ISO Principal Bassist Ju-Fang Liu Performs at DePauw Monday

August 31, 2004

August 31, 2004, Greencastle, Ind. - The beautiful low tones of the string bass will reverberate throughout Thompson Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, September 6, as the DePauw School of Music’s guest artist series opens with the new principal bassist of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Ju-Fang Liu. Joining her for this event, which is free and open to all, will be distinguished DePauw faculty members Claude Cymerman (piano) and Greg Dugan (bass). For audience members, this will be a unique chance to hear and witness one of the country’s best bassists that should not be missed.

Born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Ju-Fang Liu began playing the string bass somewhat by chance when she was nine-years-old. “I went to an elementary school which required you to play piano and one other instrument,” says Liu. “I was the tallest person in the class, so the music director of that school told me maybe it would be best for me to play the bass.” This request proved fortuitous as Liu quickly excelled on the instrument, winning the National Double Bass Competition of Taiwan twice.

At 14, Liu left Taiwan and her family in order to pursue her musical dreams in America. After graduating from the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, she finished her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Indiana University under the tutelage of bassists Bruce Bransby and Lawrence Hurst. Positions at the Kansas City Symphony and New World Symphony as well as awards from the International Society of Bassists and Aspen Music Festival followed as Liu worked for her big break. This moment arrived in 2003 as she was selected as the new Principal Bassist of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, winning the position from a pool of 145 applicants.

For her DePauw debut, Liu’s program will include Bottesini’s celebrated Second Concerto, a virtuosic stalwart sure to mesmerize audience members not familiar with the full technical potential of the double bass. Written by celebrated bassist Giovanni Bottesini (1821-1889), a man described by his contemporaries as the “Paganini of double bass,” Liu previously won the New World Symphony’s concerto competition with her performance of the piece. In addition to the evening concert, Ms. Liu will be holding an afternoon master class in Thompson Recital Hall from 2 to 4 p.m. This will give DePauw students a chance to perform for and gain valuable instruction from one of the country’s leading bassists. As always, both the master class and concert are free and open to the public.

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