Biography

Xiao Wen is a Singaporean composer, currently studying Composition at Yong Siew Toh Conservatory, National University of Singapore (YSTCM). She started to take an interest in composition in 2018, and participated in the Young Composer’s Academy organized by YSTCM and Ministry of Education of Singapore (MOE). She was enrolled in the Young Artist Programme (Composition) in YSTCM from 2021 to 2023, and is privileged to have been under the tutelage of Peter Edwards, Associate Professor and Head of Composition at YST, and Martin Jaggi. Some of her most recent premieres include a string quartet titled ここまで (for now) (2022) commissioned by Duo Tarenna, which was premiered at parts + pieces = a night with Duo Tarenna and friends in 2022, as well as Piece for Wind Quintet (2023) that was premiered at YST Young Composers’ Academy Concert 2023.

Xiao Wen picked up the piano at age three, followed by electone at age seven, and has never looked back since. She has competed in eight editions of YAMAHA Electone Festival (2011-2015, 2017-2019) and clinched the Grand Prix Award (equivalent to first prize) in the Junior Section 1 category (2014), Junior Category (2015), Junior 3 Category (2017, 2018, 2019). She has also represented Singapore at the Asia Pacific YAMAHA Electone Festival in 2015 (Taipei) and 2018 (Indonesia). Other than classical and contemporary music, Xiao Wen also enjoys pop music. In 2018, she wrote her first pop song《雨树》and received first prize in the Songwriting (Creative) Category at the 4th Xin Kong Xia National Schools Xinyao Singing and Songwriting Competition. Subsequently, she has also participated in the 2019 and 2021 editions of SG:SW I Write the Songs Nationwide Mandarin-Pop Song Writing Festival, with《自己》performed at the Top 48 Showcase in 2019, and《平行轨道》entering Top 10 finals in 2021.

In her free time, Xiao Wen enjoys reading books and watching movies.