Program

with

Dr. Wenbo Yin, alto saxophone

Jenny Ma, piano

Elinor Armer: Romantic Duo

Jeff Gao: Sonata for Alto Saxophone & Piano* 

Jeff Gao: Lenny's Defiance*

Johannes Brahms: Clarinet Sonata No.2, Op.120 No.2

Niccolò Paganini: Moto Perpetuo

*World Premiere

Artists

Saxophonist Dr. Wenbo Yin, versatile and bold in his music-making, is a skillful interpreter of diverse genres, including classical, jazz, contemporary, pop, beatbox saxophone. Wenbo’s performances range from being a soloist at Carnegie Hall, ensemble player at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, to concerts with prominent jazz artists. He has been invited to host masterclasses and lectures at universities and conferences in the United States and Asia. He obtained his BM from the Ithaca College School of Music in New York, MM and DMA in Saxophone Performance with cognates in Jazz and Wind Conducting at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). Wenbo is one of the visionaries and faculty members of the One Heart Institute, a non-profit organization that drives the fine-tuning of musicians and artists through an integrated approach by bringing together professional music and aesthetic- based programs, contemplative exercises, wellness, and holistic lifestyle.

Canadian pianist, Jenny Ma, is an emerging artist currently based in the Bay Area, recognized for her passion and versatility. As an avid chamber musician and collaborator, she works with a wide array of vocalists and instrumentalists in multiple settings and explores diverse repertoire, both traditional and new. Her rich experiences have led her to perform in venues throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance and psychology from the University of British Columbia under the tutelage of Dr. Corey Hamm, and worked closely with pianists Mark Anderson and Rena Sharon. She also holds a Master of Music and Professional Studies Diploma in piano performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, studying with her dear mentor, Paul Hersh. She currently works as a Music Associate at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in both the Collegiate and Pre-College divisions.

Jeffrey Gao studied composition with John Carbon, Richard Prior, and Elinor Armer. His music shows influences ranging from renaissance counterpoint, romanticism, and jazz to Chinese folk music.  Jeffrey has received numerous commissions and his works have been performed in China, U.S and Latin America. In 2013, his trio for piano, violin and bass clarinet titled “Journey” was commissioned by Grammy Award winning clarinetist Doris Hall-Gulati for her China tour.  The work was performed in such prestigious venues as the Shanghai Oriental Art Center.  In 2018 and 2019, he collaborated with the world renowned violinist Haik Kazazyan on a series of concerts in northern California, receiving critical acclaim. Most recently, Gao’s String Quartet No.3 “ Festa no Brasil”  was commissioned, performed and professionally recorded by Quartetto L’Arianna at Sao Paulo Contemporary Music Festival. His music is currently carried by ALEA Publishing and GPG Music. Jeffrey received his B.A. in in Mathematics and Music from Franklin & Marshall College where he graduated with honor.  He also received M.M. in Composition from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.