Gifted Musicians Collide in "Zing Went the Strings

SARASOTA — "Zing Went the Strings" will combine the music of two of the most prominent young classical musicians of their generation, as pianist Joyce Yang and violinist Augustin Hadelich collaborate on what is sure to be a one-of-a-kind musical event. The production is part of the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota and will be held January 11 and 12 at the Historic Asolo Theater. The duo will perform works from Schumann, Rachmaninoff, Ysaye, Janacek and Previn.

Critically acclaimed as, “the most gifted young pianist of her generation” with a “million-volt stage presence,” pianist Joyce Yang captivates audiences across the globe with her stunning virtuosity combined with heartfelt lyricism and interpretive sensitivity.

At the tender age of 27, she has established herself as one of the leading artists of her generation through her innovative solo recitals and notable collaborations with the world’s top orchestras. In 2010 Yang received an Avery Fisher Career Grant, one of classical music’s most prestigious accolades.

Yang came to international attention in 2005 when she won the silver medal at the 12th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. The youngest contestant, she took home two additional awards: the Steven De Groote Memorial Award for Best Performance of Chamber Music (with the Takàcs Quartet) and the Beverley Taylor Smith Award for Best Performance of a New Work.

Since her spectacular debut, Yang has performed with the world's most notable orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra. In recital, Yang has taken the stage at New York’s Lincoln Center and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, Chicago’s Symphony Center; and Tonhalle in Zurich.

Consistently cited in the press for his “gorgeous tone,” “poetic communication” and “fast-fingered brilliance,” Augustin Hadelich has confirmed his place in the top echelon of young violinists.

Last season, following stellar debuts with the Boston Symphony at Tanglewood and with the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center, he went on to perform with numerous renowned orchestras, including the San Francisco Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic, Toronto Symphony, and Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.

The 2006 gold medalist of the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, Hadelich is also the recipient of Lincoln Center’s Martin E. Segal Award (2012), an Avery Fisher Career Grant (2009) and a Borletti-Buitoni Trust fellowship in the UK (2011). In April 2014, Hadelich will premiere an original work, "Tango Song and Dance," at Kennedy Center.

Tickets are $25 to $45 and can be purchased online at www.artistseriesconcerts.org or by calling 941-360-7399.