The Blue Rock Sessions: Bion Tsang & Wendy Chen

Join the Vancouver Chamber Music Society featuring cellist Bion Tsang and pianist* Wendy Chen as they present highlights from Bion’s famous “The Blue Rock Sessions.” Inspired by the picturesque Blue Rock Artist Ranch and Studio, Bion cultivated and rearranged beloved melodies with virtuosity, artistry and sincerity. Retreat with Bion and Wendy with The Blue Rock Sessions live in concert. Presented by the Vancouver Chamber Music Society (VCMS) in collaboration with Anvil Theatre.

Programme:
Claude Debussy – Sonata for Cello and Piano, L. 135
Felix Mendelssohn – Sonata in D Major, Op. 58
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Manuel de Falla – Suite Populaire Espagnole
Pyotr Iliych Tchaikovsky – Melodie in E-flat, Op. 42, No. 3
Christoph Willibald Gluck – Mélodie from Orpheus and Eurydice
Giovanni Sgambati – Serenata Napoletana, Op. 24
Johannes Brahms – Hungarian Dance No. 5

Bion Tsang, cello

“A cellist of remarkable gifts” – The New York Times

Bion Tsang has been internationally recognized as one of the outstanding instrumentalists of his generation: among his many honours are an Avery Fisher Career Grant, an MEF Career Grant and the Bronze Medal in the IX International Tchaikovsky Competition. As a chamber musician, Mr. Tsang has collaborated with such artists as violinists Pamela Frank, violist Michael Tree, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and pianist Leon Fleisher. He has been a frequent guest artist of chamber music societies and festivals across North America. Mr. Tsang plays on a Wayne Burak workbench series cello made in April 2011.

Wendy Chen, piano

Wendy Chen debuted with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the age of 15 under conductor André Previn. She won First Prize in the National Chopin Competition, the Young Concert Artists auditions, was an inaugural recipient of the Gilmore Young Artists Award, and was named a Presidential Scholar by the National Foundation for the Arts. Ms. Chen is one of the most sought after pianists and chamber musicians, performing on many of the world’s most prestigious concert stages. She gives masterclasses and lectures throughout the US, and serves as panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts.

*Due to injury, pianist Anton Nel has been replaced with Wendy Chen.

Subscriptions for the series are available by calling 604-521-5050

Vancouver Chamber Music Society

The Vancouver Chamber Music Society is the leading presenter in western Canada of high-calibre chamber music featuring world-renowned chamber ensembles, and solo and recital artists. Their program, steeped in the rich tradition of classical music, meets contemporary audiences in a familiar and intimate way at the modern theatre space in New Westminster’s modern Anvil Centre.