Shuying Li

In the artist’s words: What are your top 3 all-time favorite albums on Apple Music, and why? Why did you choose these three albums in particular? Esa-Pekka Salonen, San Francisco Symphony, Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring Mariss Jansons, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Shostakovich: Symphony No. 7 "Leningrad" (Live) Live Mstislav Rostropovich, Dutilleux & Lutoslawski: Cello Concertos The Rite of Spring has shaped more of my pieces than any other score. Hearing Lutosławski's Cello Concerto at 18 made me fall in love with contemporary music, and I adore Shostakovich: his Seventh carries the weight of history. Find a song of yours on Apple Music that you love and tell us what makes it special. Tell us why you chose this song. “The Last Hive Mind (Live)” The Last Hive Mind has become one of my most-performed wind pieces. This live recording captures the energy and momentum I love hearing when an ensemble fully commits to it, and it always reminds me why I write for live players. What’s one of the most memorable moments in your career so far? Hearing the San Francisco Symphony premiere The Phoenix Ascends at its 2025 Lunar New Year concert. Sitting in Davies Symphony Hall while a full orchestra brought my Chinese and American roots together in one piece was unforgettable. Is there anything left on your bucket list as an artist or band? Seeing my opera When the Purple Mountains Burn, about Iris Chang and the Nanking Massacre, fully staged. I'd also love to write a large-scale work for a major orchestra that brings audiences from both sides of the Pacific together.