Live performance by University of Michigan Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Kendra Chao at Hill Auditorium at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI in February 2025.

FRAGRANCES OF SOMETHING SWEET(2024-25)
for orchestra or chamber orchestra

2.2.2.2/4.3.3.1/2perc/pno/hp/str or 1.1.1.1/1.1.1.0/2perc/hp/str (approx. 4.3.3.2.1)

*Percussion List: Crotales, Vibraphone, Two Suspended Cymbals, 4 Triangles (all different sizes, if able), does not change between versions

PROGRAM NOTE
I wrote this piece with a particular memory I had with my grandmother Mary, who I had been thinking about a lot over the nine months I wrote this piece. She was the first person who introduce me to coffee, which I love a lot now. After always being refused the drink by my mom, I remember jump at the opportunity to have it, which, oddly, resulted in me completed knocked out on her living room floor. In every cup of coffee I have to this day, I think about her. The title "something sweet" refers to coffee, this piece is about, but in particular to my grandmother who was also someone incredibly sweet, kind, and supportive.

Written for the University of Michigan Philharmonia Orchestra as my master’s thesis, advised by Bright Sheng. First performance by the University of Michigan Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Kendra Chao at Hill Auditorium at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI in February 2025.

Duration: ca. 6 minutes

PERFORMANCES
Pacific Chamber Orchestra conducted by Lawrence Kohl performs fragrances of something sweet (chamber orchestra version) in Livermore, CA in October 2025.

University of Michigan Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Kendra Chao premieres fragrances of something sweet at Hill Auditorium at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI in February 2025.

HONORS
Pacific Chamber Orchestra Emerging Scores Workshop, Winner
Sioux City Composer of the Year, Semi-Finalist
University of Michigan New Music for Orchestra, Selected Score