PIXERCISE

PIXERCISE began as a single-breath piece by Annie Hui-Hsin Hsieh, commissioned for my Coming Up for Air project, which invites composers to explore the limits of breath in performance. The original instruction was simple: play the highest note possible on the piccolo and complete as many sit-ups as you can in a single breath.

Since then, the piece has evolved through extensive collaboration. I’ve undertaken—and continue—a 12-month exercise programme developed with a professional personal trainer, focusing on core strength and the physical power required for both cardio and strength training. This regimen is directly informed by the demands of piccolo performance, bridging musical practice with embodied conditioning.