UEDA, Rita

Rita Ueda is a Canadian composer based in Vancouver, the unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Applauded as a composer whose ‘poetic is often very delicate and introspective…’ (Guido Barbieri, Warner Classics), her works inspire contemplation and dialogue between cultures in flux. Notable works include as the first spring blossoms awaken through the snow (2021), let us not be the reason why someone out there is praying for peace (2020), forty years of snowfall will not heal an ancient forest (2010), and Hummingbird in Winter (2021). Her most recent work, Birds Calling… From the Canada in You (2022) for sho (Japanese mouth organ, sheng (Chinese mouth organ) / suona (Chinese shawm), and orchestra has been praised as “… fresh, thoroughly Canadian, and breathtakingly original.” (James Imam, Musical America Worldwide).