Ruiqi Wang

Composer-Vocalist

王睿琪 Ruiqi Wang (pronounced as “Ray-Chee Wong”) is a vocalist, composer and improviser in jazz and experimental music. Based in Tio'tia:ke/Montreal, Canada and Bern, Switzerland, She aims to achieve the greatest freedom and authenticity through her creativity. Her genre-defying aesthetics combine influences from jazz, contemporary Euro-classical music and traditional Chinese music.

Born and raised in Hangzhou, China, Ruiqi moved to Tio’tia:ke/Montreal in 2017 where she studied in McGill’s Jazz Performance program while immersing herself in the vibrant local scene performing in venues such as Upstairs Jazz Club, Ursa, and Le Basement. Ruiqi’s mentors encompass a diverse array of respected artists that includes the likes of Ranee Lee, Camille Thurman, Ayelet Rose Gottlieb, John Hollenbeck, and Meredith Monk. Ruiqi also nurtured her curiosity through the practice of Deep Listening established by trailblazing composer Pauline Oliveros. In addition to the double quartet heard on Ruiqi’s debut album “Subduing the Silence”, her current projects include Ruiqi Wang Chamber Ensemble (woodwinds, string quartet, rhythm section). She also collaborates with August McKinney (piano, modular synthesizer) under the moniker Soft Weathers, an outfit that has moved from interpreting standards toward more exploratory terrain by way of incorporating electronics and free improvisation.

Ruiqi is Currently embarking upon a Masters degree in Music Composition - Contemporary Jazz at the Bern Academy of the Arts in Switzerland.