Sharon Wei and Friends

Performers

Sarita Kwok and Wendy Sharp, violins
Sharon Wei, viola
Edward Arron, cello
Jeewon Park, piano

Programme

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Duo in G major for Violin and Viola K. 423
Kelly-Marie Murphy: Give me Phoenix Wings to Fly for Piano Trio
Johannes Brahms: Piano Quintet in F minor, op. 34

 

"Australian violinist Sarita Kwok…makes a remarkable first impression..." – WQXR

 

"Arron displayed a satiny tone and a light, elegant touch in the Haydn, whose bearish technical demands belie its classic gentility. He sang out beautifully in the Adagio, and his artistic sensibility was uncompromising throughout." – The Cincinnati Post

 

"Jeewon Park: Unbridled, infectious exuberance" – The New York Times

 

"Wendy Sharp's impeccable intonation and ability to move quickly from a lush sound to a stark, chilly one made for an intensely moving performance..." – The New York Times

 

Mozart's Duo in G major is one of two duos written for violin and viola that elevate both instruments to equal partners. Rich in lyricism, wit, and conversational interplay, the work showcases Mozart's gift for balancing elegance with virtuosity, creating chamber music of remarkable warmth and sophistication.

Canadian composer Kelly-Marie Murphy's Give Me Phoenix Wings to Fly is an evocative work inspired by themes of transformation, resilience, and renewal. Filled with rhythmic vitality, soaring lyricism, and vivid instrumental colours, the trio explores a wide emotional landscape while demanding both virtuosity and sensitivity from its performers.

Widely regarded as one of the masterpieces of the chamber music repertoire, Brahms' Piano Quintet in F minor combines symphonic breadth with the intimacy of chamber music. The work is filled with dramatic contrasts, sweeping lyricism, and exhilarating energy. Bringing the concert to a powerful conclusion, the quintet reunites Sarita Kwok, Sharon Wei, Edward Arron, Jeewon Park, and Wendy Sharp — all members of the Yale musical community. As both colleague and mentor, Sharp has played an important role in the artistic journeys of the other performers, making this reunion a celebration of enduring friendships, mentorship, and a shared passion for chamber music.

 

Learn about Sharon Wei, Sarita Kwok, Wendy Sharp, Edward Arron, and Jeewon Park.