Zhen Gang Gao Gao, Zhen Gang
Zhen Gang Gao holds a master’s degree in composition from the Department of Music at National Taiwan Normal University, having studied composition with 蕭慶瑜. In 2010, “Love and Revenge” (愛與復仇) for solo trumpet and orchestra was selected in the NTNU Orchestral Composition Competition and recorded by 魏滿均 with the NTNU Department of Music Symphony Orchestra. In 2010–2011, “Natural Phenomena” (自然現象), String Quartet No. 1, reached the finals of the NTCH Composition Competition for Taiwanese Composers. In 2011, Gao took part in the 2011 Sizhu Music Composition Workshop organized by the Taiwan Music Institute of the Preparatory Office of the National Center for Traditional Arts, receiving guidance from Tzyy Sheng Lee, Hwang Long Pan, 王蓂, and the German composer Volker Blumenthaler. That same year Gao joined the Taiwan Xuan Yin Ya Ji ensemble, and on 5 January 2012 “Gait” (步態) for two pianos was premiered by 王大維 and 林怡瑩 at the National Recital Hall. On 20 May 2012, “Natural Phenomena,” String Quartet No. 1, was performed again by the Quinta String Quartet at the Spring and Autumn Music Ensemble’s spring concert at the Hong-gah Museum. On 26 December 2012, “Metamorphosis” (蛻變) for solo percussion was performed by Suen Ming-Jen at “New Music Exhibition of Formosa Composers 2012 (II)” at the Taipei Contemporary Music Ensemble. In 2012 Gao joined the Asian Composers League, and on 26 December of that year “Stray Birds” (漂鳥集) for SATB choir and piano was performed by the Taipei Chamber Singers at “Music Taiwan 2012, Taipei Concert IV” in Sung Yi Hall, Soochow University. On 9 October 2014, “Service” (役) for violin, cello, and guzheng was premiered by 張涵昀, 丁莉齡, and 楊宜樺 at the National Recital Hall; on 4 March 2015, “Bitter Thoughts” (苦‧思) for solo piano was premiered by 林怡瑩 at the National Recital Hall. In 2015 the Taipei Chamber Singers commissioned Etus Nate for SATB choir, flute, bassoon, and piano.
Recent arrangements include “Libertango” (自由探戈) for two pianos, eight hands; “So Happy” (很幸福) for SATB choir and piano; and “School Song Suite” (校歌組曲) for the choirs of the Affiliated Senior High School of NTNU and Taipei Municipal Zhongzheng Senior High School.
Gao has taught music theory as a visiting teacher for the music classes of New Taipei Municipal Sanhe Junior High School and Bihua Elementary School, taught aural training for the music class of Keelung Senior High School, served alternative military service in education at New Taipei Municipal Wufeng Junior High School, and was a student music teacher at New Taipei Municipal Fuhe Junior High School. Gao is currently a full-time substitute music teacher at Taipei Municipal Zhongzheng Senior High School and accompanist for its choir, and led students in the 2014–2015 Taipei Student Music Competition, where they won First Place with Distinction in the High School Mixed Choir Category B (North District) and advanced to the national competition.