Delos Diary

Bright Sheng, prominent Chinese composer who has spent most of his adult life in the USA, is much in the national press these days. His first full-length opera "Madame Mao" premieres at the Santa Fe Opera on July 26th, and many fingers are crossed everywhere in hopes that it proves a success. Although well regarded in musical circles, Bright Sheng's music has not yet been widely recorded. Here at Delos we do have two CD recordings of his work which give fascinating glimpses into the diversity of his output.

One is a short chamber opera, "The Song of Majnun," with the Houston Grand Opera (DE 3211); the other a Concertino for Clarinet and String Quartet composed on commission for the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and David Shifrin (DE 3183).

Sheng's combinations of Eastern and Western instruments and harmonies, and his philosophical approach, make for provocative listening, especially for anyone interested in contemporary music. We're all wishing him well for the success of his venture in Santa Fe.