Tracy Wong

Take This Gift

This optimistic piece is characterized by catchy, singable melodies and a syncopated rhythmic drive in the vocal and piano writing. Wong employs a variety of textures to bring the setting to life, including a particular light-hearted vocal play motif ('la la li la lay') that is usually heard in 'Canggung', a Malay folk song. The text was co-written by the composer and the Singaporean vocal percussionist Cherie Chai, and celebrates the life-long relationships created and nurtured within the choral community and the priceless gift of shared choral experiences.

Composer Information:
Dr Tracy Wong hails from Malaysia and is a choral conductor, music educator, composer, vocalist, and pianist. She advocates for repertoire-based music education, and her choral works support the development of vocal technique, musicianship skills, and artistry. Her music reflects the blend of different lived experiences, languages, and musical elements that continue to influence her compositional writing. Dr Wong is the Assistant Professor of Choral Studies at Western University, Ontario, Canada, where she conducts the Chorale and Les Choristes ensembles and teaches choral conducting. She holds a Doctor in Musical Arts (Choral Conducting) degree from the University of Toronto and was the 2019 Canadian Composer Feature for the Canadian Kodály Journal, Alla Breve. Tracy collaborates regularly with choral organizations on conducting events, commissioned projects, and residences, and her compositions are widely published and performed internationally.