Program Note:

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"Jungle Sway"; is a piece inspired by a vivid dream I had on October 3, 2022. In this dream, I explored the hazy border between grassland and jungle on a sultry summer night, enveloped by the fragrant humidity of nature.

The night blurred the line between the two landscapes, illuminated by brilliant shooting stars and colorful bright spots on the horizon, as if the starry sky had been imprinted on the ground. Amid this mesmerizing scene, an elephant and two baby elephants suddenly nudged me to run, guiding me away from a mudslide to a small rocky mound. Exhausted, the elephants lay down, and I thanked them by gathering leaves and dew to feed them before covering them with leaves as a quilt. The jungle hotel where I used to stay, as well as the entire jungle town, had been completely destroyed, and the night had suddenly become so peaceful and quiet. Since then, I had become a jungle wanderer. A week later, on another summer night, I was kidnapped by a group of men dressed as future cops. They put me on a cyberpunk train, and I didn’t know where we were headed.​

This surreal adventure inspired the creation of "Jungle Sway"; where I sought to capture the dream's vibrant energy and mysterious atmosphere. The music incorporates rhythmic elements and aesthetics from African music, featuring cross-rhythms, 12/8 time signatures, and percussion instruments like congas and bongos.​

"Jungle Sway"; embodies the fusion of world music influences, reflecting my journey as a composer bridging Eastern and Western cultures. Through this piece, I aim to transport listeners to a fantastical world, celebrating the interconnectedness of nature, adventure, and the bond between humans and animals.​

The piece debuted at the New York Choreographic Institute's spring performance in 2023, in collaboration with choreographer Shane Urton, and was showcased in a dance film “Now Listen” by the New York City Ballet.

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Duration: 7 minutes

 

Recording available on streaming platforms and New York City Ballet  official website:

• YouTube link: Sudio Recording https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAKFs2YkHwo

• Jordan Hall Live Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBMxOqn9YbI

• New York City Ballet link: https://www.nycballet.com/discover/stories/the-art-and-artists-of-the-latest-institute-session

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Score and Parts: Available for rental or purchase directly from the composer.

Performance History: World Premiere: New York Choreographic Institute 2023 Spring session