Echoes of the Orient – Katie Yao Morgan
Echoes of the Orient – the debut album from pianist Katie Yao Morgan – releases on Naxos World on July 25th, 2025.
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.
As Echoes of the Orient grew from an idea, Angeline was hit with a disappointing reality. Due to her carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome, she would be unable to perform these pieces with the necessary intensity required of studio sessions. Fortunately, she knew the perfect person to step in and play the music–seasoned performer Katie Yao Morgan.
Having met when Katie was just four years old, Angeline, her tutor, recognised Katie as a child prodigy. The relationship became personal as, over the years, a deep and cherished friendship blossomed. Katie was naturally delighted to be asked to perform. As she explains,
“Angeline has always held a special place in my heart as the person who started my musical journey. I truly believe that without such a supportive teacher from the onset, I might not have made it to where I am today. Although I studied under her guidance for a brief period, she has consistently supported all my musical achievements, attending my concerts no matter whether they were close to home or across the sea in the Netherlands! Angeline has always been there to witness and celebrate my successes. So, when she approached me for this amazing project, I had no hesitation at all—I absolutely wanted to play!”
Buoyed by Katie’s support, Angeline developed a series of remarkable compositions. Katie also created two compositions herself. The songs are inspired by flora, fauna, and fairy tales, with bustling markets, human interactions, and all facets of natural beauty fuelling the music, which is stunningly performed in a phenomenal debut.
The theme of nature is perhaps best explored in the album’s first single ‘Plum Blossom’, featuring Xiao Wang on Chinese erhu – released on July 4th, 2025. Following swiftly is the single ‘Ikan Kekek’, released on July 18th, a melodious Malay folk song featuring a mix of the original tune and new material, inspired by Angeline’s childhood memories.
Katie Yao Morgan makes her stunning debut with Echoes of the Orient. Of British and Chinese descent, she began playing the piano at the age of four. Devoting her life to music, she has amassed numerous awards and has performed live across Europe. She has studied under notable names such as Marcel Baudet, Jean-Claude Vanden Eynden, Edith Fischer, and Jorge Pepi-Alos. Katie completed her Bachelor of Classical Piano in 2022 at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, under the guidance of Frank Peters. She also completed a Master’s in Répétiteurship in 2024. Since 2018, alongside studying, Katie has greatly enjoyed teaching students of all ages.
Join Katie Yao Morgan and Angeline Bell as they reminisce and reflect with Echoes of the Orient.
For further information please contact Amelia Zimmatore | amelia@arcmusic.co.uk | +44(0)1342 770478
ARC Music Productions Int Ltd, PO Box 111, East Grinstead, RH19 4FZ, UK | www.arcmusic.co.uk