Monday, January 4, 12 PM
Violinist Zou Yu and pianist Anton Smirnov, together known as Duo Anzou, first collaborated at the Yale School of Music in 2013. They quickly became close friends and musical collaborators, performing together during their studies. More than a decade later, after pursuing separate careers and journeys, they reunited with a simple question: “Why don’t we play music together again?” That question marked the beginning of a new chapter and led to A Journey Through Music, a project inspired by the cultures, places, and musical traditions that have shaped their lives.
Zou has enjoyed a diverse career as an orchestral and chamber musician, as well as a dedicated teaching artist. She is a member of the San Diego Symphony and previously served as Associate Principal Second Violin. She has performed at major venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Shanghai Concert Hall, as well as at renowned festivals such as the Lucerne Festival, Verbier Festival, and Aspen Music Festival. She has collaborated with distinguished artists including Yo-Yo Ma, Lang Lang, Simon Rattle, Pierre Boulez, and Valery Gergiev. Alongside her performance career, she serves on the faculty of JCM and the Amici Festival at Pepperdine University. She holds degrees from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Oberlin Conservatory, and Yale School of Music.
An award-winning pianist, collaborative musician, and educator, Anton Smirnov has given more than 1,500 performances worldwide. His appearances include Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He has performed extensively as a soloist, chamber musician, and collaborative pianist, working with instrumentalists, singers, and ensembles in a wide range of musical settings. He has also maintained a dedicated career as a teacher and mentor. Anton began his musical training in Novosibirsk, Russia, and continued his studies at the Novosibirsk Conservatory, Oberlin
The Athenaeum’s Mini-Concerts offer a weekly opportunity to experience live music in the intimate setting of the Joan & Irwin Jacobs Music Room. Presented every Monday at noon, the series features a diverse range of performers, from local and touring musicians to university faculty, chamber ensembles, and prize-winning students. Programs span classical music as well as jazz, folk, and world music.
Founded by Glenna Hazleton in 1970, Mini-Concerts is one of the Athenaeum’s longest-running concert series. Each performance lasts approximately one hour and is free and open to the public. No reservations or tickets are required. Seating is first-come, first-served and limited.
Doors open at 11:40 a.m. and close for entry at 12:10 p.m. or when capacity is reached. Donations are welcome.