We recently connected with Arthur (Peiyao) Wang and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Arthur (Peiyao) , thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
I am the composer for the VR game Zong. Zong is a first-person VR novel that immerses players in ancient Eastern history and culture. As an interstellar traveler, you must help save this civilization from the corrupt rule of the Five Clans of Corruption, guided by four Supreme Commanders. Along the way, you will cast spells, summon magical creatures, solve puzzles, and collect rare items to complete your mission. The game blends elements of traditional Chinese culture with a contemporary, international sensibility, creating a unique cross-cultural experience. In composing the score, I sought to capture this fusion by combining the colors and expressiveness of Chinese traditional music with modern harmonic language, diverse textures, and innovative sound design. The result is a musical landscape that not only honors the game’s cultural roots but also resonates with a global audience, bridging past and present in an immersive sonic journey.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a composer, arranger, and music producer, drawing inspiration from film scores, jazz, electronic, and pop music. My works have been performed by ensembles and artists in the United States and Hong Kong, including the American Modern Ensemble, Jasper String Quartet, Reverón Trio, Mansfield Symphony Orchestra, West Seattle Community Orchestra, the Michigan State University Symphony Orchestra, MSU Wind Symphony, Eastman Empire Film and Media Ensemble, Eastman Jazz Ensemble, Eastman Jazz Lab Band, and BIODANCE.
I was awarded first prize in the 2019 Shanghai International Electronic Music Composition Competition, and my other honors include the Denny Award, the Global Music Award Bronze Medal, the Musicacoustica-Beijing Electronic Music Composition Competition Awards, the ASMAC David Blumberg Prize, and recognition as a finalist in the 2022 and 2025 ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award, as well as a Top 10 selection in the 2024 European Recording Orchestra Call for Scores. In 2023, I was commissioned by director Octavio Más-Arocas of the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra to produce a concert featuring local artists.
Through years of creative work, I have gained a deep and multifaceted understanding of music—not only as an art form, but as a language that transcends boundaries. Each project, whether for the concert hall, the screen, or interactive media, has taught me how melody, harmony, texture, and rhythm can shape emotion and storytelling. I have learned to draw from diverse influences, adapt to different styles, and collaborate with artists across disciplines, all while developing my own voice. Most importantly, this journey has shown me that music is both a personal expression and a shared experience, capable of connecting people across cultures and generations.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
To foster the growth of musicians, composers, and a thriving music ecosystem, society must invest in resources, education, and cultural environment simultaneously. First, fair and transparent funding and award systems should be established so that original music projects, independent musicians, and cross-disciplinary collaborations can receive stable financial support, while ensuring that music creators are compensated fairly. Second, music education should nurture not only performance skills but also a deeper understanding of music’s expressive power and cultural significance, enabling the public to truly appreciate its value. Third, accessible and sustainable spaces for music creation and performance—such as rehearsal rooms, recording studios, and small concert venues—should be readily available. Most importantly, a cultural atmosphere that respects musical labor, encourages innovation, and embraces diversity must be cultivated, treating music as an essential part of society’s spiritual and cultural well-being. In doing so, musicians will be empowered to take creative risks, push boundaries, and contribute lasting artistic value to the world.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My creative journey is driven by the mission to create music that bridges cultures, connects people, and contributes meaningfully to the global artistic landscape—particularly through the lens of my Chinese heritage and international experience. As a composer trained in both Eastern and Western traditions, I strive to fuse the depth, color, and storytelling of Chinese musical culture with the harmonic language, textures, and production techniques of contemporary global music. This cross-cultural approach not only reflects my personal artistic identity but also serves a broader purpose: to foster mutual understanding, inspire dialogue, and enrich the cultural fabric of society. In the context of my work in the United States, I see my compositions as a way to contribute to the nation’s diverse and evolving arts scene, supporting its role as a hub for cultural exchange and innovation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://peiyaowangmusic.com/
- Instagram: arthurwang329
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@arthurwangmusic
