Juno Award-nominated brother and sister duo, Cheng² Duo, are poised to grace the stage on Sunday, March 10, at the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines. Despite living 6,400 kilometers apart, siblings Sylvie and Bryan Cheng share a connection that transcends their geographical distance.
Since their debut at Carnegie Hall in 2011, the Cheng² Duo has captivated audiences worldwide with their remarkable musical and familial bond. Their latest album, Portraits, marks a significant milestone in their career, earning them their first Juno Award nomination for Classical Album of the Year – Small Ensemble.
The Ottawa natives, currently catching a moment amidst their travels at New York City’s LaGuardia Airport, are gearing up for their upcoming performance. Bryan, who resides in Berlin pursuing music studies, has flown in to reunite with Sylvie, who resides elsewhere. From there, they will journey to Quebec for their March 10 appearance at the Bravo Niagara! Festival.
“Despite the miles between us, we speak every day,” Sylvie shares, reflecting on their unique bond. “We rarely meet in our home cities; instead, our rendezvous often occur on the road.” Their packed schedule includes recent tours across Europe and India, accumulating countless air miles.
Following their recent shows in Quebec, the duo planned to spend the week preceding Sunday’s performance rehearsing in New York. Despite an age gap of over six years, Sylvie emphasizes how their musical partnership has brought them closer together, allowing them to carve their own paths without living in each other’s shadows.
Their musical journey began at an early age, nurtured by parents with backgrounds in science and engineering. Sylvie’s fascination with a plastic toy keyboard at four led to piano lessons, while Bryan picked up the cello at the tender age of three. “Our parents never pushed us towards music,” Sylvie recalls. “But they facilitated our exploration of it, recognizing our passion.”
Both siblings pursued advanced degrees in music, Sylvie in New York and Bryan in Berlin. Their repertoire spans a diverse range, from classical staples to contemporary compositions. Collaborating with composers like Dinuk Wijeratne has broadened their horizons, culminating in Portraits, a testament to their evolving identity as musicians.
The Juno Award nomination came as a pleasant surprise, validating their artistic endeavors. “It’s very rewarding,” Bryan expresses. “We don’t create albums to win awards, but it’s gratifying to be recognized.”
Their upcoming performance at the Bravo Niagara! Festival promises a blend of classical masterpieces and contemporary works, showcasing their commitment to bridging musical eras. As they prepare to attend the Juno ceremony later in the month, the Cheng siblings remain dedicated to reinvigorating classical music for new audiences.
Tickets for their March 10 performance are available, offering an afternoon of musical enchantment at the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre. Visit bravoniagara.org for more information on this not-to-be-missed event.
