My Musical & Scientific Evolution

Hayden Fung is a composer, percussionist, and researcher whose work integrates artistic creativity with scientific inquiry. A NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) Young Composer Honoree, his compositions have been performed at David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center, as part of the New York Philharmonic’s Very Young Composers Program. His musical output spans classical, jazz, and contemporary idioms, often inspired by structural and thematic parallels between music and science.

In addition to his musical pursuits, Hayden engages in research and scientific writing focused on dermatology, inflammation, and the biology of aging. His publications reflect a rigorous analytical approach and an interest in translational applications that connect molecular insights to clinical practice. Hayden’s dual engagement in composition and scientific research highlights his dedication to precision, creativity, and interdisciplinary exploration.

Apollo II - The Paradox

“Inspired by the America’s legacy of man’s 1st landing on the moon in 1969, this piece celebrates the historical triumph and the paradox of Neil Armstrong’s grief as he left as a memento on the moon the bracelet of the 2-year old daughter he lost to brain cancer. I had the honor of having it premier at the Young People’s Concert at David Geffen Hall, NY.

Composed at age 10, this piece has a special significance to me. A paradox, like my music, it was my 1st publicly performed work in the US, and the last concert I attended before the COVID pandemic.”

— Hayden Fung

David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center NYC

11.9.2019

BLUE SUMMER

“Blue Summer, my first Jazz premier, has a special place in my collection. Written during a COVID summer, it marks the beginning of my love for writing Jazz.

Premiered at the Open House Weekend Celebrations of the New David Geffen Hall, it is a special remembrance for me as it marked for me the return of normality post-COVID.”

— Hayden Fung

David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center NYC

10.30.2022

PANDEMONIUM

“Pandemonium, commissioned by the New York Philharmonic Very Young Composer for Very Young Composers Showcase, was my first work inspired by art. Inspired by Le Pandemonium, by John Martin 1841, which I saw at the Louvre the summer of 2023

The music is my interpretation of painting depicting the turmoil Satan hailed against the background of established institution and society, based on a painting I chose as it mirrored global events at the time.”

— Hayden Fung

David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center NYC

1.20.2024

Rochester, NY

12.2.2022

Children of Chernobyl

“Children of Chernobyl is my musical interpretation of an imagery I created as the opening statement for my debate at age 11 on the dangers of nuclear energy. It depicts the contrast between the fun and innocence vs the empty desolation at a children’s playground in Chernobyl the day before & after the nuclear leak in 1986.

This piece of work won me the Honoree of the 2022 NYSSMA Winter Conference Composer Showcase.”

— Hayden Fung

但願人長久

“但願人長久 is my 1st work ever to be publicly performed at the Celebratory Concert of YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel in Hong Kong, for it’s award with Honourable Mention the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. At age 7, I was the youngest composer featured.

Composed for the noh-kan (a Japanese flute) & the clarinet, I was privileged to have Mr. Kohei Nishikawa, a dual classical & traditional trained professional musician, travel from Japan to Hong Kong premier my work.”

— Hayden Fung

YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel, Hong Kong

1.31.2016