Liyuan Liu - viola, Lan Cui - piano

Many composers take their first steps in composition through chamber music, where they hone their technical skills before writing for larger ensembles. Chinese composer Zhuang Liu also composed two chamber works during her studies in Shanghai – the first, a lyrical and neoromantic Romance.

Chamber music holds a special place in the oeuvre of Johannes Brahms, known for his motivic economy and formal fluidity. Works such as the Scherzo from the F-A-E Sonata and his viola sonatas (originally written for clarinet) reflect profound expressiveness and depth.

The concert will feature two internationally renowned Chinese musicians. Violist Liyuan Liu, a laureate of the prestigious Young Concert Artists competition in New York, teaches at the Conservatory in Hangzhou. Pianist Lan Cui, trained at the royal conservatories in Brussels and Antwerp as well as the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel, teaches chamber music and art song in Shanghai.