Xu Tang

Xu Tang is a composer, born in Beijing, where he received his early education and uncovered a deep love of music. He moved to New Zealand to study composition at the University of Waikato Conservatorium of Music. He holds a Master of Music degree (1st Class Honours) in composition.

Xu is a prize winner in numerous composition competitions including Osmose Intermezzo International Call for Scores 2017 in Belgium (Winner); RMN Classical International Call for Scores for piano solo works 2017 in UK (Winner); NZTrio National Composing Competition 2017 in New Zealand (Winner), Lilburn Trust Composition Competition 2014 in New Zealand (First Prize and Performance Prize), 2013 (First Prize).

As a composer, Xu’s work has been performed by a wide range of artists in New Zealand, USA, UK, Belgium, Japan, China, including the world renowned musicians such as UMich Cello Ensemble (USA), CNU Ensemble (China), Isomura Brothers (Japan), International Soloists Santiago Canon-Valencia (Colombia), Jelena Makarova (Russia), Guillaume Lagraviere (Europe), Bruno Ispiola (Europe), Tessa Brinckman (USA), James Tennant (NZ), Prof. Richard Aaron (USA), Edward King (NZ), Matthias Balzat (NZ), NZTrio (NZ), Cellophonics (NZ).

His work has been presented in a number of venues including the prestigious Waikato International Cello Fest, Edinburgh International Festival Fringe, Stamps Auditorium, Renaiss Hall, Evere Cultural Centre, Tomasin Hall, Peregrine’s Pianos, Casa Mozart, Adam Concert Room, University of Auckland Music Theatre, Old St John’s Hall, MedTech Silo6 Exhibition, Te Awamutu Piano Competition, Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, The Piano: Centre for Music and the Arts, Conservatory of Music – Capital Normal University, St Matthew’s Anglican Church.

As a musicologist, Xu was invited to present composition seminar at the Conservatory of Music-Capital Normal University in Beijing. His research paper was presented at the New Zealand International Musicological Society Conference. Xu was invited to be a guest lecturer for composition courses at the University of Waikato Conservatorium of Music.