Birds-of-Paradise was composed in the summer of 2026 and commissioned by Paradise Winds. At the time, I was deeply immersed in a series of works inspired by birds, so the idea of writing a piece about birds-of-paradise came quite naturally. As I began researching them, I quickly became fascinated by their extraordinary appearance, behavior, and courtship rituals, many of which seem almost unreal. Learning that some species are threatened in their natural habitats gave the project an added sense of purpose. This piece is both a celebration of their beauty and a tribute to these remarkable creatures.

The first movement, Plumes, Crowns, Iridescence, depicts the journey of a bird-of-paradise from hatching to the development of its distinctive and vibrant plumage, tracing a process of growth and transformation.

The second movement, Apprentice Dancers, is inspired by one of the fascinating behaviors of juvenile male birds-of-paradise. Before they are ready to attract a mate, young males often observe and learn from older birds, sometimes even practicing alone. Through playful and occasionally awkward melodies, this movement portrays these young apprentices preparing for adulthood.

The third movement, Solitary Nesting, shifts the perspective to the female birds. After mating, the male typically takes no part in incubating the eggs or raising the chicks, leaving these responsibilities entirely to the female. While researching this behavior, I found it difficult not to draw parallels to aspects of human society. The movement therefore emphasizes themes of care, responsibility, and resilience.

The finale, The Mating Dance, depicts the bird-of-paradise's most celebrated behavior: its spectacular courtship display. Females carefully evaluate numerous suitors, selecting the male with the most impressive performance. The movement captures this dazzling display of beauty, competition, and determination.

(Wenbin Lyu, May 31, 2026)

Season 2026-27 (premiere); Paradise Winds