Who is Mindy Meng Wang?
I’m a composer and a Guzheng performer – the Guzheng is a traditional Chinese string instrument with a 2,500-year history. I was trained from a young age by a Guzheng master (with the help of a very determined “tiger mum” who made sure I never skipped a beat).
Years later, after moving to the UK to study composition, I completely rebelled – musically speaking. I fell head over heels for contemporary music and started sneaking the Guzheng into places it had never been before: jazz, Western classical, improvisation, experimental, electronic… even opera!
One of my favourite adventures has been Opera For the Dead, a cross-disciplinary work that really pushes boundaries. I’m also a mum to a very energetic 3.5-year-old and partner to a very clever scientist – which means life is never boring at home, either.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I’d never left China, I probably would’ve ended up as a Guzheng teacher at a conservatory, teaching the same pieces to hundreds of students – which is a respectable path, but not exactly rock ‘n’ roll. When I was younger, I also loved beautiful clothes and dreamt of becoming a fashion designer – so maybe I’d be sketching dresses instead of scores. And I adore cooking (I’ve been told I’m pretty good at it), so who knows… maybe one day, chef Mindy?
Who inspires you and why?
I’m deeply inspired by strong women – the kind who are passionate, wise, fair, and fiercely dedicated. Bonus points if they’re also mums, because honestly, balancing it all is superhero-level stuff. I’m lucky to be surrounded by incredible women like Kirsty Rivers from the Victorian Music Development Office, Clare Edwards from Ensemble Offspring, Deborah Cheetham from Short Black Opera, and my dear friend Monica Lim – who somehow manages to do everything and do it brilliantly. I’ve known Monica for years, and I’m always excited about what we’ll cook up together next (figuratively, though maybe one day literally).
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Recently, a few young women – especially Asian musicians – have told me that my work with the Guzheng has inspired them. They told me that seeing a traditional instrument in contemporary Western music made them feel like there is a place for them too. That means the world to me. If I can make a difference, it’s through two things:
- Continuing to push the boundaries of the Guzheng – creating new styles, techniques, and opportunities for future generations.
- Mentoring and supporting young artists who are walking the path I once did, so they can move forward faster and with more confidence.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I love Europe – especially Italy and Spain. Maybe it’s because they’re so different from my own culture: the art, the music, the food (oh, the food), the wine – it’s all irresistible. That said, I get excited about any new place. When I travel solo, I love walking everywhere, exploring every corner, then ending the day with a concert or show, followed by a glass of wine or a well-made martini. Perfection.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
If it’s just a short visit, I’d take them to the NGV and the Royal Botanic Gardens – the perfect Melbourne combo of art and nature. But if we have a whole day? Hot springs in Mornington, followed by lunch at a beautiful winery. That’s the kind of Melbourne magic I love to share.
What are you currently reading?
I’m reading When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön, an American woman who became a Tibetan Buddhist nun. She writes about Buddhist teachings in a way that feels accessible, relevant, and deeply human – it’s more wisdom than religion. Lately, I’ve been fascinated by the overlap between Buddhism, Taoism, and science. For example, Buddhist concepts of observation have incredible parallels with quantum physics. Taoist binary thinking laid the groundwork for modern computing. It’s all connected – and mind-blowing.
What are you currently listening to?
I’m currently listening to music from two amazing Canadian collaborators I just worked with: Chris Gestrin and Meredith Bates. I spent a week in Canada creating new music with them, and as I write this – on the flight back to Melbourne – I’m deep into Chris’ album After the City Has Gone: Quiet. It’s stunning.
Happiness is?
Cooking up a big feast and sharing it with family and friends. Simple as that.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m incredibly excited to bring Opera For the Dead to OzAsia Festival this November, and then on to Sydney Festival in January and Arts House in Melbourne next February. Audiences loved it when we premiered at AsiaTOPA in January, and I can’t wait for more people to experience it.
I’m also working on a score for a 1937 silent Chinese film with the amazing screen composer Burkhard Dallwitz, plus some upcoming projects with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Lots of beautiful, challenging things ahead!
Mindy Meng Wang‘s work, Opera for the Dead, will be presented at The Odeon Theatre, Norwood (Adelaide), as part of the 2025 OzAsia Festival, from 5 – 6 November. For more information, visit: www.ozasia.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au for details.
Image: Mindy Meng Wang (sourced)