When silence becomes the law, sound becomes rebellion. For composer Chia-Hui Shen, music is not only expression — it is awakening, resistance, and the rediscovery of humanity from beneath imposed quiet.
Her work Rebirth, winner of the Gold Prize in Music Video at the Future Art & Design Award UK 2025 Autumn Season, was praised by the jury as “a striking and emotionally charged composition that powerfully journeys from tension and silence to awakening and freedom.”
Through restrained sound, emotional tension, and a story born in the shadows, Rebirth explores the courage to feel again, to break silence, and to reclaim the voice within — a cinematic composition where music becomes survival and awakening becomes truth.
Interview
1. What initially inspired this project?
Rebirth was born from my reflection on the silent forms of oppression that exist in our modern world.I wanted to express how control, conformity, and emotional suppression can gradually erase our humanity.The story follows Lyra, a woman living in an underground world where silence is the rule.When she begins to compose, her music becomes an act of survival—a quiet awakening of the inner self.Through this work, I hope to remind people that the essence of being alive is not just to function, but to feel, to yearn, and to create.
2. What was the most exciting or most challenging aspect of bringing this work to life?
The most challenging part was translating emotion into sound without relying on words or visuals.I wanted the audience to feel Lyra’s awakening purely through harmony, rhythm, and silence.Every chord progression had to capture that journey—from numbness to rediscovery, from mechanical order to human warmth.The most exciting moment was when I realized that the piece didn’t just tell Lyra’s story—it reflected my own rebirth as an artist, reclaiming my voice through music.
3. How was your experience taking part in the Future Art & Design Award UK?
It was a deeply inspiring experience.The FADA Award provided not only an international stage, but also a sense of connection with artists who are redefining the boundaries between art, design, and emotion.I felt honored that Rebirth could resonate with such a diverse audience and be recognized among creators who share the same vision of art as a language of inner freedom.
Follow the Artist
Blog: https://medium.com/@elliefermata
Blog: https://elliefermata.blogspot.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_musical_fermata
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chsmusic/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@elliefermata?si=377wn95vMp-zB0R8
Biography
Chia-Hui (Ellie) Shen, a Taiwanese pianist/composer,holds a Master of Music degree from the United States, where she majored in piano under the guidance of Dr. Wesley Roberts. During her studies in the U.S.,she performed multiple times at Gheens Recital Hall, showcasing her exceptional skills in solo and four-hand piano repertoire.In recent years, Chia-Hui Shen hasactively participated in music performances both domestically and internationally, dedicating herself to the promotion of music. She serves as the Music Director of the Ars Nova Music and Arts International Exchange Program.In 2019, she collaborated with Italian conductor Paolo Scibilia in an international music exchange concert in Italy, receiving widespread acclaim.This collaboration not only elevated the international visibility of Taiwanesemusicians but also deepened global understanding of Taiwan. The same year, Paolo Scibilia visited Taiwan to collaborate with Chia-Hui Shen, bringing profound interpretations of classical music to local audiences Herperformance in Italy was also featured in an Italian music magazine. In 2020,she was invited to perform at the Association of Female Chinese Physicians,earning widespread praise.In addition to her performances, Chia-HuiShen is deeply committed to promoting music education. As a corporate lecturer,she has conducted numerous talks for various organizations.In recent years, she has focused on music composition, creating several works for solo piano and piano trio. As the leader of the Ars Nova Piano Trio, she frequently performs her original works in Taiwan and abroad.In 2025, her musical composition was awarded the Gold Award in the Performing Arts Category of the Kyla Artist Prizein France, with the achievement reported by Taiwan Economic Daily News andFrench media including Louis Press, ALPS BIZ, and EIFFELPOST. That same year, Ellie received the SilverAward in Performing Arts from the Future Art & Design Awards (UK), later featured in an international press interview with Global Influential.Later in the year, her work Rebirth earned the Golden Award in Performing Arts, marking another milestone in her artistic journey. In both 2025 and 2024, her original compositions Sterna Santa andAcorn Patterns were selected as featured performance pieces at international art fairs in Rome, Venice, and London. In 2024, she won first prize in theCreative Piano Open Category of the Hong Kong International Star of ArtCreation Competition, as well as the championship title at the Asia Arts EliteFestival Competition.Notably, Chia-Hui Shen’s compositions seamlessly blend creativity with innovative themes, addressing various international and social issues to connect deeply with her audience. Whilerooted in classical music traditions, her works remain accessible and resonate profoundly, embodying a unique combination of creativity and memorable artistic expression.
