Lily Lanterns (2026) for violin, electronics and video explores the intersectionality of queerness and traditional East Asian culture. Featuring visuals of London Chinatown, fire, and my partner, the violin attempts to blend them together with the assistance of the electronics. Conservative Chinese values are oft seen to contest left-wing queer culture. I suggest with hope that both can coexist; ultimately, cultural and sexual identity stem from love, acceptance and unity.
Lily Lanterns was originally written for Finn Nguyen, a violinist and founder of the organisation Queer Birds of Passage.
Electronics – Tigerspell (Vivian Cheung)
Violin – Finn Nguyen
