Meet Lora Chow

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lora Chow a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lora, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

My purpose is to compose beautiful music that inspires positive changes and promotes harmony in the world. Mindfulness practice and self-reflection have played a crucial role in finding my purpose.

Practices like meditation and journaling have been helpful in connecting me with my inner self and clarifying what truly matters to me. I often find myself pondering questions such as: What has brought me the greatest sense of fulfillment? What legacy do I wish to leave behind? What are the most important things I do not want to lose? What are my dreams? What obstacles are holding me back from pursuing them?

Through this introspective journey, I have realized that the music I compose is a reflection of my values and aspirations. Each note I write is infused with the desire to uplift and connect with others. I strive to share new melodies that resonate with people, sparking joy.

I also believe that purpose in life evolves over time. By being open to changes and willing to embrace new experiences, and staying attuned to my emotions, I can continually refine my understanding of my purpose and how I can contribute positively to this world.

Ultimately, my goal is to create a ripple effect — through my music, I hope to inspire others to reflect on their own lives, cultivate their passions, and foster a sense of community and understanding. I believe that art can spark transformation and connection, and contribute to creating a harmonious world.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a composer, soprano and pianist. I am obsessed with creating beautiful music. My compositions span a wide range of genres, from film score, opera, symphonic and chamber music to songs and piano pieces. I am proud to have co-founded Virtuoso Fiesta, a music organisation dedicated to connecting communities through performing the finest music in innovative ways.

I began my musical journey at the age of four with piano lessons. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to learn various instruments and join the children’s choir, orchestra and band — experiences that formed many cherished childhood memories. In high school, I fell in love with singing, especially opera, which led me to pursue a music degree at Yale. A few years after graduation, I attended a summer film scoring program that ignited my passion for composing music. Recording my music with a professional orchestra was so deeply fulfilling that it opened up a new chapter in my artistic journey — as a composer.

Most recently, I am thrilled to announce my debut album “Reveries on Ivories.” I recorded my original piano album “Reveries on Ivories” this year in the Fazioli Concert Hall in their remarkable piano factory in Sacile, Italy. The eighteen compositions in this album all emerged directly from my subconscious mind, channeling my innermost emotions. I truly believe in the healing power of music, and I hope listeners find solace and inspiration in these soothing melodies.

Another exciting project I’m working on is a new fusion opera that combines Cantonese and Italian traditions, titled “Sleepless Moon.” The narrative follows the poignant love story between a talented Cantonese opera performer and an ambitious American-Chinese investment banker based in Hong Kong, the multicultural city where I grew up. As they navigate their contrasting worlds, the couple confronts challenges related to cultural identity, ambition, and societal expectations. This opera explores how different cultures can harmonize and fosters a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. Musically, it features performers from both Cantonese and Western opera backgrounds, accompanied by an orchestra that beautifully blends Chinese and Western instruments. I believe this production is truly groundbreaking, and I am excited to see how it resonates with audiences.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three most crucial qualities that have shaped my journey are strong self-awareness, perseverance, and self-confidence.

The best piece of advice that I have ever got was to “Be Yourself, Know What You Want, and Believe in Yourself.” Staying true to myself has allowed me to clarify my goals and dreams, helping me focus on what truly matters. It’s essential to filter out external noise that can unconsciously influence our behavior and decision-making. This is why I highly recommend mindfulness practices like meditation and journaling; they are so effective for cleansing the mind and enhancing self-awareness.

Perseverance is equally important. Life is full of challenges, and I believe that if we remain persistent in our efforts to move closer to our dreams, success will ultimately follow. I once experienced an injury that prevented me from singing for an extended period. As a singer, this was devastating. The road to recovery was long, but looking back, I realize that patience and perseverance through that adversity made me a better artist. In a way, that injury motivated me to strengthen my vocal techniques and develop healthier habits.

Lastly, self-confidence is a powerful force. When I began to genuinely believe in the power of my music, my confidence stepped up, granting me the courage to dream big. This shift in mindset attracted the right people and opportunities into my life. Suddenly, I found myself collaborating with the record label Prima Classic to release my new album, working with a great producer to create a pioneering fusion opera, and connecting with talented creatives, musicians, sponsors and supporters. It felt as if my energy shifted, and my vibration reached a higher frequency, opening doors to incredible possibilities that I did not dare to imagine before.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I am always looking for talents to collaborate with! As a film composer, I always love to partner with wonderful film directors to create the best film scores. As a composer and singer, I always want to partner with gifted librettists and lyricists to create new operas, musicals and songs.

I am also actively looking for sponsors who would like to support new music, producers who are passionate about bringing innovative music productions to life, and conductors who are keen to conduct my music.

If you are interested in collaborating, I would love to hear from you! Please email me at lorachow.music@gmail.com for partnership or collaboration opportunities! Please also connect with me on Instagram @lorachow.music.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, HK Masquerade, Mr. Eddie Law, Mr. Byron Lo.

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