Albert Wu

About Me

Music has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember. I began studying the violin at seven years old and continued through the end of high school. That foundation eventually led me to the French horn, and in 2022 I graduated from the University of British Columbia’s School of Music with a major in French Horn Performance.

During my time at UBC, I performed with the UBC Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Beyond the university, I have freelanced across the Lower Mainland, performing with groups such as the BC Philharmonic and the Vancouver Chamber Orchestra. I have also worked as a session musician on a range of projects — from independent indie recordings to full brass ensemble sessions — I prioritize offering color for the style of recording.

Alongside performance, I began composing in 2018. My works are strongly influenced by Japanese anime soundtracks. Since then, my writing has expanded from solo and piano works to full symphonic compositions. My music has been read by the UBC Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and recorded by various players and groups.

In 2020, my curiosity about the “behind-the-scenes” side of music led me into recording and audio engineering. I wanted to understand how performances were preserved — what is gained, what is lost, and how to bridge that gap. I am currently mentored by and assist Andrew Smith of Vancouver Live Sound during recordings of Turning Point Ensemble, a professional classical contemporary ensemble. Working in that environment has strengthened my belief that engineering is not merely technical work, but interpretive work.

My philosophy in recording is simple: I am not trying to capture sound alone — I am trying to capture a performance. Because I am a trained musician, I listen for phrasing and intention. I prioritize portraying these two points in all my recordings, and I am willing to experiment with unorthodox techniques when necessary to preserve what makes a performance special. In the end, my recordings are compelling because they have character and are alive. For me, the most important task of an engineer is not a perfect product, but honesty and accuracy in portraying a performance with all circumstances considered.

Whether performing, composing, or recording, I approach music with the same intention: to listen carefully, to respect the craft, and to serve the work before myself.