“The duo’s latest performance, before a filled Camp Concert Hall in the University of Richmond’s Modlin Arts Center, showed both their drafting of complementary voices and their exploration of interesting byways in the cello-and-piano repertory. The duo’s interpretation of the Sollima centered on its darkish tonal palette, circular, torque-like energy and contrast of minimalist and romantic styles. The Brahms sonata received a reading notable for Kong’s reining in of the piano part to achieve sonic parity with the cello and for Wagner’s robust voicing and especially resonant pizzicatos.”
Letter V, Virginia Classical Music
“Thanks to you again for your terrific concert at Cascadia! Very beautiful, the audience really connected with you and the music. I hope you will come concertize at Cascadia again when you are in the Northwest!”
Cal Lewin
Director, Music In The Museum, Cascadia Art Museum (WA)
“The students at Castillero [Middle School, San Jose, CA] sat in awe, as the Wagner & Kong Duo performed for hundreds of our orchestra and band members.”
Scott Krijnen
Music Director, Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra
“The soloist of the evening deserves special praise: the cellist Christoph Wagner shone exceptionally with the demanding Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra in B minor op. 104 by Antonin Dvořák. With his unusual encore, the Paganini Variations on a Theme by Rossini, he also demonstrated his top-class solo skills. He embodies the music and touches the heart in a way that can be felt in the body of the listener.”
Wiltrud And Bernd Juretzek
Oekumenische Philharmonie Concerts, Germany
“Thank you so much for coming! I have heard amazing feedback—the residents absolutely loved your performance and were so impressed.
They would love to have you back! Please let me know anytime you plan to return to the Lacey area!”
Samantha Denny
Revel Lacey Concerts (WA)
“The musical grapevine has known for years that she [Joanne Kong] boasts plenty of technique, unusual range and a great ear for tone color … sensitive and utterly natural in her phrasing.”
Richmond Times-Dispatch
“Pablo Casals once said, ‘Music is the divine way to tell beautiful poetic things to the heart.’ In their Strands of Compassion Concert/Presentation, Joanne Kong and Christoph Wagner gifted our hearts with healing, enchanting, vibrant messages of love, connection and hope. The images, poetry, quotes, personal reflections and musical performance lifted our spirits as they directly invited us to a profound compassionate awareness of and growth in our relationships with all beings and all of nature. The most memorable message of compassionate oneness was exquisitely delivered and warmly received by the those in attendance. This concert/presentation can only be described in superlatives! It is a priceless treasure to all sentient beings and the planet.”
Loretta Rowe
Climate Action Group, Fairfax (VA)
“That was one of the best performances I have been to in a long while! It’s rare that the [church] sanctuary is so still and expectant. That music was so moving today. I just want to hold it in my brain and soul. The last piece had me in tears and I had to leave quickly so I could sit in the car for a minute just to collect myself.”
“People are still in a trance from Sunday afternoon!”
Starr King Way Performance Series
First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco
“You and Christoph sounded great on the live stream [Classical KING FM Radio live broadcast, Seattle]. Bravo! I particularly enjoyed the Debussy which was played with beautiful pacing, gorgeous intonation, incredible expression and lovely balance!”
Richard Becker
Music Professor, University of Richmond
“An accomplished duo, with expressive and seamless phrases flowing between the piano and the cello. They provide intimate and engaging performances to a wide variety of audiences. A gift!”
Iyana Christine Leveque, Concertgoer
“Pianist Joanne Kong provided skillful and sensitive accompaniment.”
San Antonio Light
“Their performance displayed not only exceptional technical ability and artistry, but also heartfelt playing and deep soulful connection to the music, the audience, and all beings. It was truly extraordinary! Attendees were so moved and remarked that they experienced the spirit of life through Joanne and Christoph’s music and reflections.”
Tonja Nansel, Event Organizer
River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation (MD)
“I had the privilege of attending and hearing Joanne Kong and Christoph Wagner in a recital that I would describe as heart-centered. I already knew Joanne and her artistry so I expected that the concert would be wonderful. My expectations were exceeded. Christoph and Joanne come together with exquisite beauty. Their level of technical ability is the underpinning of their intuitive and soulful playing. As a pianist my desire in going to a music experience is that I have an opportunity to be “lost in the music,” to be moved to a place of transcendence. That happened for me as I experienced Joanne and Christoph’s beautiful collaboration. Their final selection, Spiegel im Spiegel, by Arvo Pärt brought tears to my eyes. That unique ability—the gift of sharing—from the composer, to and through Christoph and Joanne, and into the body and soul of the listener speaks to the depth of their connection to the music and each other. Their playing is exquisite and is a gift to all who have the opportunity of experiencing them.”
Carol Jacobs, Pianist
“Noticing that Christoph Wagner, like me, participated in Jugend Musiziert competitions made me feel a unique connection to the performance….
The Brahms Sonata was amazing. The dynamics and subtle changes took the audience on a journey, with expressive pianissimos and brilliant upper notes that added depth. Rubato was coordinated beautifully between cello and piano.”
Natalia Jung, Pianist, Germany
“Thank you again for such a unique and inspirational evening. The artists were magnificent and their program sublime. Their artistry, professionalism, and superb selection of pieces for programs make these evenings truly memorable.”
“The concert was marvelous! Hearing these superb musicians in the comfort of your beautiful home was a delight.”
“Wow—what an incredible concert! It is such a treat to hear musicians of that caliber…. to hear them up close and in person is a thrill. Still basking in the enjoyment of the evening.”
Orinda House Concerts (CA)
“Superb artistry.… Kong breathes her phrases, which make them both natural and exciting as she infuses her whole self into the music before her.”
San Antonio Express-News
“Marvelous performance … The residents are still raving and wanting me to book you both again—soon!”
John Friedman, The Bellettini (WA)
“I really enjoyed your performance with all its delicate nuances.”
Ulla Colgrass, Music Journalist, Toronto, Canada
“Combining their compassion for animals, the environment, and nature with their passion for plant-based eating and music, Joanne Kong and Christoph Wagner have created a winning partnership, indeed! Their sweet, soothing sounds and thought-provoking words gently transcend the audience into a state of calm and kindness. Bravo!!”
Karyn Kuhn
Department of Psychology, University of Richmond
“We would love to have you back, the residents adored your performance. The week after, I heard of nothing else.”
Lee Hopps, Activities Director
Ida Culver House (WA)
“My friends and I enjoyed the performance of Wagner and Kong at our residence, a senior community fortunate to enjoy a wide variety of performances by singers, musicians, and others throughout the year. May 30 [2024] was the first visit of these two distinguished performers. Christoph and Joanne explained each piece with genial and gracious, sometimes humorous comments. We enjoyed their talent, expertise, musicality and spirit for more than an hour, then shared conversation afterward. Although our community enjoys a number of presentations and recitals, Wagner and Kong were clearly in the top tier of those we have had the pleasure of hearing. We were very pleased when they promised to return next year at a similar time. They are an outstanding team.”
Catherine Fransson
Ida Culver House Resident (WA)
Resident, Riverview Retirement Community (WA)
“Was that not the best concert you have ever heard?”
“Wagner and Kong performed in my house concert series May 2024. They put on an excellent, entertaining performance. They were warm and mingled with the audience members before the show, at the break, and after the show. I am looking forward to presenting them again!”
J. D. Miller, Music Up Close House Concerts (WA)
“It was wonderful. The music and performance deeply touched my heart. Both are not only gifted musicians, but express their passion, emotions and feelings through their playing. Thank you for arranging this intimate concert.”
Linnaea Bohn
Benefit Concert for River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary (WA)