Meet Lora Chow | Composer & Soprano

We had the good fortune of connecting with the extraordinary and insightful composer Lora Chow and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lora, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
As a composer, I want to keep creating music for as long as my life is, and my goal is that my music will continue to be played and to inspire positive changes for hundreds, or even thousands, of years after my lifetime.
I watched John Williams conducting his music in Tokyo’s Suntory Hall last year, at aged 91, and I am greatly inspired by him!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I compose music that tells stories and communicates deep emotions.

I am very excited about the upcoming release of my album “Reveries on Ivories” with Prima Classic, a label which shares my belief in the healing and unifying power of my music. I recorded this original piano album in the Fazioli Concert Hall in Italy in May this year, where the exceptional piano and acoustics made the experience truly wonderful! I look forward to sharing my music on all major streaming platforms, with the goal of inspiring some positive changes in each listener’s life. I hope every listener will find solace in my music and embark on a transformative journey of self-care and self-discovery!

In addition to this album, I’m thrilled to be working on a newly commissioned opera that aims to foster cultural understanding while pushing the traditional boundaries of classical music. Collaborating with the creative team on this project has been an incredible experience, and I am eager to see the opera come to life.

How did you get to where you are today professionally?
My background and career path have been quite unconventional. I have been passionate about music since childhood: I started the piano at four and subsequently learnt the violin, trumpet, harp and organ. I then pursued a double major in Music and Economics at Yale. After graduation, I balanced a career in finance with my music until I made the leap to focus solely on my artistic pursuits earlier this year. During this time, I also became increasingly in
love with composing music and film scoring and kept learning! The path has been challenging; it has required hard work, persistence, and a steadfast belief in myself. Through my experiences, I have learned the importance of self-belief, resilience and the power of community.

What do you want the world to know?
I want the world to know that music is not just entertainment; music is a universal language that embodies our shared humanity. Music reflects the common experiences, emotions and values that connect all people, regardless of background. Music captures the essence of what it means to be human, including our joys, our struggles and our interactions. Music can unite people and change the world for the better.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would love to take my best friend to enjoy a world-class concert at the Hollywood Bowl and to experience the great vibe and creative energy there. I recently watched LA Phil playing John Williams & other movie music, Ray Chan playing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, and Disney’s ’80s – ’90s Celebration. They were all so awe-inspiring!
I would also recommend chilling at the Malibu Beach, watching a movie in Hollywood, and watching some LA Phil concerts at the Walt Disney Concert Hall!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to thank all the amazing musicians who have performed my compositions, and particularly to the Yale Alumni Chamber Music Society of Hong Kong. This is a group of extremely talented musicians graduated from Yale, who have played my music beautifully. Even when I first started as a composer, they performed my sextet “Sea Waltz” a couple of times, which received many accolades and motivated me to keep composing. I am very grateful to have them bring my music to life! I must also thank the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra for premiering three of my orchestral compositions, bringing me some of my best memories! I would like to thank Orchestra della Toscana in Italy for playing “The Notting Hill Finale” in such a touching way that it has become one of my most popular works!

I would also love to thank acclaimed violinist Ruda Lee for co-founding the music organisation Virtuoso Fiesta with me, to produce music events that connect global communities with 21st century concepts, and to leverage on the power of music to address social issues and spread love. I must thank all sponsors who have supported our mission!

Last but not least, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to my family, my mentors, my teachers, my supporters, and all the creative people I have worked with! I am so grateful to everyone who has encouraged me to follow my dreams!

Website: https://lorachow.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@lorachow.music

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lorachowmusic

Image Credits
Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (Photos 1, 6, 8), Mr. A. Chester Ong (Photos 2, 7), Yale Club of Shenzhen (Photo 3), Hong Kong Vocal Arts Association (Photos 4, 5) and Fusicianz (Photo 9)