All for Music - Music for All
“SUBLIME PLAYING!!! You sound spectacular! I LOVE the way you play DOUBLE HELIX! So musical, colorful, artful, sensitive, nuanced and passionate. Just brilliant!!!
Augusta Read Thomas, Composer, Professor of Music, University of Chicago
L’Étoile Violin Duo
Described as “outstanding” (Martín Llade, Melómano music magazine), L’Étoile Violin Duo was created by violinists Hsin-Lin Tsai and Miguel Pérez-Espejo Cárdenas as a result of their love for chamber music and, in particular, to explore, develop and expand the violin duo literature.
They perform throughout the United States, Europe and Taiwan, including invitations from the Instituto Cervantes of New York City and its Director, distinguished writer Antonio Muñoz Molina, to present "Spain in Chamber Music"", a four-recital cycle; performances on the European Day of Music celebrations in live radio broadcasts throughout Europe; and CD recordings with the RTVE MUSICA label, of the National Radio of Spain.
Described as "sublime" by distinguished composer Augusta Read Thomas, their playing is characterized by their elegant style, artistic style, superb ensemble technique, and unique ability to bring the personality of music they perform to life. Their versatility is illustrated by their wide repertoire, ranging from the Baroque period to the music of our time. In this respect, L’Étoile Violin Duo has an unwavering commitment to the championing of new works. Augusta Read Thomas, David Lefkowitz, Michael Ippolito and Spanish composer José Zárate are among the contemporary composers whose music is at the core of L’Étoile’s repertoire. The new works they perform cover a broad scope, from abstract tonal and minimalist music to the meter-less expressionistic style best represented by Zárate’s "Little Nice Pieces", dedicated and written for L’Étoile. It is this conviction in music of our present day that has prompted composers from around the world to approach the Duo. Recent and upcoming engagements include The Renewal Series: Concerts in Dialogue with Art and Audience, a unique project of their creation in partnership with Granoff Music Center, Pucker Gallery, and Boston Arts Academy, combining music, dance, literature and the visual arts; performances and master classes in the US Virgin Islands, California and Taiwan, including at Taipei National University of the Arts. Most recently, L'Étoile Violin Duo received the Granoff Music Fund Grant, and presented the world premiere of Kareem Roustom's "Reflections & Refractions", written for and commissioned by L'Étoile.
In addition to their performing, L’Étoile Violin Duo is deeply committed to education. They are dedicated teachers whose students are First Prize winners and laureates in national and international competitions. Through master classes, residencies and community engagement concerts, L’Étoile reaches audiences of all social and cultural backgrounds, fostering communication and understanding through a kaleidoscope of extraordinary music.
Photograph by Raymond Huang.
Donate today!
L’Étoile Violin Duo is happy to announce that we are a Fractured Atlas fiscally sponsored project. This non-profit arts service organization allows us to accept tax-deductible donations.
Please consider joining The Renewal Series and L’Étoile Violin Duo family of supporters. Contributions of any kind are much appreciated, as even $25 can help us continue to provide impactful and transformative concerts. Donations can be made to the L’Étoile Violin Duo Fractured Atlas non-profit profile through the link below, and are fully tax-deductible. With your participation, we can help create a vibrant cultural community not only for the present, but also for the future.
We are grateful for the generous donations which have made our projects a reality: Julia Wong and Eric Cortell; Katie and Paul Buttenwieser; Maureen and Dan Gordon; Susan and Dennis LaRosee; Emily Levy; Katherine Paget; Sue and Bernie Pucker; David Walton. Thank you!
