| Thursday 08 January 2026 | 19:30 |
| Debussy, Claude (1862-1918) | Sonata for flute, viola and harp | |
| Respighi, Ottorino (1879-1936) | Il tramonto (The Sunset) | |
| Elgar, Sir Edward (1857-1934) | Piano Quintet in A minor, Op.84 |
| Paul Huang | Violin |
| Richard Lin | Violin |
| Hao-Tun Teng | Violin |
| Chieh-An Tseng | Violin |
| Timothy Ridout | Viola |
| Jubel Chen | Viola |
| Daniel Müller-Schott | Cello |
| Ying-Chi Tang | Cello |
| Anders Norell | Flute |
| Shannon Shuen Chieh | Harp |
| Jennifer Johnson Cano | Mezzo-soprano |
| Inon Barnatan | Piano |
In the turbulent years surrounding World War I, artists created amidst a world in flux. The three works presented here reflect the realities of that time, serving as the very foundation for this program's concept.
Debussy's Sonata for Viola, Flute, and Harp was completed during the war. With its novel instrumentation and seamless transitions between movements, it radiates a breathtaking beauty akin to a serene riverside scene — an unexpected vision of calm amidst the chaos.
Respighi's Il Tramonto for Mezzo-soprano and String Quartet draws inspiration from Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem "The Sunset", with mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano and string quartet bringing forth a delicate dialogue between music and verse. This interplay creates a serene yet layered atmosphere, evoking a sense of profound stillness.
Elgar's Piano Quintet in A minor, composed in his later years, is a work of profound structural integrity and emotional depth. Its resonating echoes feel like a whispered reflection on the past. Violinist Paul Huang and his close friends offer a nuanced interpretation that allows you to connect with the composer's inner emotions.