BY MEGAN WARREN
For ArtSpring
On Tuesday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m., the ArtSpring stage hosts a rare meeting of musical minds as the Juno-nominated Cheng² Duo joins forces with legendary clarinetist James Campbell.
This performance brings together three of Canada’s most celebrated instrumentalists for an evening that transcends the boundaries of a traditional classical recital.
Siblings Bryan (cello) and Silvie (piano) Cheng share an onstage rapport that can only come from a lifetime of making music together. Since their 2011 Carnegie Weill Recital Hall debut, they have toured extensively across Europe, the Americas, Asia and South Africa, earning a reputation for a “contagious joy” that makes classical music feel immediate and accessible. Their performances embody the physical energy of a live conversation — a quality that has earned them praise for being truly exhilarating to watch.
The Chengs are dedicated to presenting a repertoire that bridges eras and cultures. Their most recent album, Portrait — Juno-nominated for the 2024 Small Ensemble Classical Album of the Year — features original arrangements of two beloved Chinese folk songs alongside vibrant contemporary commissions. Whether they are tackling historical masterworks or jazz-infused pieces, the duo moves seamlessly between the delicate and the powerful, making music that is both perfectly executed and deeply personal.
For this Salt Spring engagement, the duo becomes a trio with the addition of Canadian clarinet superstar James Campbell. A Member of the Order of Canada and artistic director of the Festival of the Sound since 1985, Campbell has performed in over 35 countries with more than 60 orchestras. His clarinet work is described by the Governor General of Canada awards page as “flawless, rich and technically superb.” By adding his clarinet to the Chengs’ piano and cello, the group is able to explore a wider range of textures and sounds, from intimate melodies to complex, high-energy exchanges.
To secure your seat for this unforgettable evening, visit the ArtSpring box office or purchase.artspring.ca.