Chicago International Chamber Artists | Rachmaninoff, Fauré, and Piazzolla

"Art goes beyond individual enjoyment; it serves as a powerful way to connect us all by expressing our shared experiences of joy and sorrow."  
— Albert Camus

We are thrilled to invite you to the Chicago International Chamber Artists' inaugural performance! Join us for an evening of beautiful music featuring Rachmaninoff's captivating Cello Sonata, Fauré's exquisite Piano Trio, and Piazzolla's mesmerizing "Winter" movement!

Pianist Yoahn John Kwon and cellist Dr. Yuyoung Chung will delve into the passionate depths of Sergei Rachmaninoff's Cello Sonata in G minor. Composed during a period of recovery from depression, alongside his Second Suite for Two Pianos, Op. 17, and his renowned Piano Concerto No. 2, this sonata showcases intense emotion, allowing both the piano and cello to shine equally in their dialogue.

Adding to the richness of the evening, violinist Grace Ko will perform Fauré's stunning Piano Trio in D minor, Op. 120, known for its harmonious blend of classical tradition and vibrant new expressions. The trio will also enchant the audience with the "Winter" movement from Astor Piazzolla's celebrated "Four Seasons of Buenos Aires".

Program

Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) - Sonata in G Minor for Cello and Piano, Op. 19  

I. Lento – Allegro Moderato  
II. Allegro Scherzando  
III. Andante  
IV. Allegro Mosso  

Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) - Piano Trio in D Minor, Op. 120

I. Allegro ma non troppo  
II. Andantino  
III. Allegro Vivo  

Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992) - Invierno Porteño (“Winter”) from Cuatro Estaciones Porteños (“The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires”)

Praised by peers and audiences, Chicago-based violinist Grace Ko's talent shines through in every performance, whether she is playing solo, in a chamber group, or with an orchestra. As a member of the Aionios Trio and the En-Gedi Chamber Ensemble, she captivates audiences with her artistry.

Her orchestral journey includes collaborations with renowned ensembles such as the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra, Arizona Opera Orchestra, Rockford Symphony Orchestra, and the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra in St. Louis. Every performance reflects her dedication and expertise, making her a sought-after musician.

Grace has also honed her skills at prestigious summer festivals, including the Lancaster Summer Music Festival, the Flaine Music Festival in France, and the San Francisco Summer Music Festival.

Until June 2025, she served on the Violin Faculty at Webster University, sharing her passion for music with students. Now back in Chicago, she is committed to her career as a chamber musician, orchestral performer, and educator, continuing to inspire those around her.

Dr. Yuyoung Chung is an accomplished Korean cellist with a distinguished presence at renowned music festivals, including Aspen, Tanglewood, Banff, and the Music Alp Festival in Courchevel. She has consistently won first prizes and top honors at prominent music competitions in South Korea and worldwide, including the Courchevel Music Alp Festival and the CCMF Music Competition. These accolades have opened doors for her to perform as an orchestral soloist.

As the former principal cellist of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Dr. Chung frequently serves as a substitute cellist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.

Her impressive collaborations include performances with legendary musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, Janos Starker, Joshua Bell, Jaime Laredo, and Lynn Harrell.

Dr. Chung holds a Bachelor of Music from the Korean National University of Arts, as well as advanced degrees from Indiana University and the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree on a full scholarship.

Currently, Dr. Chung shares her expertise by coaching the cello section of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras and serves as a faculty member at the Music Institute of Chicago. Her dedication to education and performance continues to inspire the next generation of musicians.

Pianist Yoahn John Kwon, originally from South Korea, has received widespread acclaim for his exceptional musicianship, sensitivity, and insightful performances. The renowned critic Harris Goldsmith has praised him as a "versatile and interesting musician who captures audiences' attention from beginning to end."

Recently, Kwon has performed the complete sonatas for piano and violin by Beethoven, Grieg, Brahms, and Fauré, as well as the complete sonatas for cello and piano by Beethoven and Brahms. He has also impressed audiences with piano trios by Beethoven, Brahms, Fauré, Mendelssohn, Ravel, Debussy, Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, and Chopin. He has also delighted listeners with piano quartets by Fauré, Brahms, and Schumann, and captivating piano quintets by Dvořák, Franck, and Schumann. With each performance, Mr. Kwon inspires as a frequent guest pianist in various chamber music events around the world.

As a prolific recording artist, Mr. Kwon's acclaimed CDs, released through Sony Classical and the Audioguy label, showcase his remarkable interpretations of works by Chopin and Beethoven, leaving a lasting impact on listeners.

Now based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, Mr. Kwon actively contributes to the music community in several roles, including concert piano technician (having graduated from the prestigious Renner Academy), church organist, and chamber music coach. He serves on the piano faculty at Beloit College in Wisconsin and co-artistic director at Vitalvibe, curating an inspiring performance series in Seoul, South Korea.