Nathan Wang

Nathan Wang

Nathan Wang is a Chinese-American pianist and composer from the United States. He works across Hollywood and Asian cinema and writes music for film, television, animation, opera and symphonic projects.

Early life and training

Wang begins piano at the age of three, encouraged by his mother. His father later introduces him to jazz. He studies music composition with the Oxford Symphony Orchestra and later serves as a Fulbright scholar.

Film, television and animation

After returning to Los Angeles, Wang plays piano in a bar at a five-star restaurant, where a producer from China Beach hears him and helps lead to work on the series. He goes on to compose for China Beach, Eek! The Cat on Fox, several Disney productions, DreamWorks Animation and multiple Steven Spielberg projects. His work also includes music for Jackie Chan films and Spielberg documentaries.

Collaborations and awards

Wang collaborates with Hans Zimmer on the music for The Last Days, which wins the Academy Award for best documentary in 1999. He also receives seven Dramalogue Awards for best music and sound. For Asian popular music, he writes an arrangement of Faye Wong’s song I’m Willing, which wins the Singapore Grammy.

Stage work

He also writes the musical Imelda, based on the life of former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos, which has a limited run at the David Henry Hwang Theater in Los Angeles.