Hervie Syan has established himself as a unique and diverse musical creator. Originally from the UK, he has become a global artist weaving compassionate music a multitude of artistic ends.As a solo concert pianist, Hervie Syan has given many recitals improvising a fusion of Jazz, Indian, and contemporary classical styles as well as a more traditional repertoire. Syan has performed one-man concerts that combine improvised vocal and instrumental music with theatre, comedy, poetry and philosophy.Having toured throughout England, and Canada, recently performing in Taiwan has given Syan yet another layer to his music. “I am interested in the Taoist principle of wu wei found in martial arts here in Asia whereby intuitive spontaneous action (correct action) unfolds naturally by emptying the mind of thought and conflict – a principle that I am applying to my music making.†Syan is currently researching Tao philosophy in Asia in preparation for a future book consisting of essays on philosophy and music. He believes in the bringing together of different cultures and artistic mediums through compassion. Syan is currently working on his second CD as well as developing his new record label, ‘ynsarecords’. His first album, ‘an equality between expressions’, was released in 2003, and is a staggering artistic achievement in modern piano music.In February of this year, Syan was seen performing in Denmark. He opened an arts festival at the Vanlose Culture House in Copenhagen performing a Gandhian based concert of piano music and multi-media and two Gandhian inspired music making workshops will be held by Syan at the Vanlose Culture House and the Danish Union of Musicians. He will be returning to Denmark to tour in the summer of 2008.Also this year in Taiwan, Syan has recently appeared at the Taipei Artists Village (4/2007) and Taishin Bank Arts and Culture Foundation (10/2007) performing his work, Satyagraha based on the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi.Syan is currently a member of duo s2 with Sherry Shieh - this incredible pianistic duo break through traditional musical idioms with nouveau concepts and innovative energy. See - www.myspace.com/duos2 for more information.During the 1990's, Syan formed and directed two free improvisation groups in England: The Gibbon Trio (trombone, harp, and piano) and The Collective (flute, trumpet, trombone, tuba, violin, piano, guitar and percussion) with performances in Yorkshire (1996-1998).Performances in England included the Lawrence Batley Theatre, St. Paul’s Hall in Huddersfield, and at the Hebden Bridge Arts Festival. Other performances in England were in Leeds, Edinburgh and Manchester (1995-1998). Canadian performances include The Music Studio in Toronto, Banff Centre for the Arts, Simon Fraser Concert Hall in Vancouver, University of Winnipeg Concert Hall in Manitoba, Wilfrid Laurier Concert Hall in Ontario and the Lorne Watson Recital Hall in Brandon, Canada (1998-1999). In Brandon, these included 2 benefit concerts for the charitable organisation, Habitat For Humanity and involved performing with the Indian singer, Ananda Bali, who won the President’s Award in 1962 for Best Singer in India and jazz saxophonist Greg Gatien.Syan was pianist and conductor with the new music ensemble YON in England, which continually aims to perform works by young composers with less often performed music by more established contemporary figures. Projects have included an appearance in the 1995 National Festival of Women Writers and in 1996 concerts at Huddersfield University, Bradford University, and Rochdale Jazz & Blues Club (April/May 1996). He was leader of YON Composition projects at Farnley Park High School in Leeds with G.C.S.E pupils and at Royds Hall High School in Huddersfield with primary school pupils (May/June 1996). Held a third Composers’ Exchange at Hudderfield University (June 1996). Led a two-day improvisation workshop with the YON ensemble (October 1996).Regarding his compositions, Syan was commissioned in the UK by Shirley Lawrenson to compose El Deseo (piano trio) in 1997. He was commissioned by Hebden Bridge Arts Festival to compose music for the festival in 1997. Syan held a Leighton residency at Banff Centre for the Arts (February-March 1999) with full scholarship to compose Las Furias (string quartet). He travelled Canada performing original music and guest lecturing at Canadian concert halls and universities (September 1998-April 1999) including Simon Fraser University (Vancouver), Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo), University of Manitoba, University of Brandon, University of Calgary and University of Regina.For video footage of Syan, please see - www.youtube.com/user/HervieChristianSyan
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