Hangrui Zhang

Hangrui Zhang is currently pursuing his Doctor of Music degree in composition at the Royal College of Music (RCM) under the supervision of Alison Kay, Kenneth Hesketh, Ivan Hewett, and Matt Wright. His research involves exploring cross-genre and cross-disciplinary influences from Japanese pop culture and the works of Wassily Kandinsky, both of which have captivated him for many years. 

Originally from China, Hangrui began his formal musical education in the United States at the age of 23. He earned a Bachelor of Music in composition from the University of Cincinnati, followed by a Master of Music degree from The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University. In 2019, Hangrui moved to London to further his studies at the Royal College of Music, culminating in the attainment of an Artist Diploma in composition in 2020. 

As a composer, Hangrui remains committed to cultivating his unique artistic voice. His compositions often draw inspiration from non-musical elements such as pop culture, visual arts, and the environment. He actively engages in collaborations with designers and artists, contributing his musical perspective to cross-disciplinary projects. His collaborative works have been featured at prestigious events such as the London Design Biennale and the Great Exhibition Road Festival. 

Hangrui's music has received recognition in competitions such as the American Prize, the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Awards, the Minnesota Orchestra Composer Institute, the iSING! Composition Competition, and the Donald Sinta Quartet National Composition Competition. His compositions have been performed internationally by chamber ensembles and orchestras such as the Donald Sinta Quartet, Eastman BroadBand Ensemble, Talujon Percussion Ensemble, Yarn/Wire, St. Petersburg Improvisers Orchestra, Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart, and Explore Ensemble.

Hangrui's SoundCloud page: Visit website

Faculties / departments: Research

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