Pakk-Shing
Hui, a senior biology major, never imagined himself a composer. But during
his four years at Union, he's written two pieces for orchestra; a piece
for a string trio, piano, and percussion; and arranged numerous tunes for
the Dutch Pipers.
On Friday, as part of Steinmetz 2000, the Union College
and Community Orchestra will perform his most recent work, Beloved (For
Chun Keung). The piece is based on the experience of his father's
death during his freshman year. “It is an emotionally intense piece
that has an oriental flavor,” explains Hui, originally from Hong
Kong. He says that composing provides him with a way to express himself
— and “become a better musician, a better person.”
“I guess it's in my genes,” he says of his
love of music. “I started playing piano at the age of ten by ear, and
began lessons in ninth grade. I love composing, just like authors love
writing. I believe that I was born to enjoy music.”
Hui says that he has loved both his science and his
music experiences at Union. He raves about his National Health Systems
term abroad studying in Europe, and he says that organic chemistry has
been his favorite class.
He also has been active with the College's admissions
office, as a Gatekeeper and as a senior intern.
While Hui has loved his experiences in music at Union,
he plans to go to medical school within the next few years. “I just
need to do something different before I settle down to medicine,” he
says. “But I'll definitely continue with music wherever I go.”