Perennial favorites David Finckel and Wu Han return to the Schenectady Museum – Union College Concert Series for a performance on Saturday, January 10, at 8 p.m. in Union College's Memorial Chapel.
The program is to include Beethoven's Sonata for piano and cello in A major, Op. 69; Shostakovich's Sonata for cello and piano in D minor, Op. 40; and Grieg's Sonata for cello and piano in A minor, Op. 36.
Husband and wife duo cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han have attracted international attention with their profound artistry and their unique musical synergy. As the Washington Post wrote, “… what made [the performance] particularly memorable was the degree of exquisitely intimate ensemble achieved by Finckel and pianist Wu Han, with spontaneity, vigor and seamless melody.” Last season, they made their debut at London's Wigmore Hall, New York's 92nd Street Y and at the Smithsonian Institution and performed and recorded the Beethoven cycle at the Aspen Music Festival.
Born into a family of cellists, David Finckel began his musical studies with his father, composer Edwin Finckel, and made his debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the age of 15. A member of the Emerson String Quartet since 1979, Finckel has performed in virtually every music capital in the world.
Wu Han began her musical studies in Taiwan at the age of nine. A regular participant at the Marlboro Music Festival and other summer festivals, she recently made her debut with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.
Together, David Finckel and Wu Han have recently launched the ArtistLed record label, the first musician-directed and Internet-based recording company. Their debut recording includes sonatas of Chopin, Grieg, and Shumann's Adagio and Allegro. Additional releases include sonatas of Strauss and Franck and cello music by Edwin Finckel.
Memorial Chapel is located near the center of the Union campus. Parking is available on campus and on nearby sidestreets.
Tickets, at $15 ($7 for students), are available in advance at the Schenectady Museum (518)382-7890 and at the door at 7 p.m. For more information, call 372-3651.