Duo Bondi Concert

The evening features the iconic "Sonata for Violin and Cello" by French composer Maurice Ravel, among other captivating pieces. 

PROGRAM

Jessie Montgomery “Duo for Violin and Cello”  
Philip Glass Duets (1, 2, 3) from Double Concerto for Violin and Cello
Reinhold Gliere 8 Pieces Op. 39 for Violin and Cello (selections) 
Maurice Ravel “Sonata for Violin and Cello” 
Handel-Halvorsen “Passacaglia for Violin and Cello” 

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

The Duo Bondi consists of Alexandre Lecarme and Sarita Kwok, find out more about them below.

Alexandre Lecarme (Cello)

Native of Grasse, France, Alexandre Lecarme joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra at the start of the 2008-2009 season. A member of the Boston Cello Quartet, he holds an artist diploma and a Master of Music from Boston University, where he studied under prominent teachers such as David Soyer, Jean-Marie Gamard, and Andrés Díaz. An avid chamber musician, Alexandre has performed at the Rockport Chamber Music Festival, Hammond Performing Arts Series, and the Copley Society Series, as well as with the BSO’s chamber music series. As a founding member of the Tancrede Trio, he has given numerous concerts across the United States and Europe, with highlights including performances at the Opera de Nice and Salle Olivier Messiaen in Grenoble. Alexandre’s discography includes works by Bach, Debussy, and Beethoven, among others.

Alexandre performs on a Pierre Sylvestre, 1835, his own cello.

Sarita Kwok (Violin)

Distinguished as a charismatic and powerful performer, Australian violinist Sarita Kwok is deeply committed to education and cultural leadership. She is a founding member of the Arabella String Quartet, whose debut recording was critically acclaimed by The Strad magazine. Sarita also performs with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops as a substitute player and is a dedicated advocate for contemporary music. Her recent recordings include works by Ezra Laderman and Martin Bresnick, the latter receiving praise from Gramophone magazine. Formerly the Director of the undergraduate lessons program at Yale School of Music, Sarita now holds the Adams Endowed Chair in Music at Gordon College. She received her Doctor of Musical Arts and Artist Diploma from Yale, studying under Syoko Aki and the Tokyo String Quartet.  

Sarita performs on a 1736 violin crafted by Italian maker Johannes Florenus Guidantus, complemented by a bow from Joseph Arthur Vigneron. 

Experience the mesmerizing interplay of violin and cello as Alexandre Lecarme and Sarita Kwok masterfully weave together this thoughtfully curated program.  

Security Rules: Each person attending the event must have a ticket registered in their name and a government-issued ID that matches the name on the reservation to enter the Embassy. No one will be admitted without a reservation and official ID. Due to strict security measures, please arrive on time, as doors will be closed at 7:30 pm sharp. Please allow for extra time for security screenings.

Credits: This event is organized by the Institut Français USA - Villa Albertine and the Resources USA Foundation. Resources USA Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization promoting collaboration between the US and France to encourage Innovation in Science, Technology, Culture, and Higher Education. Our organization is able to continue its mission because of your support and generosity for our events at Maison Française, whether it's a one-time gift, a monthly contribution, or part of a matching gifts program. Please contact us for contributions exceeding $250.  

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

La Maison Française, Embassy of France, Washington, United States