Encore Series: Formosa Quartet

Asia Society Texas' Encore Series brings you the very best of our in-person programs — in bite-size form. Revisit highlights from events you've enjoyed live, or sample exciting new performances, all from the comfort of home.

In February 2022, the internationally acclaimed Formosa Quartet returned to Asia Society Texas for an encore performance of classic works by Benjamin Britten and Henry Purcell, original works commissioned by and composed for the Quartet by Dana Wilson and Derrick Skye, and an octet performance with musicians from the University of Houston Moores School of Music. This Encore Series edition features an excerpt from their performance of American Mirror Part II by Derrick Skye.

American Mirror is inspired by and reflective of the vast diversity of global cultures in the United States. In this piece, one can hear influences from Northern and Southern Indian classical music, drones reminiscent of Appalachian folk music, vocal techniques from Africa and Eastern Europe, and clapping rhythms found in a variety of musical forms.

Musicians
Jasmine Lin, violin
Wayne Lee, violin
Masumi Per Rostad, viola
Deborah Pae, cello

Learn more about the performance »

About the Formosa Quartet

The Formosa Quartet, which won two major prizes at the Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition, has been called “one of the very best quartets of their generation” by Guarneri member David Soyer. Quartet members have been hailed as “spellbinding” by The Strad and “remarkably fine” by Gramophone. The ensemble, which features violinists Jasmine Lin and Wayne Lee, violist Che-Yen Chen, and cellist Deborah Pae, has performed at Lincoln Center, Wigmore Hall (London), Kammermusiksaal in Berlin, National Concert Hall in Taipei, and with the Da Camera Society of Los Angeles. Formed in 2002 when the four Taiwanese-descended founders came together for a concert tour of Taiwan, the Formosa Quartet’s cultural identity has since expanded to include  broader American and pan-Asian roots.

Performing Arts and Culture programs at Asia Society Texas are presented by Syamal and Susmita Poddar. Major support comes from Nancy C. Allen, Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen, the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance, Houston Endowment, and The Brown Foundation Inc. Generous funding also provided by AARP, The Anchorage Foundation of Texas, The Clayton Fund, and Miller Theatre Advisory Board. Additional support provided by the Wortham Foundation, Texas Commission on the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, United Airlines, and through contributions from the Friends of Asia Society, a dedicated group of individuals and organizations committed to bringing exceptional programming and exhibitions to Asia Society Texas Center.

Performing Arts and Culture Presenting Sponsors

Syamal and Susmita Poddar

Official Airline Sponsor

Performing Arts and Culture Program Sponsors

Presenting Partner

About Asia Society at Home

We are dedicated to continuing our mission of building cross-cultural understanding and uplifting human connectivity. Using digital tools, we bring you content for all ages and conversations that matter, in order to spark curiosity about Asia and to foster empathy.

About Asia Society Texas

Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.