Katie Yao Morgan & Angeline Bell - Echoes of the Orient (2025)

Breathtaking piano compositions by Angeline Bell that weave together nostalgic reflections of her Malaysian childhood with the rich tapestry of East Asian folk influences. Performed by her former student Katie Yao Morgan, this collection of evocative pieces transports listeners through bustling markets, tranquil landscapes and cherished personal memories. Featuring the exquisite sounds of the Chinese erhu by Xiao Wang, this album is a heartfelt fusion of East and West, blending tradition with contemporary expression.

Echoes of the Orient is a musical reminiscence composed by Morgan’s onetime tutor and longtime friend, Angeline Bell. The album draws inspiration from various elements that evoke a sense of belonging and nostalgia. These recollections and reflections of Angeline’s homeland, Malaysia, and East Asia in general, drive the music of the album.

Angeline first arrived in England in 1987 and later studied music at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, while travelling to London for piano lessons with Ruth Harte at the Royal Academy of Music. After earning her Postgraduate Certificate in Education, she taught music in a secondary school before founding Bell Piano School. With thirty years of teaching experience, she began composing for piano in 2022. Her work soon attracted the attention of Editions Musica Ferrum, which has since published five piano books comprising 99 pieces. The score for Echoes of the Orient will be available from September 25, 2025. In the summer of 2023, inspired by cherished childhood memories, she began composing autobiographical pieces reflecting her upbringing in Malaysia. Some were influenced by East Asian folk tunes, others by the region’s natural habitat, and a few captured meaningful family moments.

“I feel incredibly honoured to have been part of the recording for Echoes of the Orient. Angeline’s beautiful compositions, ‘Blue Lotus’, ‘Monsoon’ and ‘Plum Blossom’, all deeply resonated with me and touched my heart. From the moment I first played these pieces, I immediately fell in love with them. The melodies are gentle, expressive, and full of imagination, while the three distinct styles each perfectly suit the erhu. I believe Angeline has a remarkable understanding of how to bring out the unique qualities of the erhu and blend it beautifully with the piano.” – Xiao Wang.

TRACKLIST

1. Katie Yao Morgan & Angeline Bell - Bell: Grandfather’s Grocery Store
2. Katie Yao Morgan & Angeline Bell - Bell: Ikan Kekek
3. Katie Yao Morgan & Angeline Bell - Bell: Blue Lotus
4. Katie Yao Morgan & Angeline Bell - Bell: Little Brook
5. Katie Yao Morgan & Angeline Bell - Bell: Kanchil
6. Katie Yao Morgan & Angeline Bell - Bell: Wa Ha Ha
7. Katie Yao Morgan & Angeline Bell - Morgan: Butterfly Lovers
8. Katie Yao Morgan & Angeline Bell - Bell: Azalea
9. Katie Yao Morgan & Angeline Bell - Bell: Monsoon
10. Katie Yao Morgan & Angeline Bell - Bell: Timid Tapir
11. Katie Yao Morgan & Angeline Bell - Bell: Misty Shore
12. Katie Yao Morgan & Angeline Bell - Bell: Jeram Toi Waterfall
13. Katie Yao Morgan & Angeline Bell - Bell: Weeping Willow
14. Katie Yao Morgan & Angeline Bell - Bell: Gingko Biloba
15. Katie Yao Morgan & Angeline Bell - Bell: Jasmine
16. Katie Yao Morgan & Angeline Bell - Bell: Plum Blossom
17. Katie Yao Morgan & Angeline Bell - Morgan: Market Havoc