From Taiwan to Texas: An Evening with the Formosa Quartet

The internationally acclaimed Formosa Quartet returns 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.

Enjoy a selection of the Formosa Quartet's last performance at Asia Society Texas as part of our Encore Series:

“A marvelously elegant performance full of youthful freshness and exuberance... spellbinding virtuosity.” – BBC Music Magazine

“Bold and intense, like shots of pure espresso... the performances go beyond the beautiful and into the territory of unexpectedly thrilling.” - MUSO Magazine

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 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.