#United States #New York #Veronika Wu #Tomoki Tai #Cello Suite

Veronika Wu's Intimate Journey Beneath the Waves

New York, November 10, 2025 – The music world is abuzz with excitement as composer Veronika Wu announces the completion of her latest project, Under the Ocean: Mermaid – A Cello Suite, set for release in 2026. This deeply immersive six-movement work is the result of months of earnest collaboration and creativity, channeling the ethereal whispers of the ocean's depths through the moving melodies of the cello.

The album features the masterful performance of Tomoki Tai, one of the most celebrated cellists today, showcasing his ability to elicit a wide range of emotions from his instrument. The recordings took place at SOUND INN STUDIOS in Tokyo, Japan, a hub known for its state-of-the-art facilities and acoustics that complement the richness of Wu’s compositional style.

Under the Ocean: Mermaid invites listeners into a sonic experience that beautifully intertwines themes of mythology, emotion, and ecology. Each movement offers a reflective piece on the ocean’s hidden beauty and fragility, resonating deeply with anyone who has ever pondered the mysteries of the sea. Wu explains her motivation for the suite, saying, “This work serves as a voice that emanates from beneath the ocean. Each movement conveys an emotion too profound to vocalize. Through this suite, I hope to create a space where those submerged voices are felt, if not entirely understood.”

A Poetic Exploration

The six movements of the suite are titled:
1. A Mermaid Without Legs
2. Breathing in the Dark Ocean
3. Humming a Melody Too Loud to Sing
4. Peeling the Scales Elegantly
5. Twitching Lips Blowing Black Bubbles
6. Say I Hear You Hearing Me

Each section unfolds like a translucent poem, navigating the delicate boundaries between sound and silence. Wu strives to create a narrative that balances the mythological and the immediate, combining the expressive capabilities of Tai’s cello with her unique timbral vision. Together, they form a soundscape that resonates with both fragility and power, echoing the vastness of the ocean while engaging with human experiences.

The creative process saw the direction of renowned producer Tomomichi Takeoka, with the technical expertise of sound engineer Kazunori Okamoto, and mastering by Mie White. The visual identity of the album, crafted by Patrick Jakhari Sanders, reflects the album's fluid themes through a design that captures movement, light, and depth, resonating with the aquatic inspirations behind Wu’s music.

An Artistic Milestone

For Wu, Under the Ocean: Mermaid represents a critical juncture in her artistic journey. With a keen fascination for stories woven through sound, Wu’s music refuses to conform to simple classifications. It transcends genres, merging elements of concert music and cinematic narrative while maintaining a strong ecological awareness.

“We are small, and our understanding of nature remains limited,” Wu comments poignantly, “Yet the ocean, much like our lives, is unpredictable and uncontrollable. In this shared truth, we find commonality.”

As fans eagerly await the release in 2026, more details and updates can be found at veronikawu.com. The anticipation for this evocative cello suite only grows, promising to be a profound exploration of both the oceanic depths and the human spirit.