In an intimate salon setting where voices and instruments intertwine, SCHUBERT's music unfolds with warmth and depth. Led by HU Nai-yuan, this program brings together distinguished international musicians in a refined chamber music experience that bridges cultures and artistic perspectives.

A special highlight is the first collaboration with mezzo-soprano Sasha COOKE, whose rich, expressive voice adds emotional depth and lyrical nuance to the performance. Her artistry weaves seamlessly into the chamber texture, creating moments that are both intimate and expansive.

From delicate introspection to radiant ensemble brilliance, this concert invites audiences into a deeply personal musical journey—an exploration of sound, emotion, and connection through SCHUBERT's timeless voice.

  Program  

F. SCHUBERT : Lieder Selection
Ganymed, D. 544; 
Gretchen am Spinnrade, D. 118  
Der König in Thule, D. 367
An Sylvia, D. 891
Du bist die Ruh, D. 776
"Der Doppelgänger", D. 957, No. 13, from Schwanengesang
"Die Taubenpost", D. 965A, from Schwanengesang

F. SCHUBERT : Octet in F Major, Op. 803

  Creative and Production Team  

Violin｜HU Nai-yuan、HSU Hsuan-hao

Viola｜TSAI Shih-hsien

Cello｜Patrick JEE

Bass｜Tim COBB

Clarinet｜Inn-hyuck CHO

Bassoon｜Sung-kwon YOU

Horn｜Andrew BAIN

Mezzo-Soprano｜Sasha COOKE

Piano｜WANG Pei-yao

Organizer｜Taiwan Connection

Supporting Partner｜The Alliance Cultural Foundation

Sponsors｜Yongyuan Education Foundation, Minth Group

Co-organizers｜National Theater & Concert Hall, National Taichung Theater, National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying)

Partner Hotels｜Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel, Windsor Hotel Taichung, Hotel Dua Kaohsiung

Partner Airline｜EVA Air

  Artists Introduction  

Music Director｜HU Nai-yuan

Since winning the First Prize of the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Competition in 1985, violinist HU Nai-yuan has appeared on many of the world's stages, including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Avery Fisher Hall in New York, Suntory Hall in Tokyo and other major venues in Europe. 

As a recitalist, Mr. HU performed in such venues as Alice Tully Hall and Weill Recital Hall in New York, Cité de la Musique in Paris, Casals Hall in Tokyo, and Jordan Hall in Boston where he premiered Bright SHENG's The Stream Flows in 1990. He has appeared either as guest soloist or chamber music artist in such festivals as Mostly Mozart, Marlboro, OK Mozart, Seattle, Grand Teton, Kirishima in Japan, Casalmaggiore in Italy, and Beijing where he performed with FOU Ts'ong, Martha Argerich and Misha MAISKY.  

Mr. HU's recording of GOLDMARK's Concerto and BRUCH's Concerto No. 2 with Gerard SCHWARZ and the Seattle Symphony (released by Delos Music) garnered Critics' Choice from Gramophone as well as praises from many publications including BBC Music Magazine, The Times of London, and The Washington Post. He has also recorded for EMI Taiwan, Koch International, Sunrise, and Chi-Mei in Taiwan, playing on the Foundation's Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesù violins.

Mr. HU has served on the jury of international competitions such as the Queen Elisabeth Competition in Belgium and the Seoul International Violin Competition.  He has given master classes in music schools in America, Europe and Asia. Born in Taiwan, Mr. HU began studying the violin at age five. He arrived in the United States in 1972 to continue his studies with Broadus ERLE and later with Joseph SILVERSTEIN. He attended Indiana University where he studied with Josef Gingold and subsequently served as Mr. GINGOLD’s assistant. He currently resides with his wife June HUANG in New York City.

Violin｜HSU Hsuan-hao
HSU Hsuan-hao began studying the violin at age five and graduated from the Curtis Institute of Music. He has performed across Asia, the United States, and Europe, appearing as both a soloist and chamber musician. A recipient of the Taipei Symphony Orchestra "Rising Star" award, he has performed concertos with orchestra and collaborated with leading international artists, demonstrating refined technique and musical sensitivity.

Viola｜TSAI Shih-hsien
TSAI Shih-hsien studied at Tainan National University of the Arts before pursuing advanced studies in the Netherlands and Germany under renowned teachers including Nobuko IMAI. Prizewinner of the Dutch National Viola Competition, he performs widely in Europe and Asia. An active chamber musician, he is currently Principal Viola of Ciconia Consort in The Hague.

Cello｜Patrick JEE
Former Acting Associate Principal Cello of the New York Philharmonic, Patrick Jee has appeared throughout Europe, the United States, and Asia, performing at venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. As a soloist, he has collaborated with major orchestras and won top prizes in international competitions. A dedicated chamber musician, he brings extensive performance and recording experience.

Double Bass｜Timothy COBB
Timothy Cobb is Principal Double Bass of the New York Philharmonic and previously served with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. He is on the faculty of The Juilliard School and performs worldwide as both a soloist and chamber musician, participating in major festivals and recording projects.

Clarinet｜Inn-hyuck CHO
Former Principal Clarinet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and previously Principal of the Basel Symphony Orchestra, Inn-Hyuck CHO performs widely across Europe and beyond. A prizewinner of major international competitions, he is also an active chamber musician. He currently serves as professor at Hanyang University in Seoul.

Bassoon｜Sung-kwon YOU
Sung-Kwon YOU is Principal Bassoon of the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin. Recognized early in his career, he has performed with major German orchestras and appears internationally as both a soloist and chamber musician. His playing is noted for its precision and expressive depth.

Horn｜Andrew BAIN
Andrew BAIN is Principal Horn of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and has held principal positions with major orchestras worldwide. An active soloist, he is also dedicated to chamber music and is a founding member of the LA Phil Winds. His playing combines technical brilliance with musical insight.

Mezzo-soprano｜Sasha COOKE
Two-time Grammy Award–winning mezzo-soprano Sasha COOKE performs at leading opera houses and concert halls worldwide. Renowned for her rich tone and deeply expressive interpretations, she is especially acclaimed for her performances of Mahler. In addition to her stage career, she is active in education and recording.

Piano｜WANG Pei-yao
WANG Pei-yao is an internationally acclaimed collaborative pianist who has performed at major venues including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. After extensive studies in the United States, she served as a vocal coach at the Metropolitan Opera. She collaborates with leading artists worldwide and is known for her refined and expressive musicianship.