From High School Playwright to Acclaimed Composer: The Early Years of Sheli Nan
Sheli Nan’s journey into the world of music and composition began in an unexpected place: an advanced writing course. As a teenager, Nan didn’t just participate in the arts; she created them. She wrote and composed a short play and presented it, acting and singing,showcasing her early talent and creativity. This formative experience planted the seeds for what would become a prolific career in music composition.
Nan’s upbringing played a significant role in shaping her artistic path. Born into a musical family in New York, she was surrounded by a diverse range of musical genres, from classical and contemporary music to rock ‘n’ roll. This eclectic environment provided a rich foundation for her artistic development, giving her a unique perspective that she would carry into her later works.
Her formal musical education began with piano lessons from Vivian Rivkin, a Juilliard-trained pianist. This early training laid the groundwork for her technical skills and deepened her understanding of music. But it was her studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, under the guidance of avant-garde jazz pianist Cecil Taylor and musicologist Dr. Carroll Chilton, that truly expanded her horizons. Here, Nan was introduced to experimental music, the avant-garde influences, and the Afrobeat music of Nigeria that would be evident in her later compositions.
Nan’s early career was marked by a series of performances that showcased her original jazz piano compositions and ensemble works. Her first major breakthrough came when she was discovered by Susan Sailow andCharles Amirkhanian of KPFA Radio. This discovery led to the production of her first LP, Acoustic Piano Excursions, released on Fuchsia Records. The album was a bold statement of her musical vision, blending contemporary styles with classical techniques.
One of her earliest notable compositions was the incidental music for Cuchulain – A Tragedy for the Heroic Age by William Butler Yeats, performed by The Bay Theater Collective at the Julia Morgan Theatre. This work highlighted her ability to blend narrative and music, a skill that would later define much of her operatic and oratorio works.
As her career progressed, Nan continued to explore and expand her musical vocabulary. She composed SARAH and HAGAR – The Reconciliation of the Jewish Mother and the Arab Mother, a poignant piece for string quartet and vocalists, performed by musicians from the Oakland Symphony. This work, performed in various venues, including churches and synagogues, demonstrated her interest in using music as a medium for cultural dialogue.
Today, Sheli Nan is celebrated not only for her compositions but also for her contributions to music education. Her early experiences as a high school playwright and composer were just the beginning of a journey that would see her music performed across the United States and Europe. Nan’s story is a testament to the power of early creative expression and the importance of diverse musical influences in shaping an artist’s voice.