New piano trio to debut

A new faculty piano trio in residence has been formed in the Department of Music. Trio Accordo, including pianist Christine Delbeau, violinist Xiang Gao and cellist Hekun Wu, will present its free debut recital at 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 3, in the Loudis Recital Hall of the Amy E. du Pont Music Building.

The program includes the Piano Trio No. 2 in e minor, Op. 67 by Dmitri Shostakovich and Beethoven's Piano Trio in D Major, Opus 70, No. 1. "I am very pleased to add Trio Accordo to the list of faculty ensembles that have delighted our audiences over the years," Russell Murray, acting chairperson of music, said, "and their participation in our faculty gala brought the audience to its feet and provided a 'sneak preview' of what we can look forward to in their first full recital in November."

Delbeau maintains an active performance schedule as soloist and chamber musician, including recent critically acclaimed performances in Switzerland and Italy. Gao is the first violinist from the People's Republic of China to attain an international career and is rapidly emerging as one of today's most promising artists.

Wu, a native of Shanghai, has performed to critical acclaim in Austria, Italy, France, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan. In 2000, he was invited to perform as soloist in a special millennium cello concerti concert with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra.

He is assistant professor of music at UD, where he teaches cello, chamber music and conducts the University Symphony Orchestra.

For additional information, call 831-2577.