Mingdu Li

Mingdu Li is a doctoral composer at the ÃÛÑ¿TV, under the supervision of Professor Kenneth Hesketh and Professor William Mival, kindly supported by the RCM Studentship and the Mendelssohn Scholarship Foundation.  She previously completed an MMus and BMus (Hons) in Composition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with Dr Oliver Iredale Searle and Tom David Wilson, and also holds a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics from University College London.

Her recent compositional focus explores the evocation of the 'silent' languages of mathematics and quantum physics into vivid, 'audible' sound worlds. Her music often interrogates the theme of human insignificance in relation to our Creator, charting a journey from existential uncertainty to contemplation of cosmic origins and ultimate destiny. She views this approach as a bridge between scientific inquiry and spiritual introspection, inviting listeners to engage with both the vastness of the universe and the depths of their inner selves.

Her compositions have been performed by leading ensembles and featured in major festivals and programmes, including the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Britten Pears Young Artist Programme, National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain, Hebrides Ensemble, Red Note Ensemble, Mivos Quartet, Resol Quartet, MotoContrario Ensemble, Avanti! Chamber Orchestra, Sound Festival Scotland, London Philharmonic Orchestra Soundworks, and Curtis Summerfest. She also collaborates across disciplines, including contemporary dance, ballet, film, installation, and educational contexts.

Her orchestral piece Entropy was premiered by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra under Martyn Brabbins and broadcast on BBC Radio 3, where she has also been featured and interviewed multiple times. Her awards include the Walter and Dinah Wolfe Memorial Prize and the Silver Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians. She is also a published composer, with works included in the ABRSM examination syllabus.

Her music has been described as having “a compelling ever-present pulse, conveying the sense of inexorability” (The Edinburgh Music Review), and “a confident work… a sense of an uncontrollable beast of pure energy” (Bachtrack). 

Faculties / departments: Research

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