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Sunday, March 22, 2026
Duo Soliste
Ji Yun Lee, violin
Minna Han, piano
“Echoes of Spring”
This program brings together three composers whose musical languages are very different, yet all are rich in color, character, and expressive beauty: Maria Theresia von Paradis, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Maurice Ravel.
The program begins with the gentle and lyrical Sicilienne in E-flat Major, attributed to Maria Theresia von Paradis. With its graceful, flowing rhythm and singing violin melody, this short piece has a simple elegance that immediately draws the listener into a warm and expressive musical atmosphere. Its calm, lyrical character provides a beautiful opening to the program and prepares the ear for the rich melodic writing that follows.
Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 “Spring” is one of his most beloved chamber works. Unlike some of Beethoven’s more dramatic pieces, this sonata feels open, lyrical, and full of light. The violin and piano share beautiful melodies back and forth, almost like a conversation. The music has a natural warmth and freshness that many people associate with the feeling of spring.
We move more than a century forward to Ravel’s Violin Sonata No. 2. Ravel was fascinated by color and clarity of sound, and in this sonata he treats the violin and piano almost as completely independent voices. You may notice moments where the two instruments seem to move in different directions, creating a very transparent and intriguing texture. One of the most famous movements, titled Blues, even reflects Ravel’s fascination with American jazz.
Together, these works show how the same two instruments can create very different musical worlds—from the graceful lyricism of Paradis, to Beethoven’s warmth and expansiveness, and finally to Ravel’s refined colors and rhythmic imagination. We hope you enjoy these different “echoes of spring” throughout the evening.
Program
Maria Theresia von Paradis (1759–1824)
Sicilienne in E-flat Major
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 5 in F Major, Op. 24
“Spring” (Frühlingssonate)
I. Allegro
II. Adagio molto espressivo
III. Scherzo: Allegro molto
IV. Rondo: Allegro ma non troppo
Maurice Ravel (1875–1937)
Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 2 in G Major
I. Allegretto
II. Blues: Moderato
III. Perpetuum mobile: Allegro
BIOGRAPHY
“…… the beauty of warm sound surely touches listeners’ heart”
– The ‘Strad’ of South Korea
“…play with superb musicianship and passionate performance style…”
-Sacramento 365
Duo Soliste: Two Soloists. One Musical Voice
Duo Soliste brings together two accomplished artists whose seamless collaboration transforms violin and piano into a single expressive voice.
Pianist Minna Han and violinist Ji Yun Lee formed Duo Soliste in Maryland in 2007. Their journey began with a recital at Druker Auditorium in Newton, Massachusetts, and since then they have shared music with audiences on both intimate and large stages across the United States and South Korea.
The duo received the Artist International Presentation Award from Artists International and made its debut at Carnegie Hall. In the United States, they have performed at distinguished venues including Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, the historic Preston Bradley Hall with its breathtaking Tiffany glass dome, and Crocker Art Museum as part of the Classical Concert Series, acclaimed for innovative programs combining live music with visual art. They have also been re-invited to prestigious concert series including the Dr. Richard Shiff Forum Presentation in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the Fine Arts Fall Series in Northbrook, Illinois, the Second Saturday Concert Series in Escondido, the Sunday Musicale in Newport Beach, California and the Classical Concert Series in Northshore, New York.
In South Korea, Duo Soliste gave their first concert at Youngsan Art Hall in 2009 and performed in the Year-End Music Concert. They were invited to a recital at Seoul Baroque Chamber Hall by the Korea Art and Culture Critic Association and have since participated in the World Music Tour series at Seoul Arts Center, presented by the Pianissimo & Musical Arts Association. Series highlights include Celebration of Verdi & Wagner’s 200th Birthday, Happy Summer Concert, and Christmas Concert. They have also performed two consecutive Summer Music Festival concerts with Ensemble Mosaic, led by the duo, at Banpo Art Hall in Seoul, including thematic concerts exploring the love and relationships of Robert and Clara Schumann with Brahms. In January 2015, they opened the New Year with the New Year Music Concert at the same hall. Across all performances, the duo emphasizes lyrical expression and musical unity, inspiring audiences through their seamless collaboration.
Duo Soliste is formed by violinist Ji Yun Lee, founder and artistic leader of the duo as well as the chamber ensemble Ensemble Mosaic, and pianist Minna Han, a faculty member of the piano department at the University of Maryland, College Park. Lee also serves as Strings Chairperson of the Maryland Music Teachers Association, an organization with over 500 professional performers, university professors, and private teachers. While actively performing throughout the Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland region, Duo Soliste continues to present concerts across the United States and Korea, sharing programs that combine musical depth, artistic storytelling, and a spirit of collaboration.
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