Orchestral scores and parts for Identity: Zhongshan Zhuang, a concerto for guzheng and orchestra, are now available for rental from Janen Music.

Composed by Michael Gordon Shapiro and Victor Cheng, the piece puts the 3800-year-old Chinese folk instrument at the fore of the Western orchestra in new take on a traditional concerto setting. Identity has had performances in the United States, Canada, and several cities in Mainland China, most notably in Beijing by the China National Symphony. Janen Music is now making the piece available to American orchestras for the first time.

Recognizing that most American orchestras don’t have access to a guzheng player, Hanyi Inc will subsidize travel and accommodations for a renowned guzheng virtuoso, Su Chang – effectively providing a soloist for the piece at no cost to the host orchestra! This offer is made possible through a grant offered by Hanyi, motivated by a desire to help share this music more widely throughout the United States, and to introduce American audiences to the guzheng. The grant will be awarded to up to six qualified orchestras for performances in 2013 or 2014.

For more information on the piece or the grant, please visit Identity’s page at Janen Music.

Michael has completed scoring game projects for Gas Powered Games/Square Enix and Phyken Media, both of which will be announced in early Spring.

On the film side, Michael has completed original score for Birdemic 2: The Ressurrection, sequel to the infamous cult hit Birdemic: Shock and Terror.

Michael’s Lament for Solo Violin premiered in December at a San Francisco commemorative service for victims of the Nanking Massacre. Joseph Maile performs in the photo below.