Cello-Piano Duo Concert: Paul Lee & Rachel Song: POSTPONED

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:
Due to the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic situation in New Zealand, we have made the difficult decision to postpone this event until further notice. Apologies and hope everyone is staying safe.

After much demand, cellist Paul Lee and pianist Rachel Song will be joining forces to bring a concert full of musical adventure. They will be performing works by composers from all around the globe and introduce audiences to a variety of cultures and colours in their performances.

Programme:
Beethoven- Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 5 in D major, Op. 102 No. 2
Rachmaninov- Vocalise

Interval

Piazzolla- Le Grand Tango
Franck- Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano (Transcribed for Cello)

Paul Lee is currently a cellist in the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and has performed as Associate Principal on several occasions. Being a graduate from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music he has obtained a Master of Music degree in Cello Performance under the tutelage of Jean-Michel Fonteneau. Paul received his Bachelor of Music (Honours) from the University of Auckland studying under Edith Salzmann and Eliah Sakakushev von-Bismarck. He also considers Amos Yang, Assistant Principal Cello of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra as his mentor.

He was awarded scholarships including the University of Auckland Cello Bursary Scholarship, Terry Spragg Scholarship and the San Francisco Conservatory Scholarship. Paul, who has always been intrigued in learning new aspects of music has performed in masterclasses with pianists Ekaterina Dershavina, David Dolan, Caroline Almonte and cellists Mark Kosower, Ole Akahoshi, Eric Kim, Nicholas Tzavaras and Tim Gill.

Paul’s orchestral experience includes being the Principal Cellist of the San Francisco Conservatory Orchestra, Wallace Chamber Orchestra, University of Auckland Symphony and the Auckland Youth Orchestra. He has also had opportunities to perform with the Berkeley Symphony as Associate Principal, San Francisco Ballet Orchestra and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. He has performed under the baton of Edwin Outwater and Martin West and has recorded for radio broadcasts such as RNZ and Classical KDFC.

As an eager chamber musician, Paul has collaborated with many internationally-recognized artists which include violinists Jonathan Morton, Clio Gould, Elisabeth Kufferath and cellists Peter Hoerr, Ramon Jaffe and Alvin Wong. In chamber music, he has worked extensively with Bonnie Hampton, Dimitri Murrath, Ian Swensen, Paul Hersh, Simon James and the Telegraph String Quartet. He was an invited guest to perform alongside the cello members of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra as part of their sanctuary concerts and also a member of the Auckland Cellists.

Rachel Song is a South Korean-born New Zealand pianist who completed her Masters of Music in classical piano performance at the University of Auckland. She received numerous awards and scholarships during her tertiary studies in Auckland and has participated in various music festivals and competitions including ROSL, Wallace International music festival, Gisborne International music competition and Lee University International Piano Festival.

As a dedicated collaborative pianist, she has performed extensively throughout New Zealand with various ensembles and choirs. She has built a unique connection with the North Shore Youth Music with director Vanessa Kay since 2009 and frequently embarks tours with talented students; their most recent tour held in Tasmania.

As well as being a performer, she is a passionate and experienced music teacher. She has been teaching privately and in institutions for over 10 years based in North Shore and produced outstanding students. Also, from time to time, she flies to third-world countries as part of a missionary group to teach music.