Dai Keong Lee

Dai-Keong Lee, a pioneering Asian-American composer, left an indelible mark on the classical music scene. Born in Honolulu in 1915 to Chinese immigrant parents, Lee's unique cultural heritage infused his compositions with a distinctive voice. He studied with renowned composers Roger Sessions, Aaron Copland, and Otto Luening, honing his craft and developing a versatile style that spanned various genres. Lee's Symphony No. 2 garnered national acclaim, earning him a runner-up position for the prestigious 1952 Pulitzer Prize for Music. Throughout his career, he composed prolifically, creating a rich body of work that continues to captivate audiences. Dai-Keong Lee's legacy endures as a trailblazer who enriched the American musical landscape with his innovative and culturally resonant compositions.