Liu Shueh-shuan (; born 4 March 1969) is a Taiwanese composer. He has written works for the Erhu, and his music combines elements of traditional and modern cultures in eclectic musical styles.
Liu was born in Chang-hua, Taiwan. His composition, âÂÂGui-ZeâÂÂ, was awarded the gold medal in the Council for Cultural Affairs 2003 Traditional Music Composition Contest (ensemble category); meanwhile, his âÂÂSecond Erhu Concertoâ awarded the Silver Medal (concerto category), and âÂÂBusia 1930â won him the Bronze Medal (orchestra category) in the 2002 Contest.
Liu's works include âÂÂPainting of Li Mei-Shu â for Orchestral suiteâ and âÂÂStone-Lion of San-Shia-Zu-Shi Temple â for OrchestraâÂÂ. In Paris, the National Chinese Orchestra premiered Liu's âÂÂMulakunaâÂÂ, a piece composed through morse code, with a combination of eastern and western instruments to highlight the destruction and impact brought by civilization.
Upon invitation by the National Chinese Orchestra under the Ministry of Education, Liu composed âÂÂSong of the Tsou Tribeâ based on Taiwanese aboriginal folk music and toured throughout Europe. At the end of 2000, he was invited to write âÂÂThe Wishâ for the âÂÂNew Century ConcertâÂÂ. The piece depicts the mixture of anxiety and pleasure with the advent of the New Year, reflected by the 300 audience attendees singing out the optimism and spirit of the Taiwanese people. In addition, his âÂÂFirst Erhu ConcertoâÂÂ, composed for the International Erhu Competition, is highly acclaimed by Erhu players due to its adoption of groundbreaking Erhu techniques and original musical language. Other accomplishments range from his participation in the Golden Melody winning children's album âÂÂRed Dragonflyâ and âÂÂFirebugâÂÂ, to the commission of Taipei's Lantern Festival's musical themes of 2001 and 2002.
Liu's recent works include âÂÂSong of the Yami Tribeâ for The Taipei Municipal Chinese Classical Orchestra, âÂÂKavalan-Fantasia Overtureâ for The National Chinese Orchestra, and âÂÂHugupuo Music TheaterâÂÂ. Liu was also invited to be the producer and musical director for the opening ceremony of 2001 National Olympics, and compose the soundtrack for âÂÂThe Masters in Chinese Historyâ series for the Public Television Service Foundation.