Despite his original training as a civil engineer, Chou Wen-Chung came to America in 1946 to pursue music. He became a protege of Edgard Varese and spent several decades teaching, composing, and advancing modern concepts in contemporary compositions. Incorporating the teachings of his mentor, yet retaining his own identity, Chou is one of the few composers to successfully integrate images and ideas from both Eastern and Western culture. His unique synthesis of the two cultures has challenged the American musical community to recognize and celebrate cultural differences, setting Chou apart in...