Since its inception in 2008 by concert pianists Catherine Lan and Tao Lin, Duo Beaux Arts is a Steinway Ensemble that has engaged with audiences through unique programming and adrenalized presentation of music from various genres in prestigious venues notable series around the globe. As pedagogues, they have taught masterclasses in multiple venues. In 2024, the Duo was invited to be artist in residency, giving lectures and performing concerts at La Maison d’éducation de la Légion d’honneur in Saint Denis, France, a school founded by Napoleon in 1805.
Praised by critics as a pianist with “poise and artistry” and “fluent technique, sensitive musicianship and a probing intellect”, Dr. Catherine Lan has performed at prestigious venues around the world and has been a featured guest artist at renowned arts festivals across the globe. Lan is also an avid chamber musician; she has collaborated with Itamar Zorman, James Buswell, David Requiro, Ayano Ninomiya, Aspen String Trio, Henschel String Quartet, and Maxwell String Quartet. Lan’s many creative projects include her work as the founder and artistic leader of Duo Beaux Arts (a Steinway Ensemble), Duo Arpeggione, Duo Formosa, Tallinn Piano Trio, Delray Piano Trio, Atlantic Piano Trio, and Beaux Arts Chamber Ensemble. Lan brings her “palpable sense of danger and excitement” (Primephonic) to her album titled “Incandescent” released on Centaur Label.
Born into a musical family in Shanghai, Tao Lin began piano lessons at the age of four and gained entrance to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music at the age of eight. As a teenager, he performed in the Chinese premiere of Bartok’s Sonata for two Pianos and Percussion, a major musical event at the time. Described by critics as possessing “Keen musical intelligence and excellent facility” (Miami Herald), “Joyful virtuosity and stylish musicianship (Gramophone Magazine), as well as “opulent and romantic tone” (Fanfare), Tao Lin has gone on to perform in Asia, North America, and Europe. A versatile musician, Lin is equally at home as soloist, recitalist and chamber musician. He has also given master classes and lectures around the world and was recently awarded “Outstanding International Pedagogue” from Shanghai Normal University School of Music. Mr. Lin’s competition accomplishments have included National Society of Arts and Letters, Music Teachers’ National Association, Palm Beach International Invitational, 1st International Piano-e-Competition, William Kapell International Piano Competition and 1st Osaka International Chamber Music Competition.
The jam-packed program by Dup Beaux will feature a piano arrangement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 Op. 68 “Pastorale,” Schubert’s Fantasy in F minor, Liszt’s “Les Préludes,” and the dynamic and just as colorful as its title J. Strauss Jr. and Anderson’s “Blue Danube Fantasy.” It is a rare treat indeed to hear our historic and in tip-top shape Steinway being played four hands by this duo in a visual and aural experience you won’t soon forget.
The Duo Beaux Arts will help us celebrate our 80th season by treating school youth to a music education program the day after the concert.
“…excellent performance” and “absolutely delightful!!!”
—Joy McIntyre-Professor Emerita, Boston University
“Duo Beaux Arts’ piano four hands brings down the house…A more extravagant finale to the afternoon’s musical journey could scarcely have been wished for… transparent voicing amid the dense texture—the melody always shone through, illuminated
by a lustrous melodic halo”
—Lancaster News
Presenting World Class Artists since 1946.
Presenting World Class Artists since 1946.