Step into the elegance of 19th‑century France right in downtown Newport! Set within the French-inspired grandeur of The Elms mansion, modeled after an 18th‑century château, the Resident Festival Artists transport you to the Romantic era with a morning of music full of charm, emotion, and French flair. From Farrenc’s graceful trio to Chaminade’s signature melodies and Saint-Saëns’ sweeping Piano Trio, this program is a journey through France’s most beloved chamber works.
Described as “piano magicians” by The Arts Desk, duo Pavel Kolesnikov and Samson Tsoy bring their synergy to Newport for a magical night of interplay between two of today’s most compelling pianists. Known for their inventive site-specific performances, from car parks in London to historic theaters in Aldeburgh, they now add The Breakers mansion to their impressive list of unique venues. Their program is anchored by Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring and Ravel’s Ma Mère l’Oye, promising an evening of “magical” (BBC Music Magazine) and playful dialogue between two pianos and four hands.
Trio Azura is quickly emerging as one of today’s most promising young ensembles, characterized by “intelligence and imagination” and “profound emotion” (Gramophone). In a program anchored by Ravel and Mendelssohn’s cornerstone Piano Trios, Trio Azura invites audiences to explore the world of the piano trio across eras, from the Romantic and Impressionist traditions to the contemporary voice of Jennifer Higdon.
Winner of the 2025 American Piano Awards, Michael Leonardo Davidman is among the most distinguished young pianists in the nation. For his Newport Debut, Davidman brings a program spanning Bach, Schubert, Liszt, and Franck to the Recital Hall for an evening featuring his signature “chiseled and fiery playing” (Pianiste Magazine, Paris).
Tracing the evolution of the beloved sonata form, cellist Sterling Elliott and pianist Elliot Wuu bring together works by Ravel, Strauss, and Rachmaninoff. Sterling Elliott, a 2021 Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient and 2024 Sphinx Medal of Excellence honoree, has been described by The Millbrook Independent as “a star cellist who has risen beyond hopeful promise.” He is joined by pianist Elliot Wuu, a 2018 Gilmore Young Artist and Salon de Virtuosi Career Grant winner.
Equally at home at the piano and on the operatic stage, Chelsea Guo is forging a unique path as one of classical music’s most versatile young artists. The first musician ever to win the Young Concert Artists International Auditions in two disciplines, she brings an uncommon perspective to programs that explore the rich relationship between voice and piano. In a program featuring Chopin, Viradot, Shumann, and Brahms, Guo offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience the dual artistry that has made her one of today’s most distinctive emerging musicians.
Rubén Rengel, Gabriel Chakarji, and Juan Diego Villalobos come together for an evening celebrating the music of Latin America, from their native Venezuela to the vibrant traditions displayed throughout the region. As versatile performers, the Trio brings to life cherished works alongside original compositions, highlighting both the traditions that shape Latin American music and the performers' unique voice.
