Join us for a memorable evening of guided listening as we showcase curated salon music from the golden era of classical music. Experience the enchanting works of composers such as Debussy, Fauré, Delius, Kapustin, Amy Beach, and Cassadó. This event is designed to make classical music accessible and enjoyable for everyone, making it an ideal outing for families and children. Discover the beauty of these timeless pieces in a warm and inviting atmosphere!
Admission is free, and donations are welcome. All contributions will support the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Virtuosi Music & Art Foundation!
*Virtuosi Music & Art Foundation is a 501(c)(3) qualified non-profit organization dedicated to bring music & art to the community. All donations are eligible for tax deduction.
Performers/
Liz Tsao /Cellist
Li-Tsu (Liz) Tsao is an active professional cellist in solo, orchestra, chamber music, and festival performances. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Cello Performance from National Taiwan Normal University under Professor Ling-Yi OuYang and later completed her Master’s degree on scholarship at Michigan State University with Suren Bagratuni, winner of the Silver Medal at the 1986 Tchaikovsky Competition.
Tsao has performed as a soloist at Carnegie Hall and with the NTNU New Music Orchestra, as well as in various concerts throughout Taiwan and the U.S. Her accolades include invitations to many international music festivals, such as the Kirishima International Music Festival in Japan, “Master Classes at the Centro Studi Carlo Della Giacoma” in Italy and Festival Napa Valley.
Throughout her career, she has played with orchestras including the Michigan Lansing Symphony, Alma Symphony, Taiwan ProArte Orchestra and Taipei Century Symphony Orchestra in renowned venues like the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall, Taiwan National Concert Hall and Kirishima International Concert Hall.
Her recent appearance was with Palo Alto Philharmonic perform at the Cubberly Theater and the Brahms string sextet chamber music concert with the Philharmonic members at the Lutheran Church of Palo Alto. In December, she will perform with her piano trio, the Hibiscus Trio, presenting Piazzolla’s Four Seasons and other South American music. The Hibiscus Trio was formed in 2022 and has actively performed in numerous concerts. The Trio was invited by St. Lawrence String Quartet and The Collaborative Piano Institution music festival in Louisiana during the summer with full scholarship.
Sherry Hou/ Pianist
Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Hsiu-Jung Hou began playing the piano at the age of five. She received her B.M. from the National Taiwan Normal University with Chia-Wei Chung, with the high honor of winning the YAMAHA piano award. She earned her M.M. and DMA degree in Piano Performance from the University of Michigan under Christopher Harding.
Hsiu-Jung enjoys a versatile career as a soloist, chamber musician and a piano teacher. As a soloist, Hsiu-Jung Hou has obtained prizes at several competitions, including National Taiwan Normal University Concerto Competition, MTNA Michigan Performance Competition, and Seattle International Competition. She also enjoys participating in music festivals and accumulates many performing experiences. Recent highlights include performances such as the lecture recital on “The Theme of Childhood” in University of Michigan, the concerto performance with Ann Arbor Symphony (Rach Third) and the guest recital in Seattle International competition in 2020. As an active chamber musician, her performances include: International Music Conference in Beijing, Salzburg International Summer Academy Recital, and many chamber and duo concerts in Ann Arbor. Hsiu-Jung Hou deeply enjoys sharing the stage with great artists, as chamber music allows musicians to learn from each other, inspire each other, and ultimately enjoy together.
As a music teacher who has been teaching for more then ten years, Hsiujung (Sherry) Hou has established a warm, friendly, professional piano instructor to create a welcoming atmosphere for students. Her teaching philosophy is that all children are unique and have something special that they can bring to their own education. Hsiu-Jung Hou enjoys inspiring student's imagination, stimulating student's potential, and helping students find joy and love when making music. Starting from 2019, Hsiu-Jung Hou devoted herself to providing professional and enjoyable piano lessons for students in Bay Area, California.