The St James' Lunchtime Concert on Wednesday the 27th of November at 1:15pm is 'Elegance in Trio: A Journey through the Classical and Romantic Masterpieces' presented by Helen Xu - Flute, Hikaru Fuminashi - Cello and Jacquelyn Koh - Piano. Tickets are $10.

Programme:

Trio in A Major: Adagio, Variations and Rondo on a Russian Theme, Op. 78 - Johann Nepomuk Hummel (1778-1837)

I. Introduction: Cantabile

II. Thema: Quasi Allegretto

III. Finale: Vivace assai

Grand Trio in G Major, Op. 119 - Friedrich Kuhlau (1786-1832)

I. Allegro moderato

II. Adagio patetico

III. Rondo: Allegro

Helen Xu began her musical journey with piano at the age of 6, before delving into flute studies during her early high school years. Her dedication to musical excellence has earned her recognition in various eisteddfods across Southern Sydney, as well as her Licentiate diploma in Music (LmusA) with Distinction for piano. After picking up the flute at the age of 12, Helen has played with local wind orchestras and in musical productions during her high school and university years, and since completed her Associate Diploma in Music for flute. Alongside music, Helen’s interest in psychology led her to graduate with a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) with a major in music. Outside of her work as a researcher in the social sector, Helen has been a private music teacher for the past 6 years, where she discovered her affinity for teaching; she enjoys equipping students with musical skills, while nurturing their love for music. Aspiring to perform more chamber music and collaborate with other musicians in the future, Helen continues to make meaningful contributions to her musical fields.

Hikaru Fuminashi began his studies on the cello when he was eight, at the Sydney Conservatorium’s Open Academy with Rosalind Graham, continuing his studies till moving to the Conservatorium High School and attending the Conservatorium’s Rising Stars program, studying under Susan Blake. Winning the Conservatorium High School’s Concerto Competition, playing Shostakovich’s 1st Cello Concerto, lead him to perform the piece with the Penrith Symphony Orchestra at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in the same year. Receiving the Corina D Mayer String Scholarship at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music studying under Julian Smiles, he lead the cello section for the Conservatorium’s Symphony Orchestra. Hikaru then moved on to study at the Royal Northern College of Music, where he studied with Hannah Roberts as a recipient of the Jellis Bequest Scholarship, and was a finalist of the Barbirolli Prize for Cello. During his studies at the RNCM he also performed with the Ormskirk Music Society playing the Dvorak Cello Concerto. He currently performs on a casual basis with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Having always had an interest in architecture he is currently studying Architecture at UNSW.

Malaysian born Li Qing Koh (Jacquelyn) started her musical journey at the tender age of 4. Jacquelyn graduated with Master in Music (Performance) at Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney. During her studies, she was taught by Australian concert pianists Prof. Gerard Willems AM and Lyall Duke, SONY Classical Pianist, Eugene Choi Dr Paul Rickard-Ford, Chee Su Yen and Yong Sue Yi; she had her thesis supervision under Dr Helen Mitchell. Jacquelyn has had chamber coaching with Dr Park Ji-Sook, Dr Kirill Monorosi, Dr Cheong Yew Choong, Ysan Suit Yin and attended chamber masterclass with Dr Julie Bee (The Orfeo Trio). She participated in solo masterclass with Sonya Lifschitz and collaborative piano masterclass with Dr Michael Bukhman. Recently, she also had the privilege to have in few one-on-one sessions with one of the greatest pianists, Prof. Lev Natochenny. In the past, Jacquelyn has completed Licentiate diploma from Trinity College London with Distinction. Jacquelyn has been actively performed as a solo performer, collaborative pianist and chamber musician in Malaysia, Australia and Indonesia. In year 2019, she participated the Southeast Asia Music Exchange (SEAMEX), Indonesia as a solo performer, Youth Choir chorister and was selected as one of the presenters at SEAMEX Conference, presented her Master’s thesis: Enhancing performance on one musical instrument by playing another. As collaborative pianist, she has been involved in performances for studio concerts, recitals, auditions, and competitions; performing along with children to professional musician.