2026 Musical Artists
Christopher Vu (b. 1995) is a Boston-based composer and pianist whose work spans concert music, theatre, and interdisciplinary performance. Drawing on a background that bridges composition, improvisation, and collaboration, his music often explores narrative and visual imagination across acoustic and electroacoustic settings. He is co-artistic director of Pinwheel, a collective dedicated to original multidisciplinary productions.
His work has been commissioned and performed by organizations including, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, Lincoln Center Education, the Boston Percussion Group, SOLI Chamber Ensemble, and [sunflower]. As a performer, Vu appears widely as a pianist and keyboardist across contemporary classical, jazz, and popular music. He has performed as a featured soloist with the Boston Pops; as a founding member of the nationally touring band Juice; and as a jazz pianist in settings ranging from Disneyland engagements with Johnny G & the Dynamites to traditional ensembles such as Colescott & His Red Hots. His theatrical work includes performances in productions such as the Boston She Party and collaborations with the Rubin Brothers Theater Show, as well as work with artists including Ben Stevens and Mahya Hamedi.
Julian Gau is a conductor and composer based in Boston. He studied music and mathematics at Brown University and orchestral conducting at the Boston Conservatory. As a conductor, he serves as music director of the Horizon Ensemble, which bridges compositions by friends with music of history, the Providence Medical Orchestra, and the Chinese Music Ensemble of New York. He is also the assistant conductor of the New England Philharmonic, and he is active as a conductor of opera and musical theatre.
From a young age, living within his Taiwanese heritage and American environment, Julian trained in both Western & Chinese classical music, and he continues to perform and conduct in both styles. These two traditions manifest deeply in his compositions, jointly coloring the score to Lon Po Po. He believes deeply in the power of music as a narrative force, leading to connections and empathy between people. At other times, he acts as pianist, cellist, arranger, arts administrator, or occasional critic. In addition to music, Julian enjoys stories, noodles, and friends. His favorite Asian folk stories are about the Monkey King.