By: Ritchie
Recently, composer Ruiqi Zhao has garnered widespread attention for her outstanding performances in the realms of music and film. Her works have been acclaimed internationally, showcasing her talent and creativity across various domains.
Ruiqi Zhao’s personal journey is equally noteworthy. She graduated with a Master’s degree in music from the renowned Eastman School of Music, where she had the privilege of studying under Jeff Beal, a multiple Emmy Award-winning composer known for his work on ‘House of Cards.’ Under Beal’s guidance, Zhao gained profound training in music theory and technique and unique insights into artistic creation and expression.
In terms of project awards, Zhao’s accomplishments are particularly striking. She participated as a music arranger in the production of the highly anticipated movie ‘A Legend: The Sequel to The Myth, starring Jackie Chan, Yixing Zhang, and Gulnazar, slated for release during the 2024 Lunar New Year. In this movie, Zhao’s primary role was to assist the main composer in transforming simple melodies into complete orchestral pieces or arrangements of other kinds. This process involved in-depth knowledge of musical theory and precise handling of various instruments and voices, ensuring each part was harmoniously integrated into the composition, enhancing the film’s emotional expression and auditory experience.
In another notable movie project, Zhao played a significant role in the music production of ‘Never Say Never,’ directed and starring Baoqiang Wang. This film, focusing on the issue of impoverished children in Chinese society, achieved significant commercial success post-release in China and the U.S., grossing over 200 million dollars. Behind this commercial triumph were the profound themes and the exceptional production team’s collaborative efforts. As a music arranger, Zhao’s task was to create and arrange music that complemented the film’s themes and emotions, turning it into a powerful tool for storytelling. Her music not only underscored the film’s emotional ambiance but also enhanced its overall artistic impact, allowing audiences to experience and understand the conveyed messages more profoundly.
Additionally, Zhao’s talents extended to other significant international projects. She played a vital role as an Orchestrator in the Hollywood movie ‘One True Loves,’ starring renowned actors Simu Liu and Tony Award winner Phillipa Soo, adapted from a bestselling novel of the same name. The movie, widely acclaimed by audiences and critics, featured Zhao as the orchestrator, translating the film’s emotions and themes into musical language to deepen its emotional depth and narrative power. Her precise control over musical details and deep understanding of the story’s emotions made her music an integral part of the film.
Moreover, Zhao participated in the Spanish charity movie Miotro Jon, a music production directed by Paco Arango. All profits from this film were dedicated to treating children with cancer. In this project, as an Orchestrator, Zhao orchestrated the melody of essential themes, which needed to align with the film’s artistic style and convey its charitable spirit. Her music added profound emotions and humanitarian concerns to the film, making it a work of solid artistic merit and significant societal meaning.
Zhao’s musical prowess also extended to the podcast realm. Her two pieces were featured in the Apple Podcasts’ Dark Side of the Web’ and ‘Fire and Light.’ These podcasts focused on the impact of the internet on children and vulnerable groups and themes about life, love, and the soul. In these podcasts, Zhao’s music added emotional depth to the content, further deepening listeners’ understanding and feelings about these important topics.
Through these diverse projects, Zhao not only demonstrated her extensive talents in music composition and film music production but also established her significant position in the international film music world. Her works spanned different cultures and themes, each offering a unique musical style and profound emotional expression, providing unforgettable artistic experiences for audiences and listeners.
Zhao achieved notable success in the short film domain, with her works receiving recognition at several international film festivals. Her short film ‘Trapped’ particularly stood out in 2022, successfully being nominated for two important awards: China Golden Rooster & Hundred Flowers Film Festival and 59th Golden Horse Awards. Both China Golden Rooster & Hundred Flowers Film Festival and the 59th Golden Horse Awards are influential in the Chinese film circle, covering many outstanding Chinese-language short films. Standing out in such competitive arenas showcased ‘Trapped’ excellent artistic expression and creative conception.
Another work, ‘All that Glitters is not Marigold,’ was nominated for the LA Shorts Film Festival and the Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival. Both festivals are internationally recognized platforms for short films, focusing on innovative cinematic language and unique artistic perspectives. The nomination of ‘All That Glitters Is Not Marigold’ was not only an acknowledgment of Zhao’s capabilities in short film creation but also reflected the broad appeal and impact of her work on the international stage.
Through these achievements in the short film domain, Zhao demonstrated her prowess in feature films and the concise and impactful medium of short film production. Her works’ international recognition and awards not only brought personal honors to Zhao but also contributed new perspectives and inspiration to the development of cinematic art.
In summary, Zhao has a solid music education and training background and has demonstrated extraordinary musical talent and creativity in various fields. Her achievements have not only earned her honors and recognition but also brought new vitality and inspiration to the music and film industries. Through these diverse projects, Zhao has proven her essential position in the international film-music industry.
