Rising Herts student composer’s powerful new orchestral work premiered live – listen now
An original orchestral work by a University of Hertfordshire student has been premiered live, captivating a enthusiastic audience.
Song of Lotus, composed by final-year student Yangfan Zhang, was performed for the first time by the de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra as part of ‘Marvellous Movies’, a flagship UH Arts + Culture concert celebrating iconic music from film and television.
Yangfan, who studies on the BSc (Hons) Music Composition and Technology for Film and Games programme at Herts, was selected to feature in the concert following a creative workshop with the orchestra. The session gave Herts student composers the rare opportunity to hear their compositions brought to life and receive feedback from professional musicians.
The piece was chosen for its cinematic depth, atmospheric storytelling, and distinct use of pentatonic scales, which lend it a rich Eastern character. The orchestra praised Song of Lotus for its musical sophistication, an impressive achievement from an emerging composer just beginning his professional journey.
“Hearing Song of Lotus performed by an orchestra was a moment I won’t forget,” said Yangfan Zhang. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and for all the support I’ve received from the University. Sharing my passion with a live audience was a truly special experience.”
The performance was part of a wider programme featuring music from Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, Spider-Man and E.T. - bringing together classic film and TV scores.
Inna Allen, Head of UH Arts + Culture, said:
“We were thrilled to be back with one of our most beloved concerts. Marvellous Movies was a fantastic celebration of film music and an inspiring showcase of emerging talent. It was especially exciting to feature a brand-new composition by one of our own students alongside such iconic music.”
The University of Hertfordshire’s music department continues to champion student creativity through innovative, industry-relevant courses and live performance opportunities. Events like Marvellous Movies highlight the University’s commitment to developing the next generation of composers and supporting vibrant cultural experiences for students and the wider community.