Platinum Prize Winner Menghao Xie on Momentum and the Power of Musical Motion
- Feb 25
- 3 min read
Menghao Xie, composer from China, received the Platinum Prize for his composition Momentum at the Erik Satie International Music Competition, 2025 Season 4. The season ran from 21 July to 21 October 2025, with the official results announced on 20 November 2025. Following this recognition, Menghao Xie spoke about his compositional approach and the ideas behind his award-winning work Momentum. In the interview below, he reflects on the creative process, his collaboration with performers, and his broader artistic direction across contemporary and cross-media practice.
Menghao Xie is a composer. Since September 2024, he has been an adjunct teacher at the Film Composition Department of the Shanghai Theatre Academy, teaching musical form, orchestration, and piano. His works have been commissioned by institutions such as Radio France and Südwestrundfunk (SWR), and performed across China, Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asia. His practice spans contemporary music, film music, and interdisciplinary projects involving video, installation, and music technology, with studies in Europe under mentors including Markus Hechtle, Wolfgang Rihm, Michael Beil, and Olga Neuwirth.
Could you please introduce your award-winning music Momentum? When and under what circumstances was it created? Could you share the inspiration behind the work and the message you hope to convey through it?
Menghao Xie:
"Momentum is an orchestral piece built from small, fragmented motives that continuously transform, layer, and expand. Through gradual timbral shifts and increasing density, these 'small impulses' accumulate into a strong forward-driving energy. The work reflects how tiny motions can grow into an unstoppable force."
What was your creative process like? How did you approach the structure and dynamics of the piece?
Menghao Xie:
"I begin with the large-scale form and overall energy curve, then let the micro-level development evolve organically in the writing process. The piece moves toward a full-orchestra climax, followed by a contrasting, more transparent ending."
We listened to your piece in a video recording performed by the Junge Philharmonie Karlsruhe, conducted by Jasper Lecon. Could you tell us about your collaboration with the musicians who performed your work, and share any memorable moments from the rehearsals?
Menghao Xie:
"Working with the Junge Philharmonie Karlsruhe and conductor Jasper Lecon was intense and inspiring, especially with limited rehearsal time. The orchestra’s youthful energy and the conductor’s drive matched the spirit of Momentum perfectly—focused, fast-moving, and full of push."
Could you talk to us about yourself, your journey in music, and your future goals? Could you also share your perspective on what defines a great composer in today’s digital age, and what you consider to be the most significant artistic or professional challenges facing musician today and in the coming years?
Menghao Xie:
"Although I submitted a traditional orchestral work this time, my future focus is cross-media and interdisciplinary creation—combining acoustic instruments with technology, visuals, and interactive systems. A key challenge ahead is staying artistically deep while navigating rapid technological change."
Would you like to share your experience participating in our competition and anyone you'd like to thank?
Menghao Xie:
"I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate and share my music internationally. My sincere thanks to the orchestra and conductor for bringing the piece to life, and to all my teachers and mentors who have supported my path."
