For our sixth episode we’re delighted to welcome violinist Chloe Shieh and, pianists Lesley Yim & Winnie Kuo of Meraki Duo. They will perform programmes featuring the music of J.S.Bach, Schubert, Smetana, and Prokofiev before receiving on-air feedback from mentors Evan J Lawson and Ivana Tomaskova. Continue reading to learn more about Chloe and Meraki.

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Violinist Chloe Shieh

From years of involvement in the school orchestra to pre-professional chamber ensembles with the Melbourne Conservatorium, Chloe is an well-rounded musician with an open and embracing attitude. As concertmaster of the Flagship Melbourne Youth Orchestra, her leadership was inspiring to others while her passion for symphonic works was enriched by different genres and styles.

One of Chloe’s highlights was being invited to perform with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in Spinifex Gum which included First Nation musicians; Marliya Choir, Gondwana Choir and Emma Donovan. This moving concert really emphasised the power of music and storytelling combining Indigenous and western music together. 

As a soloist, Chloe was awarded with the Ballarat Rotary Winston Loveland Music Award which is a prestigious scholarship for a musical student with exceptional service and performance in the community. 

Chloe’s favourite style is the romantic period as it varies extremely over time and her two favourite violinists – David Oistrakh and Leonid Kogan play exceptionally well in this style. Chloe aspires to become a professional violinist with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to collaborate with local composers and Orchestra Victoria with the ballet and opera. She intends to study music in university and teach students violin in regional schools.

Chloe is currently studying in Townsville where she plays with the first violins in the Barrier Reef Orchestra.  Most recently, she played in the Pergelosi Stabat Mater at St James Cathedral as part of their Easter Service.

Chloe will perform:

• S.Prokofiev: Solo Violin Sonata in D Major Op. 115, Mvt. 1 Moderato
• J.S.Bach: Partita 3, Gavotte en Rondeau
• B.Smetana (Z.Domoviny): From “My Homeland” No. II Andantino

With associate artist Stewart Kelly.

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Meraki Duo

Meeting in 2020 during their postgraduate studies at the University of Melbourne. Pianists Winnie Kuo and Lesley Yim quickly formed a strong friendship as they completed their Master of Music degrees under Jerry Wong and Ian Holtham. Their love of Classical and Romantic music drew them to form the Meraki Duo, a mission to showcase the vast array of repertoire written for piano duet. 

Winnie completed undergraduate studies at Tunghai University in Taiwan before a stint at Kent State University and is currently a doctoral candidate at The University of Melbourne. Lesley completed both his undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Melbourne University and hopes to embark on a doctoral program abroad. 

Aside from performing, Winnie and Lesley each maintain busy teaching careers and find joy in nurturing the next generation of young musicians.

They will perform:

• F.Schubert: Fantasy in F minor

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