Fung-Chiu Duo, one piano, four hands

Fung Chiu Duo

Janelle Fung and Philip Chiu

With their unique programming and captivating stage presence, The Fung-Chiu Duo has quickly become one of Canada’s premiere piano duos. Established pianists in their own right, Janelle Fung and Philip Chiu have come together to present concerts that challenge the traditional boundaries of one piano four-hands.

The complicity between Fung and Chiu simply has to be seen and heard to be believed. They breathe new life into orchestral masterpieces through their extraordinary arrangements for four hands and two pianos, wherein the 70 musicians of the orchestra become 20 fingers flying across the keyboard. They have effortless rapport, not just with one another, but with their enthralled audiences. Janelle and Philip break down the “fourth wall”, chatting with the audience throughout the concert, telling stories and sharing insights… and answering a few questions about music, life on the road and, most importantly, Montreal bagels.

Winners of the 2013-14 Artist of the Year award from the British Columbia Touring Council, the Fung-Chiu Duo has performed extensively throughout Canada, including three major tours and appearances at the Festival International de Lanaudière and the Elora Festival. They have been heard on CBC, Radio-Canada and Classical 96.3 FM, and their self-produced debut CD, Fairy Tales and Folklore, was released in 2008 to wide acclaim. Fung and Chiu take a multidisciplinary approach to their performances, drawing inspiration from art and literature and collaborating with other artists including actor Colin Fox and videographer Alexandra Oakley. They are currently at work on their second CD, and are thrilled to partner with Noncerto (https://vimeo.com/noncerto) to produce a series of music videos celebrating pianos and Montreal culture.

The Fung-Chiu Duo is committed to expanding the repertoire for piano, four-hands. Their original transcriptions include Stravinsky’s The Firebird, Bernstein’s West Side Story, and Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet.

The Fung-Chiu Duo is grateful to Jeunesses Musicales Canada and Canada Council for the Arts for their continued support.

fungchiuduo.com

The Fung-Chiu Duo is represented by Richard Paul Concert Artists.

“They fairly romped through the program, showing considerable flair for the virtuosic side of piano playing {…} Many moments in their playing, especially in the Debussy and the Ravel, showed the poetic side of their musicality.” Stephen Pedersen, The Chronicle Herald

“Indeed, Chiu and Fung perform a magnificent arrangement (of the Firebird) that is so significant that I
believe that it could go down in history.” Roger Cormier, L’Acadie Nouvelle

 

Download Fung-Chiu Duo Poster

 

Program
Press Release

Performance Schedule

Sunday, October 5/14 Lacombe AB
Presented by Canadian University College in CUC Auditorium Theatre

Tuesday, October 7/14 Snow Lake MB
Presented by Ravna House Concerts in Ravna House

Saturday, Nov 1/14 Yorkton SK
Presented by Yorkton Arts Council in Anne Portnuff Theatre, Yorkton Regional High school

Monday, Nov 3/14 Estevan SK
Presented by Estevan Arts Council in Trinity Lutheran Church

Wednesday, Nov 5/14 Shaunavon SK
Presented by Shaunavon Arts Council in Centre Street United Church

Thursday, Nov 6/14 Watrous SK
Presented by Watrous Area Arts Council in Watrous Civic Centre

Friday, Nov 7/14 Rosthern SK
Presented by Station Arts Centre in Station Arts Centre

Saturday, Nov 8/14 Biggar SK
Presented by Biggar & District Arts Council in Majestic Theatre

Sunday, Nov 9/14 Regina SK
Presented by Regina Musical Club in University Theatre, Riddell Centre

Monday, Nov 10/14 Carman MB
Presented by Golden Plains Arts Council in Carman Collegiate Community Theatre

Saturday, November 15/14 Whitehorse YT
Presented by Whitehorse Concerts in Yukon Arts Centre

Thursday, January 8/15 Fort Saskatchewan AB
Presented by City of Fort Saskatchewan in Shell Theatre

Friday, January 9/15 Westlock AB
Presented by Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre Series in R.F. Staples High School

Saturday, January 10/15 Camrose AB
Presented by Performing Arts Centre Camrose in PACC Theatre

As of August 28/14. Performance dates and venues are subject to change. Full length concerts, schools shows, workshops & master classes may be scheduled in addition to the concerts listed.