Kevin Charoensri - RISING LIGHT | University of Texas Symphony Orchestra (orch. Hiester)

Kevin Charoensri - Rising Light
Orchestrated by Davey Hiester
University of Texas Symphony Orchestra - Conducted by Ke-Yuan Hsin
Orchestral version premiere (April 26, 2024), performed in Bates Recital Hall
Program Notes:
A few months ago, my mother asked me to walk with her to get groceries because she felt fearful of the violent, racist attacks on Asian American women across the country, such as the seven attacks on innocent Asian women in New York. From this, Rising Light, was born. I knew I had to say something with my voice I had been given, which was in music.
Asian Americans are raised to stay quiet and be non-confrontational about issues, and I found it hard to break my shell in writing. I was scared to write moments too big, and often thought about scrapping the piece. I, along with other Asian Americans, including my parents, had a fear of speaking up, which plagued me much of my life composing. Comments such as calling my music “too Asian” always got to my head, and I made sure I never used common Asian musical language or instruments in my music, such as a pentatonic scale or a gong in my pieces.
I also wanted to incorporate the sounds of protest that I grew up with in my piece. During my time growing up in Thailand, there were many protests that fought against oppressive governments and censorship, and I recall those around me finding anything they could to make noise. And if they couldn't, they made noise using their bodies through stomps and claps.
The name, Rising Light, is inspired by the floating Lantern Festival in Thailand, where I was raised, where people write their fears, worries, and thoughts on their mind and send it off on a lantern. For me, writing this piece has felt much like that, being a place for me to vent and express all my emotions regarding this issue.
Despite being disgusted and saddened by the surge of Asian hate, I wanted this piece to non-apologetically celebrate both the beautiful cultures I grew up in. While there are dark moments in this piece, I wanted this piece to celebrate the beautiful bi-cultural identity of Asian Americans.
Kevin Charoensri
June 2022

[@brandonshenmusic]

Bravo!