Guo Syong Yu Yu, Guo Syong

Guo Syong Yu is a Bunun from Taitung. Orphaned at a young age and raised in a children’s home, he had the opportunity to learn piano free of charge, and was admitted to the music program of what is now Taipei Teachers College, where he began formal study of classical music. He began trying his hand at composition around the time of his military service; after completing it, he taught music at an elementary school while continuing to compose to this day.

After his marriage, his wife helped him organize his scores and promote his music. Together they produced “Romantic Piano Pieces” (浪漫的鋼琴演奏曲); “Sounds of Heaven” (天籟之音), nine volumes of Indigenous choral works; a Chinese-language Messiah oratorio and a Christmas oratorio; five volumes of Mandarin choral works; ensemble scores for children’s bands; and two short biblical music dramas.

Yu’s Indigenous choral works have become set pieces or chosen pieces in school choral competitions over the years, and he often writes Indigenous choral arrangements tailored to enthusiasts.