Chou Wen-chung (1923– )

Chinese-born US composer. His music reflects oriental and avant-garde influences and includes Nocturnal, editions of Ameriques (1972), and Octandre (1980). He was appointed professor at Columbia University in 1972.

He studied in the USA from 1946, at first with Nicolas Slonimsky and Otto Luening, and with Edgard Varèse 1949–54.

Works Orchestral Landscapes for orchestra (1949); Metaphors for wind orchestra (1961); Pien for piano, percussion, and wind (1966).

Chamber Beijing in the Mist for chamber ensemble (1986); Echoes from the Gorge for percussion quartet (1989); Windswept Peaks for violin, cello, clarinet, and piano (1990).

Other choral and piano works, film music.