Photo provided by Seattle Opera
Huang Ruo, an internationally renowned composer, has been named Seattle Opera’s first Composer-in-Residence beginning in 2027.
Ruo’s opera “The Monkey King” became a sensation when it premiered in San Francisco last year.
“I couldn’t be prouder to announce his residency with Seattle Opera,” said General and Artistic Director James Robinson, who has directed several of Ruo’s operas.
“Beyond his accomplished record as a composer, Huang Ruo is also a compelling advocate for opera who believes deeply in the art form’s power to bring people together. He’s one of the most engaging and enthusiastic people I know, and I think Seattle Opera audiences will be fascinated by his perspectives.”
“The range and depth of his talent, skill, and artistic vision are extraordinary and revolutionary… What a smart and wise investment in a groundbreaking composer, and in the future of opera!” said playwright David Henry Hwang who has collaborated many times with Ruo.
“This partnership demonstrates both Seattle Opera’s bold vision for the future of the art form and an exciting model for how opera companies can work with living creators to create, present, and engage the community around new opera,” said Ruo. “I am excited for this new adventure.”
His residency will last for three years, and will begin at the start of the 2027/28 season with the Seattle premiere of his opera M. Butterfly.
Ruo will also work with local opera composers as a guest mentor for Seattle Opera’s new-works incubator program, the Jane Lang Davis Creation Lab.
Born on Hainan Island, China, Ruo studied composition at the Shanghai Conservatory before earning degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory and Juilliard. His compositional style blends Chinese and Western classical traditions into what he has dubbed a “third culture,” integrating Chinese instruments and vocal techniques with Western musical forms.
A fierce advocate for Asian and Asian American perspectives, Huang Ruo was honored by Asia Society Seattle at their annual benefit dinner on Sept. 30, 2026.
Leave a Reply