Lucille Chung and Alessio Bax

June 27, 2011

Our friend GetClassical recently published an article about the pianists Lucille Chung and Alessio Bax. Our listeners are familiar with these wonderful musicians, who are represented individually (Lucille in Scriabin, Brahms and Ligeti, Alessio in Rachmaninov and Ravel), as well as a duo, playing Starvinsky and Piazzolla. Here it is.

Pianists Lucille Chung and Alessio Bax: Sharing their lives at the piano

I am enjoying a cappuccino, that borders perfection, at pianists’ Lucille Chung’s and Alessio Bax’ tasteful, un- cluttered and brand new address on New York’s Upper-Upper West side. Lucille’s organizational skills translate into the modern streamlined, yet comfortable chic atmosphere, echoing Alessio’s Italian classy design heritage Lucille and Alessio that takes a decisively leading voice when it comes to the kitchen as well as, to my delight, handling the professional grade cappuccino maker.

This generous space that the attractive young couple calls home, when in New York, holds two grand pianos. One in their study that for now doubles as a guestroom, for practicing and teaching; the other one in the living room, for practicing simultaneously or to entertain each other and guests who typically are music lovers or musicians as well.

Playing the piano is what both regard as central to their lives. That’s why they might as well spend time doing it together. Two young, successful musicians in their own right, they share the rest of their time together, between juggling the piano faculty at Dallas’ SMU and their increasingly busy performance and recording schedules. In great demand as soloists, they have found themselves increasingly performing as a duo as well.Not that they necessarily planned it that way. Even though it always seemed like a great idea and it had happened on occasion, their duo performances have only recently gained in volume, taking up about 20 percent of their time, which was previously engaged with their professional solo performances. And, the truth is, they enjoy spending this 'quality time' at the piano together.