Shaw Pong Liu '08 MM Joins Semiosis Quartet as Violinist

Alumna Shaw Pong Liu '08 MM has become the newest member of the Semiosis Quartet. Known for her work at the intersection of music, social change, and community engagement, Liu brings a dynamic presence to the Boston-based string quartet, which is dedicated to expanding the repertoire and promoting diverse artistic voices. Shaw Pong Liu is now a member of the ensemble alongside Alumna Amelia H. Ames ‘03 MM.

Semiosis Quartet has made a name for itself through innovative programming and collaborations. In August 2019, the quartet appeared at Tanglewood with Bill Barclay and Concert Theatre Works for the premiere of The Chevalier, a production highlighting the life and music of Joseph Bologne, the Chevalier de Saint-Georges. The ensemble has worked with a wide array of artists and organizations, including Nia Imani Franklin, Ogni Suono, Goethe Institut Boston, and Infrequent Seams. Through a grant from the American Music Project, Semiosis has championed the works of American women composers such as NEC alumna Florence Price, Ruth Crawford Seeger, Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, Shelley Washington, and Caroline Shaw.

Shaw Pong Liu, an accomplished violinist, erhu player, and composer, is widely recognized for her work in musical storytelling and social activism. Through projects like Code Listen—a five-year initiative bringing together mothers affected by homicide, Boston police officers, and teen artists—she has used music as a tool for dialogue and healing. A frequent collaborator with the Silkroad Ensemble, Sonic Joy, and Soul Yatra Trio, Liu has also received commissions from organizations such as A Far Cry, Lorelei Ensemble, and Community MusicWorks. Her work has earned her recognition as a 2018 Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Fellow and a 2020 Boston Celtics “Heroes Among Us” honoree.

We applaud you, Shaw!