AMERICAN GRAFFITI
Explore the deep well of American musical creativity
with the Shih-Trepanier Piano-Violin Duo
About the Shih-Trepanier Duo
Hartford based pianist Pi-Hsun Shih and violinist Annie Trepanier are critically acclaimed musicians and both very active in the chamber music scene, performing, audio and video recording, doing outreach and touring, either together or with various ensembles and colleagues.
" ...tour de force... passionate virtuosity."
- The International Clarinet Association
"...an electrifying performance."
- The American Viola Society
"...dynamic players with a flair for dramatic,
engaging stage presence."
- The Hartford Advocate
"... agile ease and brilliant flashes of panache."
- The Hartford Courant
About American Graffiti
Who are we as Americans? The cultural patchwork of our combined backgrounds makes it a difficult question to answer. The poet Walt Witman once described America as “a teeming nation of nations.” To him, the United States itself is essentially the greatest poem. To the Shih-Trepanier Duo whose members are both immigrants who have become americans, it is the greatest music.
American Graffiti is a project which germinated during the year of the country’s 250th anniversary with the Shih-Trepanier Duo. It is a collection of videos that delves into the multi-faceted world of American classical music, weaving violin and piano performances with fascinating stories about American composers, many of whom remain largely unknown to the general public, and their historical context.
Story by story, American Graffiti paints a unique picture of American classical music. Through this collection, you will experience the unconstrained energy, audacity of voice, and intrinsic individuality of American music, and discover the influences and inspirations that have shaped and continue to shape it.
