Description

​

The EP, Benevolence showcases new piano quintet compositions inspired by Shirley's Chinese and Vietnamese heritage. Swallows Silhouette, Spring Fantasy and Joys of Spring are piano quintet versions from Shirley's previous albums.

​

• Benevolence

​ 

Benevolence is a key virtue in Chinese and many other cultures which encourages individuals to act with compassion and empathy. The famous Chinese poem by Wang Zhihua depicts this virtue so beautifully.

 

The setting sun leans against the mountains

The river flows into the sea

To see a thousand miles further

One must climb another level.

 

The poem suggests that to be truly benevolent, one must continually elevate oneself, seeking a broader and deeper understanding of the world and others.

​

• River of Stars

​

Beneath the moon’s soft silver veil,

The river whispers ancient tales.

 

Its waters shimmer, dark yet bright,

A river of stars in the velvet night.

 

Lotus blossoms drift in prayer,

Fragrance rising through the air.

 

Fishermen cast their nets so wide,

Dreams are caught with the turning tide.

 

Lanterns float, like souls set free,

Tracing paths of memory.

 

Here the earth and heavens meet,

In starlit waters, calm and sweet.

​

• Singing Birds

​

Beneath the dawn, the songbirds rise,

Their voices thread through crimson skies.

 

Along the rice fields, soft and green,

A fleeting peace, a tender scene.

 

The bamboo sways in whispered prayer,

Fragrance of lotus lingers there.

 

Yet footsteps call me to the street,

Where city’s thunder drowns the sweet.

 

Oh gentle wings, sing once for me,

Carry my longing to the sea.

 

For love remains where rivers bend,

Though roads diverge, they meet again.

​

• Flowers Promise

​

Blossoms unfold in the morning light,

Petals like vows, both soft and bright.

 

Amidst the air their fragrance stays,

A quiet pledge through fleeting days.

 

Lotus in ponds with steadfast grace,

Endures the sun, the storms it faced.

 

Peach blooms blush with springtime cheer,

A promise kept from year to year.

 

Each flower speaks without a word,

Of loyal love that won’t be blurred.

 

Through season’s turn, their roots remain,

A faithful bond no time can drain.