Twincussion (雙子二重奏), a Taiwanese percussion duo formed by twin artists Chien Jen-ting (簡任廷) and Chien Jen-yu (簡任佑), will embark on a one-month tour of the United States starting on February 1, under the sixth edition of the Center Stage program launched by the United States Department of State. They will be performing at Heritage University on Feb. 9, following their first performance at the Kennedy Center on Feb. 1.
Twincussion was formed in 2010. With the tacit understanding between twins, the ensemble shows their unique charm in music and excellent technique during performances. As rising stars in the international contemporary classical music scene, they have won numerous international awards. In 2016, Twincussion won first prize in the ensemble category at the International Percussion Competition in Italy. In 2018, Twincussion won first prize in the New York Golden Classical Music Awards, Chamber Music Category, and first prize in the Soloist Competition at the Royal Danish Academy of Music as well. The duo was invited to perform at international music festivals and workshops in the United States, Italy, Switzerland, Denmark, Swiss, Poland, Spain, Japan, China, Malaysia, and more.
Center Stage is a cultural exchange program initiated by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts and the Regional Arts Organizations. To date, 29 international performing arts ensembles have launched performances, workshops, discussions, and master classes at colleges and universities, art festivals, music clubs, and cultural centers of Washington, D.C. and 35 states.
The first stop of Twincussion's month-long U.S. tour will be taking place at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage on February 1 at 6:00 PM. The performance is free and open to the public. Online reservations are now open and seating will be first come, first served. Live streaming will also be available on YouTube. For more information, please visit the Kennedy Center's website or Twincussion's website.