Performing for the June 30th concert
Emmanuelle Lambert-Lemoine, Conductor
- Coreen Morsink – Eros and Tithonus
- Joseph Haydn – Cello concerto No. 2 in D major, Hob. VIIb/2, Op. 101
- James Hiscott – The Restless Wind
- Georges Bizet – Symphony No. 1 in C major
Alexander Wu
Why did you choose the Haydn concerto?
When people think of the great masterworks for cello, the romantic concertos are usually the first to come to mind. The cello concertos by Schumann, Dvořák, Lalo, and Elgar are impassioned works that were deeply profound expressions of their respective composers. However, I like to believe that each of these composers found their inspiration in the classical cello concertos by Haydn. There is a courtly elegance and simple beauty in Haydn’s second cello concerto in D major that makes it distinctive from the later repertoire. The playfulness of the phrases and graceful transitions between each section brings a sense of excitement for both the listener and the performer.
What inspires you in this piece of music?
I’m inspired by how much musical freedom Haydn presents to us in this piece. Various sections in each of the movements were written in a way to give the performer the opportunity to expand upon the writing with their own ornamentation and improvise new ideas. A particularly memorable part of the process in learning this piece was studying how the great cellists of the 20th/21st century have interpreted the concerto and how they blend their own unique ideas with traditional styles. I’m excited to work on this piece with Orchestre de la Francophonie and to share our interpretation of this incredible work with the Montreal community!
– Alexander Wu
Interpretation : Joseph Haydn – Cello concerto No. 2 in D major, Hob. VIIb/2, Op. 101
Taiwanese-American cellist, Alex Wu, is a first-year Cello Fellow at the New World Symphony. Hailing from Philadelphia, he debuted with the Warminster Symphony in 2010 and has since performed as a soloist with the Lansdowne, Old York and Southeastern Pennsylvania symphony orchestras, among others. He is a prizewinner of the National YoungArts competition, semi-finalist at the IXth “Annarosa Taddei” International Competition in Italy, and is a recipient of the Marjorie Jane Brewster Career Grant.
As a chamber musician, Alex has been invited to perform at the Caramoor, Sarasota, Windwood, and Manchester Chamber Music Festivals. Being a founding member of HEXTET, he served with the group as ensemble-in-residence at Arcadia University and competed as semi-finalists in the Coltman Chamber Music Competition. As an orchestral musician, Alex currently performs with the New World Symphony and was previously a member of Symphony in C. In recent years, he has performed as an orchestral cellist at the Pacific Music Festival, Spoleto Festival USA, Music Academy of the West, New York String Orchestra Seminar and NYO-USA. Other orchestral engagements include appearances with the Baltimore, Virginia and Fairfax symphonies.
Alex received his master of music degree from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University under the tutelage of Alan Stepansky. As a graduate of the Schreyer Honors College at Pennsylvania State University in political science and music, he has also studied with Kim Cook, Jon Dexter and Jeffrey Solow.
Performing for the July 6th concert
Léa Moisan-Perrier, Conductor
- Juliette Palmer – Fire break
- Johannes Brahms – Violin concerto in D major, Op. 17
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Symphony No. 39 in E-flat major, K. 543
Benjamin Seah
Brahms’ concerto is one of my all-time favorite pieces. I love its unforgettable romantic themes, the dramatic intensity of the orchestra and the grandeur of this monumental work. It’s a privilege to share this powerful yet profoundly human music with the public.
– Benjamin Seah
Interpretation: Johannes Brahms – Violin concerto in D major, Op. 17
Hailed by CBC as one of Canada’s 30 Under 30 Classical Musicians in 2023, Benjamin Seah is a rising star whose artistry has captivated audiences across North America, Europe, and Asia. Currently pursuing his Bachelor’s degree at Oberlin Conservatory under the tutelage of Bill van der Sloot, Benjamin’s musical journey has been marked by both technical excellence and expressive depth. His talent has earned him numerous accolades, including 1st Prize as well as the Paul J. Bourret Memorial Prize at the Shean Strings Competition, prizes at both the Marie Cantagrill Competition and the Canadian Music Competition.
Benjamin’s performances have graced prestigious stages such as Quebec’s Maison Symphonique and Palais Montcalm, in addition to China’s Qingdao Grand Theatre. His 2018 victory on the popular television program “Virtuose” catapulted him into the spotlight, leading to features on platforms like Radio-Canada’s Ici Musique, CBC Music, and WQXR’s Young Artists Showcase. These opportunities have allowed him to connect with a wider audience and showcase his distinct musical voice.
Benjamin’s festival appearances have included the Orford Music Festival, Domaine Forget, Madeline Island Chamber Music, and the Althofener Meisterklassen, where he has worked closely with some of the world’s most esteemed musicians, including Zakhar Bron, Mihaela Martin, and members of the Juilliard, Emerson, and Takacs String Quartets. These experiences have shaped his artistry, influencing both his interpretation and approach to performance. Benjamin plays on a Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume violin and a Claude Thomassin bow, generously loaned by CANIMEX Inc.
Performing for the July 20th concert
Julien Proulx, Conductor
- Maurice Ravel – Le Tombeau de Couperin
- Ludwig Spohr – Clarinet concerto No. 1 in C minor, Op. 26
- Jacques Hétu – Symphony No. 3, Op. 18
- Sergei Prokofiev – Symphony No. 1 “Classical” in D major, Op. 25
Yen-Han Chen
The reason I chose this piece is mainly because it sounds flashy and difficult.
Since I first started learning the clarinet, my technique was never particularly strong, and I’ve always wanted to push myself further. That’s how I came across Spohr’s works.
The first time I won a competition was with Spohr’s Clarinet Concerto No. 2.
For me, performing Spohr’s music in a competition feels like going back to where I started — it’s a way to reflect on how far I’ve come.
If I could, I would love for my past self from ten years ago to hear my playing now and tell him,
“Everything will turn out beautifully. Keep going. Keep sharing your music.”
– Yen Han Chen
Interpretation : Ludwig Spohr – Clarinet concerto No. 1 in C minor, Op. 26
In 2023, Yen-Han Chen earned a Master’s degree in Music from the University of British Columbia, studying under the renowned clarinet soloist Jose Franch-Ballester. Currently pursuing an Artist Diploma at the Glenn Gould School in Toronto, mentored by Joaquin Valdepeñas, the former principal clarinetist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
Before studying abroad, Chen attended National University of Tainan in Taiwan, winning a concerto competition and performing Louis Spohr’s Second Clarinet Concerto with the university orchestra. In 2018, he reached the finals of the Buffet Asia Pacific Clarinet Competition.
Yen-Han has performed as Principal and Second Clarinet with several ensembles, including the Royal Conservatory Orchestra, the Chinese Artist Society of Toronto Orchestra, and the National Academy Orchestra (2022). In 2024, he appeared as Second Clarinet with Vancouver Opera and was a semi-finalist in their Principal Clarinet audition. He was also named to the 2025–26 New World Symphony Substitute Pool. In the summer of 2025, he will join L’Orchestre de la Francophonie in Montreal, where he won the 2025 OF Concerto Competition and will perform Louis Spohr’s First Clarinet Concerto on July 20 at Salle Pierre-Mercure. That same year, he also won third prize in the GGS Chamber Music Competition with his ensemble, Trio Brothers.
Beside music, Yen-Han enjoys the quiet joy of watching small animals, visiting parks, and exploring grocery stores.