TrioZeus (l to r: Diane Huh, Tony Yan Tong Chen, Ben van Leuven) Photo: Sheena Hayworth (Wakatipu Music Festival)
Homecoming - Tony Yan Tong Chen (piano) Photo: Delvan Lin
There's a new trio on the New Zealand music scene.
TrioZeus came together for the Young Artist Programme of the recent Wakatipu Music Festival, and is pianist Tony Yan Tong Chen, violinist Diane Huh and clarinettist Benedict van Leuven.
Tony won the Wallace National Piano Competition in 2019, has performed in Switzerland, Spain, and Canada, and has been studying in New York at the Eastman School of Music.
2019 was also a successful year for Diane, with the Michael Hill International Violin Competition NZ Emerging Artist Award, and First Prize in the National Concerto Competition.
Ben is principal clarinet with the NZSO National Youth Orchestra and Wellington Youth Orchestra, and was a semi-finalist in both the 2020 National Concerto Competition, and the Gisborne International Music Competition, where he was also awarded the Professor Jack Richards Woodwind/Brass prize.
Upbeat caught up with Tony and Ben to talk about upcoming concerts, their overseas study plans and Tony's recently released debut album on the Rattle label, Homecoming.
Upcoming performances:
Tony Yan Tong Chen CD Launch Piano Recital with TrioZeus
Wednesday 21 July, 7.30pm, Lewis Eady, Auckland
TrioZeus: Budapest via Paris
Friday 23 July, 7pm, Pah Homestead, Auckland
Young Artist Recital
Ben van Leuven (clarinet), Tony Yan Tong Chen (piano)
Friday 30 July, 7.30pm, St Andrew's on the Terrace, Wellington
