Wenbin Lyu

Wenbin Lyu is a Chinese composer and guitarist based in Cincinnati. His compositions blend contemporary Western techniques with ancient Oriental culture, drawing inspiration from nature, science, and video games. Known for being fast, loud, and highly rhythmic, Lyu’s compositions are always designed to be fun. However, his recent work is evolving toward a slower, more lyrical style.

Lyu has received fellowships from prestigious institutions and festivals, including the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme, Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, Tanglewood Music Center, Atlantic Center for the Arts, I-Park Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, and China National Symphony Orchestra. His works have been featured at over 70 music festivals and conferences, such as the SCI, RED NOTE, NMG, MATA, ICMC, NYCEMF, EMM, MOXsonic, SPLICE, SEAMUS, and RCAM. He has collaborated with acclaimed ensembles, including the Buffalo Philharmonic, Albany Symphony, Beijing Symphony, Akropolis Quintet, Sandbox Percussion, International Contemporary Ensemble, Capitol Quartet, Sinta Quartet, Del Sol Quartet, Icarus Quartet, Society for New Music, Tacet(i), Hub New Music, Transient Canvas, Hypercube, and Eighth Blackbird.

In recognition of his academic achievements, Lyu was awarded the China National Scholarship in 2016 and the Donald Martino Award for Excellence in Composition in 2020. He is also the recipient of an ASCAP Young Composer Award and five The American Prize awards.

Lyu (DMA) holds degrees from the China Conservatory, New England Conservatory, and Cincinnati College-Conservatory. He served as faculty at Northern Kentucky University, Earlham College, Xavier University, and CCM.