Pianist John Chen should be no stranger to Australian audiences, being the youngest-ever winner of the prestigious Sydney International Piano Competition in 2004 at the tender age of 18. He has toured Australia appearing as soloist and with the major symphony orchestras. Musica Viva Audiences have seen John performing with violinist Feng Ning in 2008 and at the Huntington Estate Music Festival in 2010, where he performed with a range of musicians including the Goldner String Quartet and acclaimed violinist Ray Chen.
In 2007 John formed the Saguaro Trio with fellow students at the Colburn Conservatory in Los Angeles, Luanne Homzy on violin and Peter Myers on cello. After a number of competition successes they are currently touring New Zealand for Chamber Music New Zealand and are soon to arrive in Australia where they will appear in Melbourne’s Coffee Concerts series and a tour of regional centres for Musica Viva’s CountryWide program.
In an article in the New Zealand Listener, John contemplates the formation of the Trio, musical compatibility and programming.
“I love chamber music,” says Chen, quickly adding he loves solo piano, too. “But there is something really special, intimate and deeply meaningful about chamber music. I really hope the Saguaro trio will endure.”
Read the full article here.
The response to the Trio’s New Zealand concerts has been overwhelmingly positive.
“The playing was precise, vibrant and superbly balanced, both within the ensemble and in the sections, with every rhythmic and expressive detail in place.” Hawke’s Bay Today
“The trio treat(ed) a large, enthusiastic audience to an evening of the most wonderful music … (they show) great respect for the composers’ intention and tends to gravitate towards simplicity, beauty and lyricism.” The Otago Daily Times
“In the finale (of Schubert’s Piano Trio No 2) the themes were woven into a tapestry of dazzling colour, lyricism and virtuosity. A most enjoyable concert.” The Waikato Times
We look forward to welcoming them to Australia shortly.
