Shirley Ly is a rising star in classical music. Her music has been played around a million times in over 100 countries around the world, which is rather rare for a modern-day female composer. When listening to her music, we feel emotions spanning a very wide spectrum – her pieces are deep and thought-provoking featuring heart-warming melodies and harmonies. We recently discovered her music when we attended her wonderful performance at the Westminster Music Library on International Women’s Day this year, where we also heard other works by female composers, Louise Farrenc and Clara Schumann. We caught up with Shirley to find out more.
To listen to Shirley’s music, please click here.
It would be interesting to find out how and when you got into composing classical music.
Creating classical music developed into a passion of mine since I was a teen. I remember listening to the soundtracks in one of my favourite films, Amélie and being immediately transported to the enchanting, cobbled streets of Paris. I remember feeling so stunned when listening to Chopin’s Ballade No. 1 in G minor in the very heartfelt movie scene in the Pianist, when the German army officer Hosenfeld discovers Polish pianist Szpilmanthe in his hiding place. I love the purity and unity of Bach’s violin sonatas, the classical symmetry in Mozart’s concertos, the heart-wrenching phrases in Ennio Morricone’s scores. Classical music makes me feel a certain way that no other genre of music does… immeasurable amounts of emotion. Being able to reflect on my own emotions through creating music in this genre brings me great fulfilment – this is how I got into composing classical music!
What are your key inspirations? Would you say that they’re mostly from nature?
Nature is a huge inspiration of mine. My latest album, Paradise is inspired by my experiences of being in the ocean. I feel so lucky to have dived in some of the most beautiful places in the world, such as the Red Sea and Barbados, where I was able to come face to face with extraordinary, colourful creatures and stunning scenery. When I compose, I think back to those experiences and just try to create music which describes my visions and feelings in those moments. Other pieces I have composed inspired by nature include those in my albums, Blossom and Impetus. Vagabond’s Tale is a piece inspired by when I was walking through the Cotswolds (beautiful English countryside) in England. Swallows’ Silhouette is a piece inspired by swallows travelling through different weather to find their nests. Amber Leaves is a piece inspired by Autumn’s rich flora and fauna.
Other inspirations stem from relationships i.e., being heartbroken, experiencing unconditional love from family, my time spent with my beloved grandfather, as well as travel and dreams.
We really enjoyed your performance on International Women’s Day and find you very inspiring as we don’t often come across many female composers. What do you feel about the representation of female composers in the modern world?
Thank you. I feel that the representation of female composers in today’s world needs to be improved. I go to many classical music concerts, and still find that it is rare to hear any works by female composers, whether concerts are large-scale i.e., the BBC Proms, or not. Not only in relation to concerts, but also in relation to media broadcasts i.e., TV and radio. If I do want to hear works by female composers, I would need to actively search for performances as they remain a niche. I hope that more female composers’ works will be performed in the future, but this can only happen if female composers are given good opportunities to.
From my own personal experience when asking for opportunities to perform my own classical music at various venues which typically do showcase classical music, I frequently get rejection without any solid reasons. A common response is that me being a composer and playing my own compositions, would not be in line with the concert requirements. Another common response is that my compositions do not fit into the type of classical music which would usually be played i.e., it’s not from the classical or romantic era. Whenever I get these responses, I just feel that the world of classical music is still a very exclusive and cordoned off world. It really shouldn’t be like this. Luckily, the internet and social media improves accessibility, and allows me to communicate with audiences without such barriers.
Why do you feel that it is important for female composers to have representation?
I think that it is critical for female composers to be represented simply because there are not many of us out there. By not representing us, our voices become unheard. Music is a form of expression of our identities. I would say that my gender as a female and my heritage, where my parents are from China and Vietnam, have influenced my music – people have commented that some of my melodies sound more feminine, and Eastern for example compared to other composers.
In general, I think people’s understanding of music will be more enriched and enlarged if people listened to works composed by female composers too. Female composers have had to endure many challenges particularly from society – for example, many careers in composition and professional musicianship were generally closed to women through much of European history. As I have mentioned previously, I still get a lot of push back from music venues when I ask to perform my compositions there, compared to if I propose playing more famous works by Beethoven, Chopin etc.
We understand that you are an independent artist. What are some of the key challenges you face as an independent artist compared to an artist who is supported by a record label?
As an independent artist, I am more limited by resources. I don’t have a great budget when it comes to recording, so my recordings may not sound as professional compared to those which are recorded in a renowned studio. However, I don’t let a lack of budget stop me from making sure I deliver the best possible quality of music – I work with extremely talented musicians and engineers as part of the process.
Further, as an independent artist, I do more in terms of promoting myself. I contact music venues directly to arrange concerts. I reach out to radio stations directly to play my works. I have to build my own contacts book effectively.
However, I do love the creative control that I retain as an independent artist. Whatever I want to create, I can create without restrictions and pressure.
What are your future plans in music?
I have just released my new album, Paradise, inspired by the ocean, marine ecosystems and marine species. I hope that you enjoy it! The album features compositions for piano, violin and cello, where many of the compositions are actually solo pieces. I find that it is quite rare for solo compositions to be performed, and I really want to emphasise the beauty and power which can be created through these instruments alone.
I will also shortly be releasing an album featuring 9 pieces inspired by my playful and mischievous cats. I live with 3 cats – sadly 1 is missing, which has caused me great anxiety.
In terms of future plans, I plan to compose orchestral as well as electronic works inspired by my travels in Southeast Asia.
Throughout, I will be performing at various concerts and gigs. Keep your eyes peeled!
Thank you very much for your time in this interview. We wish you all of the best.
Thanks for having me. All the very best to you and the readers.
