Review | ‘Dynamic Duo’ violinist Esther Yoo and pianist Zee Zee live up to their billing in a dazzling recital of works by Debussy, Grieg and the ‘Belgian Paganini’

Korean-American violinist’s flawless technique and magnetism, and her interplay with Chinese pianist Zee Zee, captivate Hong Kong City Hall audience

Their playing was luscious and lyrical in sonatas by Debussy and Grieg, brilliant and eerie in Korean contemporary work Toad, and there were fireworks to finish

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Violinist Esther Yoo and pianist Zee Zee perform during their June 5, 2023 recital at Hong Kong City Hall organised by Premiere Performances. Both musicians dazzled with their playing of works by Debussy, Grieg, Rachmaninov, Vieuxtemps and Jeongkyu Park. Photo: Kenny Cheung/Premiere Performances of Hong Kong

Published: 5:15pm, 12 Jun 2023

It’s not often that violinists can engage an audience with delectable sound quality and flawless technique for an entire concert. But young American-Korean musician Esther Yoo did just that on June 5 on her Hong Kong recital debut.

With a musicality that belies her years, the 28-year-old, educated in Belgium and Germany, is living proof that a multicultural musical upbringing can reap great rewards.

Moreover, with Chinese star pianist Zee Zee on the keys, the “Dynamic Duo” – as concert presenter Premiere Performances billed them – was complete.

Neither one played sidekick in this Batman and Robin analogy. It was a true partnership in which both artists fed from the interplay between them.

Esther Yoo drew exceptional clarity from her Stradivarius violin in her Hong Kong recital with Chinese pianist Zee Zee. Photo: Kenny Cheung/Premiere Performances of Hong Kong

Yoo, though, stood out with her magnetism and embrace of the audience. (The pair are used to appearing on the concert stage together, including in Hong Kong, as two-thirds of the acclaimed Z.E.N. Trio along with cellist Narekh Hakhnazaryan.)