House Concert: Works from China to Europe for Cello & Piano

-- IMPORTANT VENUE CHANGE: NOW IN RIVER OAKS --
Date: Sunday, April 19, 2025
Time: Doors open at 6:45 PM | Performance at 7:30 PM
Location: 1925 Sharp Place, Houston, TX 77019 (Hosted by Nair Del Vecchio)

Join us for an unforgettable house concert featuring acclaimed cellist David Dietz and pianist Tong Wang performing captivating works by Fazıl Say, Alice Ping Yee Ho, and Ludwig van Beethoven. The musicians will also share personal insights and reflections on the pieces, offering a deeper understanding and appreciation of each composition.

Program:

Fazil Say – Four Cities (2003)

• Sivas
• Hopa
• Ankara
• Bodrum

Alice Ping Yee Ho – Four Impressions of China (2023)

• Hunan
• Tibet
• Heilongjiang
• Hong Kong

— Intermission —

Ludwig van Beethoven – Cello Sonata No. 3, Op. 69

• I. Allegro, ma non tanto
• II. Scherzo
• III. Adagio cantabile

What’s Special About These House Concert Evenings:

• 🎶 Inspiring Performances: Experience profound artistry in a comfortable and intimate setting.
• 🍽️ Potluck Gathering: Bring a dish or bottle to share and contribute to the evening’s communal spirit. (Contributions are welcome but not required.)
• 💬 A Personal Touch: Gain insight as the artists share brief, meaningful reflections about the pieces they perform.
• 🤝 Community and Connection: Engage with fellow music lovers and the artists in a relaxed, friendly environment, fostering a true sense of community.

About the China Tour:

The concert supports Tong Wang and David Dietz’s upcoming cello-piano tour "Four Impressions of China," combining ethnomusicology research, public masterclasses, and recital performances across China. This tour features the international premiere of Alice Ping Yee Ho’s Canada Council commissioned work, as well as compositions by Fazil Say, Fuhong Shi, and a new commission by Wendy Lee. The artists will collaborate with prestigious institutions including the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. For detailed information about the tour, click here.

Private donations and patron support are deeply appreciated to help bring this meaningful cultural exchange to life.

Space is limited. Reserve your spot now and join us for this one-of-a-kind, heartwarming evening of music and camaraderie.

About the Duo David Dietz (cello) and Tong Wang (piano) embarked on their collaborative journey at the Windwood Music Festival (WMF) in 2023. As integral members of the Mountain Time Trio, their performances have graced venues such as Kensington Place and Fondation Kin in Montreal, as well as the St. Peter's Recital Series, 10,000 Hours, and In Concert for Cambodia in Ottawa. Looking ahead, their 2024 schedule includes appearances in Airdrie, Houston, Basel, and Paris.

About David Dietz Cellist David Dietz's musical footprint spans across North America and Europe, showcasing his versatility as both a performer and educator. Currently based in Houston, Texas, Dietz is an active participant in the local music scene, performing in chamber ensembles, as a solo artist, and in orchestras. Recent highlights of his career include engagements with MUSIQA Houston, Aperio Ensemble, Monarch Chamber Players, Ars Lyrica, and DACAMERA Young Artists, as well as performances at the Klangspuren Festival in Innsbruck, Austria, and the Windwood Music Festival in Alberta, Canada. As a founding member of Trio Menil, Dietz celebrated winning the Grand Prize and the Odyssey Chamber Music Series Award at the 2023 Plowman Chamber Music Competition. His commitment to music extends to teaching, serving as an Instructor of Cello at Lone Star College and maintaining a vibrant private studio. Dietz is an alumnus of Indiana University, holding a Bachelor’s Degree and Performer Diploma, and he recently completed his master’s degree at Rice University.

About Tong Wang Tong Wang, a Canadian artist, is recognized for her innovative contributions to performance, research, and community engagement. Her work investigates the intersection of art with identity, culture, and contemporary socio-political themes. Wang's performance history includes collaborations with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Red Deer Symphony Orchestra, and various ensembles throughout North America and Europe. A versatile artist, she has also ventured into operatic composition with “Labyrinth of Tears”, supported by the Canada Council, FRQSC, and SSHRC. Among her creative projects are “Song of Praise”, “Ghiblilane”, and “Once Upon a Pumpkin”, alongside research into the aesthetics of "cuteness" in music. Wang’s recent tours have spotlighted multiculturalism and interactive concert experiences, such as “我们Us” and “We’re Not Really Strangers”. In 2022, she founded the Windwood Music Festival in Airdrie, Alberta, to bring classical chamber music to rural communities. With Duo Perdendosi, Wang has embarked on tours across the US, Canada, and is slated to tour eastern Europe in Spring 2024 with the program “Dark Tales”, showcasing her dedication to fostering global connections through art. tong-wang.com

Host or Publisher Memorial Classical Music Series