Trio Azura
Sunday, October 18, 2026, 3:00 pm, Sleepy Hollow High School Auditorium, Sleepy Hollow, NY
Trio Azura is quickly emerging as one of today’s most promising young ensembles, characterized by “intelligence and imagination” and “profound emotion.” (Gramophone) The members are Canadian violinist Duncan McDougall, South Korean cellist Yejin Hong and Chinese pianist Yanfeng (Tony) Bai. Although they come from different backgrounds, their unique perspectives are a constant source of inspiration.
Trio Azura Photo/The Colburn School
The trio appears on our series as a recipient of our Performance Award, given to winners of the Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, which they achieved in 2025. They were also appointed YCA Jacobs Fellows, becoming the organization’s first ensemble-in-residence.
“Here is a group in ascendancy – and in prime shape. They play with an acute sense of one another and of the music’s ever-changing requirements. No one is the clear “hot dog” player – and yet no one isn’t, either. Each can clearly step into the virtuoso seat when needed, or step back into a supporting role.” (Violinist.com)
They formed in 2022 at the Colburn School in Los Angeles and in 2024, won the Grand Prize, Gold Medal, Lift Every Voice prize, and Horszowksi Trio Prize at the 51st Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. They are also prize winners at the Schoenfeld International String Competition in Harbin, China.
“During the 2024-25 season, Trio Azura completed their Fischoff Double Gold Tour of the US Midwest, where they mentored over 500 students in Indiana and Michigan; they undertook a residency at the American University of Sharjah in the UAE, which was a unique opportunity for cultural exchange with Arabic poets.
Trio Azura’s 2025-2026 season includes appearances at the Brisbane Festival in Australia, Nevada Chamber Music Festival, South Bay Chamber Music Society, Pelican Chamber Concerts, and the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Belgium.
Their Program will include
- Maurice Ravel, Piano Trio in A Minor
- Jennifer Higdon, Piano Trio No. 1
- Felix Mendelssohn, Piano Trio No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 66