Xi Li

Xi Li is an experienced children's choir conductor and composer. Over many years of work with young singers, she has become known for a bright, finely blended treble sound and an imaginative, joyful rehearsal style. Under her direction, her children's choir won a Gold Medal at the 10th World Choir Games, one of the world's leading international choral competitions. The choir was also named the “Little Lark” Most Popular Children's Choir at the 8th China Children's Choral Festival, and recorded the model performances of 62 songs for the national-curriculum compulsory-education music textbooks published by People's Music Publishing House.

Alongside her conducting, Xi Li composes regularly for children's choir. Her music grows directly out of the rehearsal room: she writes with a practical understanding of young voices and of what inspires children to sing with confidence, musicality and delight. Many of her works have been performed at international choral festivals and competitions.

Xi Li is the author of 100 Questions on Children's Choir Training (People's Music Publishing House, 2020) and the creator of the Soaring Pure Voices series — the first a cappella children's choir album series released in China. Her articles on Chinese choral traditions have appeared in the International Choral Bulletin, in multiple language editions, and in the professional journal of the American Choral Directors Association.

Xi Li believes that children's voices are a complete artistic instrument, not a simplified one. Her writing asks young singers for real musical expression — clear, blended tone, vivid storytelling and genuine dramatic shape — while staying practical for the rehearsal room.

A long-standing interest in the choral traditions of China, from the polyphonic singing of the Dong people to the language and ritual music of the Huayao Yi, runs through her work. Her goal is to bring these living traditions to choirs around the world in scores that are authentic, well prepared and joyful to sing.