Duo Laevitas, founded by Kenneth Liao and Drew Butcher, is a violin-guitar duo based in San Diego. The ensemble’s artistic partnership formed from a shared passion of chamber music, and brings together contrasting musical backgrounds to deliver original arrangements of diverse repertoire across Southern California. The name, Laevitas, is Latin for fluency and facility, which describes their instant connection and natural music-making.  

Violinist Kenneth Liao joined the San Diego Symphony in 2019 after spending two seasons with the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, Florida. Originally from Maryland, Mr. Liao earned degrees from the University of Southern California and The Juilliard School. He is a former member of the Royal Swedish Opera (Kungliga Hovkapellet) in Stockholm, Sweden, as well as the Des Moines Metro Opera, where he served as Associate Concertmaster. In addition to orchestral playing, Mr. Liao also loves playing chamber music and teaching. Aside from his musical pursuits, Kenneth enjoys traveling, cooking, baking cakes, and going to Costco. 

Guitarist Drew Butcher moved to San Diego from Dayton, Ohio in 2012. Prior to moving, he earned a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. During his college career, he was also a member of an original rock band that actively toured between cities like Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta and New York City. In San Diego, he has played guitar in several acoustic duos, played drums in an original rock and soul band, and has engineered and produced various recording projects as well. Outside of music, Drew enjoys exploring San Diego’s incredible restaurant scene, exercising, spending time outdoors and binge-watching epic TV series. 

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.