippine Madrigal Singers, the Crossing Choir, the LA Master Chorale, USC Chamber Singers, Peninsula Women’s Chorus, Kalistos Chamber Orchestra and the Oregon Bach Festival Composers Symposium Chorus. He has been commissioned by the L.A. Choral Lab, Andrea Veneracion International Choral Festival, Salt Lake Choral Artists, SYC Ensemble Singers of Singapore, Choral Arts Initiative, University of the East Chorale, University of Visayas Chorale, etc. As an arranger and orchestrator, Saunder has written Tony Award-winner Lea Salonga, the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, Maestro Gerard Salonga, the Tim Janis American Christmas Carol Show at Carnegie Hall, Ballet Philippines, and the Hong Kong production of Pippin. As a vocalist, he sung in groups such as the Philippine Madrigal Singers, LA Choral Lab, Tonality, C3LA, USC Chamber Singers, Boston Choral Ensemble, Lore Vocal Ensemble, etc. He also serves as the choir director at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in North Hollywood and teaching artist for Pacific Chorale. Saunder holds composition degrees from USC Thornton School of Music (MM) and Berklee College of Music (BM), where his primary teachers include Ted Hearne, Donald Crockett, and Andrew List. Resources/links Mentioned: Philippine Madrigal Singers Choral Arts Initiative Saunder Choi Saunder Choi on Facebook Choir Nation group on Facebook Email Patreon - Support the podcast! Sponsored by: Sight Reading Factory (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for 10 free student accounts!) My Music Folders (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for “last column” or best pricing - usually reserved for bulk purchases only!)