The first Quadra Cultural Events concert for 2019 is scheduled, and it’s a doozy.
Bryan and Silvie Cheng will bring their world-class classical chops to the Quadra Island Community Centre on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Named one of CBC Music’s “30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30,” the Cheng² Duo (pronounced Cheng Squared Duo) is celebrated by audiences and critics alike for its artistic excellence, generous spirit, and compelling vibrancy. The brother-and sister duo is formed by 21-year-old cellist Bryan Cheng, recipient of the 2017 Canada Council for the Arts Michael Measures Prize, and pianist Silvie Cheng, recipient of the Roy M. Rubinstein Award for exceptional promise in piano performance.
Quickly becoming an audience favourite wherever they perform, the dynamic Cheng² Duo has been making music together for the past 15 years.
The duo’s refreshing approach to making classical music accessible to new audiences of all backgrounds is steeped in a rare balance of infectious joy and enthusiasm in their playing on one hand, and mature, historically informed, and profound interpretations on the other.
With wide-ranging repertoire from Baroque to Contemporary, from original arrangements inspired by folk music to new commissioned works, the duo has presented engaging recitals in notable venues throughout North America (Canada and USA), Europe (Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Holland, Italy), and Asia (China and South Korea).
They have established a reputation for being invited for return engagements at prestigious venues and festivals, including Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall (NY), the National Gallery of Canada, the Festival of the Sound (ON), Vermont’s Pro-Concert Series, and Ottawa Chamberfest. Cheng² Duo has also been featured at numerous other international festivals, including Aspen (Colorado, US), Trasimeno (Italy), and CAMMAC (Quebec), as well as on CBC Radio, ICI Musique, and Radio-Canada International, Winnipeg Classic 107, Vermont Public Radio, WCRB Classical Music Boston, WCNY Classic FM, and Kulturradio RBB Germany.
Their 2017-18 season highlights include debut recitals at the Waterside Summer Series (Amherst Island), Cornwall Concert Series, Virtuosi Series (Winnipeg), Concerts at McMaster (Hamilton), Chamber Music at the Clark (Los Angeles), Cecilia Concerts (Halifax), and tours throughout British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario. The duo released its debut album, Violoncelle français, on the German classical label audite in 2016, which has been lauded by international press and publications in France, Luxembourg, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, and USA for its “musical sensitivity,” “maturity and perfection,” “taste, sure flair for phrasing, and beauty of sound.” Their sophomore album, featuring Spanish works, Violonchelo del fuego, was recently released in June 2018.
The organizers say the series wouldn’t be possible without “the many volunteers who help us to present high quality artists at very reasonable prices. Thanks are also due to the Government of Canada, Canadian Arts Presentation Fund, the Province of British Columbia, BC Touring Council, British Columbia Arts Council and Electoral Area C through Jim Abram. Their financial support through various grants is invaluable.”
Advance tickets for the Jan. 26 event are available for $17 at Inspirations, Works of H’Art, The Music Plant in Campbell River and online at tidemarktheatre.com. Tickets will also be available at the door for $20. Please note that students who are 16 years and under are admitted free for this classical concert when accompanied by an adult.