TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The 2024 Eslite master series will feature performances by renowned classical musicians on Sept. 28 and Oct. 26.

On Oct. 26, violinist Joseph Lin (林以信) will make his appearance as part of the series. Lin is the first Asian member of the American chamber music ensemble Juilliard String Quartet.

On Sept. 28, acclaimed pianist Evan Wong (汪奕聞) will perform Ludwig van Beethoven's late piano sonatas, known as the "New Testament for pianists." Wong is a silver medalist at the Sendai International Music Competition.

These three pieces, a departure from Beethoven's earlier dramatic works, represent the culmination of his musical journey. They showcase his mastery of complex musical forms, such as fugues and variations.

The program includes the lyrical and poetic "Sonata No. 30 in E Major," the melancholic "Piano Sonata No. 17, Op. 31 No. 2," and the transcendent "Sonata No. 32 in C Minor."

Lin has previously won first prize in international competitions at France’s Pro Musicis and New Zealand’s Michael Hill. He debuted in Taiwan at the Eslite Performing Arts Hall in 2016 with the Juilliard String Quartet. 

Lin will collaborate with pianist Helen Huang (黃海倫) to present a captivating blend of Eastern and Western influences. "The Last Rose of Summer," one of the most technically demanding violin pieces in the world, will be performed.

The piece was originally composed by Heinrich Wilhelm Ernst, the "Paganini of Vienna." It requires exceptional technical skills from the performer due to its complex bowing techniques and multi-layered textures.

The duo will also perform three late works by classical music giants. These include Beethoven's romantic “Violin Sonata No. 10,” Maurice Ravel's lyrical and blues-infused “Violin Sonata No. 2,” and Franz Schubert's “Fantasy for Violin and Piano.”