Tune into 3MBS this Tuesday night for a strings feature episode of The Talent! Violinist Elizabeth Xue and Violin/Viola duet Variazione Duo will treat us to programmes featuring Sarasate, Franck, Martinů, and Handel. Keep reading to learn more about Elizabeth and Variazione Duo.
Elizabeth Xue
Violin
Elizabeth was born into a very musical family. Her mother is an opera singer and music teacher, and her sister plays the piano and cello. She has been influenced by classical music since she was born.
Playing the violin for over 5 years, she is extremely privileged to have Yi Wang (Principal Violin of Orchestra Victoria) as her teacher and Laurence Matheson as her coach.
Practicing violin every day, she accumulates performing experience in concerts - varied settings including Oxford University (UK), Stockholm, Council festivals, Lions Club and aged care homes. Elizabeth has also participated in competitions with numerous awards and prizes (1st Prize Boroondara eisteddfod 2023, 12 and under string solo, 1st Prize MIPSF 2019 Junior Strings 6-8 and more).
She initiated the program “Yummy Music” in 2021 during the lockdown to help children and adults alike to enjoy music during the pandemic, bringing joy to the communities.
Elizabeth will perform:
• Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen
• Franck: Sonata in A Major Recitativo Fantasia
With associate artist Laurence Matheson.
Variazione Duo
Violin/Viola
16-year-old violinist Ji Hun Hwang and violist Tom Protat began studying together in Year 7 at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School in 2020. They are currently in Year 11 studying under Lucy Warren and Gabrielle Halloran. Their love of chamber music forms their synergetic and enthusiastic duo, aiming to share a variety of music lesser known to the standard chamber music repertoire.
Ji Hun has been a finalist of the VCASS Chamber Music Competition in 2023 and was awarded the Robert Stolz Viennese Music Society Scholarship in 2022. Tom won the Music Society of Victoria’s (MSV) Chamber Music Competition in 2023 and has also been awarded the Robert Stolz Viennese Music Society Scholarship in 2024.
Aside from music, these two close friends enjoy outdoor sports like downball and swimming. They also frequently play video games together.
They will perform:
• Bohuslav Martinů: Three Madrigals, I. Poco allegro- Poco Vivo
• Handel/Halvorsen: Passacaglia