Reviews
The New York recital debut of Bryan and Silvie Cheng was infused with a spirit of thoughtfulness and generosity. The obvious affection between the two siblings extends beyond the familial sphere into the audience, and most importantly, into the music itself.
Highly eloquent performances that show the talent of the Canadian Cheng² Duo…through a tremendous mastery of their instruments…[their] interpretations also fascinate with a range of expression and depth of presentation that really belongs to the finest.
These are by any measure masterly performances – passionate, invigorating, and wonderfully life-affirming.
The Cheng² Duo digs deep under the virtuoso fireworks to find the inner life of each work in their varied repertoire. While they certainly display impeccable technique, there’s much more to good music than that and this pair of artists have a great gift for coaxing the music off the page and into vivid life
Brilliant…appear[ing] in fresh colours and afford[ing] much pleasure.
We are impressed! By the maturity and perfection of the cello-piano duo Cheng², the musical sensitivity of the two musicians…we hear a carefully-weighed chamber music teamwork, which nevertheless does not shy away from extremes in terms of dynamics and expression. All these pieces are presented with so much taste, sure flair for phrasing, and beauty of sound.
On their album Portrait, released by Centrediscs:
Cheng² Duo’s ‘Portrait’: Bridging Cultures Through Music
A hypnotic and ethereal album that perfectly illustrates the ease and generous verve of the two performers.
Highly original, captivatingly played, sonically opulent! ★★★★★
Silvie Cheng’s hands glide from key to key, she weaves a sound carpet full of filigree patterns and spreads it out under the playing of her brother. Bryan Cheng storms up the scales sure-footedly, then prances triumphantly on the summit…he makes a dazzling appearance…one suspects that these two will be big successes.
About their album Russian Legends
There is drama, even theatre in these interpretations. Russian music is full of twists, contrasts and emotional changes. Cheng² Duo plays with elegance and panache, but also with impressive sound power. We note especially the solid discursive architecture built by the two young artists… Like the performances, the program oscillates between powerfully incarnated lyricism, biting irony, sardonic humour, affective tenderness and airy sweetness.