THE STORY | 故事
SHICHU XIE D.M.A.
谢世初,音乐表演博士
A passionate choral conductor and singer, Shichu Xie's career spans continents, from the vibrant cultural landscapes of Beijing, China, to the diverse musical scenes of the United States. He has contributed his talent to several award-winning albums and televised concerts. Among his recent accolades are contributions to the Centaur Records album "Ramírez Reimagined," which won the 2024 Global Music Award - Outstanding Achievement Award for a Global Choir Album, and the "Sounds of the Season: A Diamond Jubilee," which garnered the 2024 Platinum Medal in the Audio Visual Arts Digital International Competition.
Dr. Xie's active engagement with renowned Maestro Will Kesling and music entrepreneur Dr. Jose Valentino Ruiz-Resto also led him to perform at Carnegie Hall in December 2023. A recent recipient of the Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Florida, his academic and practical endeavors reflect a deep commitment to integrating entrepreneurial strategies within the music profession. His focus is mainly on choral conductors and advancing the global appreciation and accessibility of Chinese choral music.
Currently serving as the Director of Choral Activities, Shichu conducts the Middle School Chorus, the Chamber Choir, and the Jazz Singers at the Kirby School in Santa Cruz, CA.
Throughout his academic journey at the University of Florida, Shichu distinguished himself through his rigorous research and dynamic conducting. He led a groundbreaking lecture recital focused on Chinese choral music, demonstrating his ability to bridge cultures by conducting American students in performances of Mandarin choral pieces. His exceptional performance earned him second place in the MAP International Music Competition 2023.
Before his accomplishments in the United States, Shichu already had an impressive track record in China. He directed the Aurora Chorus of the Capital Medical University to a second-place victory at the 2014 College Choir Festival of Beijing. His expertise was further recognized through his appointments as a Guest Conductor for the award-winning Jinfan Choir of Guangqumen Middle School from 2019 to 2020. In the U.S., he continued to impact the local cultural scene by directing the Chinese Community Choir and OMUSE Children’s Choir in Latham, NY.
Shichu's influence extends beyond conducting; he is a genuine educator and clinician. He frequently conducts workshops for local high school choirs and maintains strong ties with music ensembles in China, working with groups across various educational levels. As a vocalist, Shichu has showcased his talent as a soloist with the Sarotoga Voices in NY and as a member of the professional choir Auriel Camerata in NY and Bel Canto Company in NC.
Following his DMA from the University of Florida, he earned a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from the State University of New York.