Jen Shyu: Weaving Tradition and Modernity In Song

Spinning on Air | May 23, 2014

Vocalist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Jen Shyu performs her dramatic, unusual music in the WNYC Studio. Shyu weaves together influences from jazz, classical, and various traditions including music of Korea and Java, as well as Taiwan and East Timor where her parents were born. Shyu speaks with David Garland about her musical odyssey, and performs pieces from her new solo opera "Solo Rites: Seven Breaths." Using Taiwanese moon lute, piano, Korean gayageum, and her extraordinary singing voice, Jen Shyu addresses heritage, politics, poetry, and women's issues and experiences.

Jen Shyu "Qemaiaqaiam: Taiwanese Women’s Song of the Pinuyumayan people" on WNYC's Spinning On Air

Jen Shyu "Song for Naldo" on WNYC's Spinning On Air

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

WNYC Homepage - Top Stories

9 essential tenants rights to know if you're a renter in New York City

Peak moving season is coming up, so now is a good time to brush up on NYC housing laws.

Gothamist |

Transit Operas Celebrate the Subway Experience Through Music

All Of It with Alison Stewart |

Our Bodies & Our Tech

Manoush Zomorodi talks about the impact on our bodies of our interactions with our phones and other tech.

The Brian Lehrer Show |

Mayor Mamdani says he's balanced NYC's budget

WNYC News |

How they handle crises in Brownsville, often without police

At least twice a year, nonprofit workers from the neighborhood spend a week calming disputes and responding to most 311 and 911 calls on certain blocks in the neighborhood.