David Meltzer
Ziyuan Yue, known simply as “Z”, is a visionary composer and orchestrator whose work spans the realms of media scoringconcert music. Born and raised in China, she has cultivated a unique musical language that blends classical orchestration with modern soundscapes, creating compositions that are as emotionally compelling as they are technically sophisticated. Her work is driven by storytelling, vivid imagery, and an unyielding passion for exploring new sonic territories.
Ziyuan’s musical journey began at the esteemed XinghaiConservatory of Music, where she studied classical composition and built the solid foundations of her craft. Seeking to expand her horizons, she later pursued a master’s degree from USC’s Screen Scoring Program—a transformative experience that deepened her understanding of music for visual media. At USC, she studied under renowned mentors including Pete Anthony, Lolita Ritmanis, and Christopher Young, experiences that refined her compositional voice and equipped her with the skills to navigate the intricate interplay between sound and story.
Influenced by legendary concert composers such as Messiaen, Ligeti, and Rachmaninoff, as well as acclaimed film composers like Marco Beltrami, Carlos Rafael Rivera, and Benjamin Wallfisch, Ziyuan’s music encapsulates a rich diversity of styles and emotions. As an active participant in the international music community, Ziyuan has attended prestigious composition workshops and industry seminars. She has been privileged to attend workshops led by celebrated composers Lei Liang and Larry Alan Smith, allowing her to explore innovative techniques and further develop her artistic vision. These diverse influences converge in her work, resulting in a sound that is both timeless and contemporary.
Her career is marked by an array of impressive achievements that underscore her status as a emerging force in the industry. Ziyuan has composed for feature film, award-winning short films, animations, and independent games, with her music receiving recognition at numerous film festivals. Notably, the animated short film she scored won Best Student Dramatic Short at the Los Angeles Animation Festival 2024, and another of her scored works was selected for the Los Angeles International Film Festival. Additionally, one of her compositions has garnered over 152,000 plays on Bilibili—a testament to her ability to connect with a wide audience. Her accomplishments also include composing the promotional music for Tencent’s game Crossfire and conducting her original pieces with a 63-piece orchestra at Warner Bros. Studios. Her works have been recorded in prestigious venues such as Evergreen Studios, The Village Studios, Silent Zoo Studio, Hollywood Scoring Studio, and John Williams Scoring Studio. Moreover, she served as the composer and arranger for the acclaimed children’s musical “Qiao” and has created immersive scores for interactive art installations exhibited in Guangzhou, with an upcoming exhibition in Hong Kong.
Now based in Los Angeles, Ziyuan is committed to establishing herself as a versatile and influential composer in the film and media industry. With original concert pieces performed by the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra and honors such as the Second Prize at the XIX International Composition Competition – Donne in Musica, she continues to push creative boundaries. Her dedication to her craft is evident in every composition, as she aspires to tell diverse stories and leave an indelible mark on the world through her music.
Looking ahead, Ziyuan is eager to embrace new challenges and collaborations that further expand her creative horizons. She envisions a future filled with innovative projects that merge technology, visual art, and music. With every score, she invites audiences to experience the transformative power of sound—a passion that continues to inspire and innovate.
