Janáček Chamber Music

PROGRAMME

Leoš Janáček (1854-1928)

Violin Sonata

Pohádka for Cello & Piano

Sinfonietta (arr. Piano Duet)

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS

Andy Deng (Piano)

Ao (Andy) Deng is a Chinese pianist and educator with a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Studies from the Royal Northern College of Music and both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, all with distinction. A prizewinner in competitions across China, Australia, and the UK, he has performed at major venues including Wigmore Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and Nottingham’s Albert Hall. His recent highlights include solo and concerto performances across Europe and Australia, work with the Hallé Steve Reich Festival, and multiple premieres at RNCM. As an educator, he has taught at top institutions and coached award-winning students, while also serving as an accompanist, adjudicator, and 2025 Benedetti Foundation Education Ambassador.

Xiaqiangege Liu (Piano)

Xiaqiangege Liu is a Chinese collaborative pianist with degrees from the Royal Northern College of Music and Wuhan Conservatory, both awarded with distinction. She has performed in international festivals including IPAI Bavaria and Pienza Summer Festival, earning full Young Artist scholarships, and appeared at venues like the Bridgewater Hall. Xia has collaborated across diverse genres, including classical Chinese art songs and ballet, and served as pianist for institutions such as Junior RNCM, University of Manchester, and University of Huddersfield. Also an award-winning soloist, she teaches at Enhui Music in London and continues to build her career as a performer, accompanist, and educator.

Hanwen Feng (Cello)

Hanwen Feng is a Chinese cellist and recent graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, where she studied on scholarship with Cecilia Radic and others, following her undergraduate training at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. She has performed extensively across China and Europe, including solo recitals and televised appearances, and was principal cellist in a major commemorative video for the 70th anniversary of the PRC. Hanwen has studied with renowned cellists such as Michel Strauss and Liwei Qin, and participated in masterclasses with leading international artists, showcasing her commitment to both performance and artistic development.

Jocelyn Lau (Violin)

Jocelyn Lau is a Hong Kong-born violinist based in Manchester, holding both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees with distinction from the Royal Northern College of Music. She has performed widely as a soloist, including with the Hazel Grove Symphony Orchestra, and was a finalist in several RNCM competitions. Passionate about chamber music, Jocelyn is a member of the Calder Piano Trio and Agogo Quartet, having also toured with the Khiasmos Quartet. Her orchestral experience includes performances with the Irish National Opera, Youth Greater Bay Area Orchestra under Daniel Harding, and the Korean National Symphony Orchestra, reflecting her versatility across solo, chamber, and ensemble settings.

Host or Publisher Forsyth Brothers Limited