Guest Artists: Tien-Hsin Cindy Wu and Michael Nicolas at Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University

About Tien-Hsin Cindy Wu: Praised by the Seattle Times as “simply marvelous” and Taiwan’s Liberty Times for “astonishingly capturing the spirit of the music,” violinist Wu enjoys a versatile career as a soloist, chamber musician, and educator throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Celebrated for her artistry, versatility, and expressive musicianship, she has earned praise from audiences and critics around the world as a distinguished soloist, chamber musician, educator, and artistic leader. With appearances at many of the world’s leading concert halls and festivals, and collaborations with some of the most respected musicians of our time, she brings a wealth of experience and insight to every performance. Wu has collaborated in concerts with generations of renowned artists such as Yefim Bronfman, James Ehnes, Lynn Harrell, Leila Josefowicz, Kim Kashkashian, Cho-Liang Lin, Midori, Thomas Quasthoff, Yuja Wang, and members of the Alban Berg, Cleveland, Emerson, Guarneri, Miró, and Tokyo string quartets at prominent venues including the Kennedy Center, Library of Congress, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. About Michael Nicolas: Cellist Michael Nicolas enjoys a diverse career as chamber musician, soloist, recording artist, and improvisor. His eclectic tastes and adventurous spirit have led him to forge a musical path of uncommon breadth, where his activities range from performing the masterpieces of the past in the world’s most prestigious concert halls, to free improvisation in downtown New York experimental venues, to working with contemporary composers of all styles, pushing the boundaries of musical expression and meaning. Nicolas is the cellist of the intrepid and genre-defying string quartet Brooklyn Rider, which has drawn praise from classical, world music, and rock critics alike. As a member of the acclaimed International Contemporary Ensemble, he has worked with countless composers from around the world, premiering and recording dozens of new works. Of mixed French-Canadian and Taiwanese heritage, Michael was born in Canada, and currently resides in New York City. He is a graduate of the Juilliard School.