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RELEASE ON RECEIPT
September 24, 1998
Oberlin
Conservatory Student Awarded Grand Prize at European
International Competition for Composers
Media
Contact: Linda
Shockley
Huang Ruo, a junior working toward a double major in composition and music theory at the Oberlin College Conservatory, was awarded Grand Prize in Composition, VI Level Award, at the European International Competition for Composers, held this summer in Ragusa-Ilba, Italy. Huang's works judged for the competition included "SI WAY - - - Four Dimensions" (for three piccolos and conductor), and "If To Live, To*" (for cello solo).
At Oberlin, Huang studies with Randolph Coleman and Benedict Weisser. Weisser said of his work, "Ruo is that delightful and rare combination of great talent, discipline, and intensity. I find his intensity especially remarkable. In my experience as his teacher he has never failed to absorb and fully engage himself in the ideas he's presented with. He does so creatively, with curiosity and purpose. In addition, he always brings a fresh approach so that my perceptions are newly colored as well. He is entirely a pleasure to work with, and he is most deserving of this honor in all respect."
Huang, a native of China, is the son of an acclaimed composer (father) and doctor (mother). By the age of five, he was studying piano and creating new compositions. Huang studied composition with his mentor Deng Erbo at the Middle School, Shanghai Conservatory of Music. He wrote his first symphonic work at age 15 - "Expression & Imagination" - a piece that was performed in 1995 by the Shanghai Youth Orchestra at The Spring Festival of Shanghai.
In 1995, Huang was honored with The Henry Mancini Fellowship from the International Film and Music Festival in Switzerland. A CD recording of "If To Live, To*" performed by Oberlin alumni Alexander Waterman '98, was featured in the March, 1998, issue of Layers Magazine. And "SI WAY - - - Four Dimensions" will receive its Canadian premiere in November, 1998, at the "Forum 98 Festival" in Montreal, Canada."
