Jonathan Békés and Ying Ho
Jonathan Békés, cello
Ying Ho, piano
Jonathan Békés and Ying Ho have been performing together for over 10 years. They regularly appear in Virtuosi Tasmania's concert series. They have received five-star Limelight Magazine reviews for their recitals. Jo St Leon wrote, "pianist Ying Ho and cellist Jonathan Békés's extraordinary recital was a gift. They had a unanimity of conception throughout, and an extraordinary level of communication. Both players had a wonderful sense of foreground and background; they switched from one to the other so seamlessly, it almost seemed balletic at times."
Together with violinist Fox Chan, they founded the acclaimed piano trio, Estivo Trio, the only Australian piano trio selected for the 2015 Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition. They have performed for Musica Viva Australia, at the Melbourne Recital Centre, given masterclasses at the Orange Conservatorium, and toured Europe, China and America together.
Jonathan is currently Principal Cellist of the Tasmania Symphony Orchestra, cellist in the Tasmanian String Quartet and regularly performs with the Australian World Orchestra. He is an active recitalist, chamber musician and has also curated programs for the TSO Live Sessions.
Ying Ho is one of the most sought-after collaborative pianists having performed with many leading Australian and international artists. She regularly performs in all the major concert venues in Australia. She has been a Musica Viva Regional touring artist, and has also worked with Sydney Symphony under conductors such as Simone Young. She is currently Head of Keyboard at MLC School in Sydney and lectures in chamber music at the Sydney Conservatorium.
War and Peace
A meditation on war and peace
This concert focuses on bringing together Russian and Ukrainian composers. It will include cello and piano sonatas from two prominent 20th century Soviet composers, Shostakovich and Schnittke, both of whom send strong political messages through their music. The Schnittke sonata in particular is very intense. Both sonatas represent the "war" aspect of the program. On the other spectrum is the “Silent Songs” by living Ukrainian composer Valentine Silvestrov, a set of beautiful songs originally written for voice and piano, transcribed here for cello and piano. These songs represent the "peace” side of the program.
Shostakovich Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 40
Schnittke Sonata for Cello and Piano
Silvestrov Silent Songs
More videos will be available later in 2023.
A grand piano tuned the day of the performance
Two adjustable piano stools
Optional: Projector for artworks as a visual backdrop
Both Jonathan and Ying are experienced teachers and are happy to provide a wide variety of workshops and masterclass activities.
July
Book an artist
Travel to centres in regional NSW is subsidised through the support of Create NSW. Musica Viva Australia can book the artists, arrange all travel and accommodation, provide posters, flyers and program information.
If you are interested in bringing an ensemble to your town or city, please contact:
Patrick Brearley
Manager, Regional Touring & Special Projects
02 8394 6662