Praised for their “exciting pianism filled with highly powerful emotion” and “sensitive playing and touch,” Duo Fuerza—James D’León and Alwen Yeung—has emerged as a dynamic four-hand piano ensemble known for electrifying performances and deeply communicative artistry. Both began piano studies in early childhood, at ages four and six, respectively, before cultivating distinguished individual careers as sought-after soloists, chamber musicians, and collaborators. Their partnership brings together complementary strengths, exceptional synchronicity, and a shared musical vision grounded in expressive freedom and natural physicality—approaching the piano much like dancers shaping movement and emotion on stage.

Their repertoire reflects an eclectic breadth, ranging from the refined elegance of Bach, Mozart, Schubert, and Strauss to the vibrant rhythms of Piazzolla and the jazz-infused brilliance of Gershwin and Kapustin. Whether illuminating the subtleties of a classical masterpiece or unleashing the rhythmic drive of modern works, Duo Fuerza is celebrated for their ability to reveal color, nuance, and narrative through a single shared instrument.

Beyond the stage, they are committed to fostering community and expanding access to classical music through outreach programs, educational residencies, and their signature “Conversations from the Piano” approach—an engaging, conversational format that invites audiences into the heart of the musical experience.

As Ensemble-in-Residence at Georgia Southwestern State University, they proudly champion the expressive possibilities of Steinway instruments. James D’León, a Steinway Artist since 2008, brings longstanding dedication to the Steinway legacy, a commitment the duo continues to honor in every performance, masterclass, and community initiative.

Their upcoming season features major appearances across Connecticut, Georgia, Ohio, Nevada, Arizona, and California, promising performances that are as captivating as they are heartfelt. Duo Fuerza continues to inspire audiences nationwide with artistry defined by passion, unity, and expressive power.

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Born in South Korea, James D’León began the piano at the age of 4 and performed his first recital at 5. He made his debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra performing the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 at the age of 14. He continued his studies with the late George Sementovsky from Temple University, which greatly influenced his piano performance style, after which he was awarded a doctorate from the Eastman School of Music. From there, he won praise in many international piano competitions such as the Bachauer, Leeds, Cliburn, and Naumburg, the latter of which he was a top-five finalist out of 250 extraordinary pianists. Afterwards, he made his New York Debut at Carnegie Hall, which launched his performance career. Praised by critics as “a musical sorcerer with powerful emotion,” he was selected as an International Steinway Artist on both the New York and Hamburg (Germany) rosters. Since then, he has performed throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe with many renowned orchestras, chamber groups, and festivals.

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Born in Hong Kong, Alwen Yeung began the piano at the age of 6, after which she studied at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and The University of Hong Kong with Gabriel Kwok. She eventually moved to the United States, where she honed her performance skills through graduate degrees from Florida State University and Middlebury College in Vermont. Since then, she has performed on many stages, ranging from the southeastern United States to Asia, including Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Indonesia. Praised by critics for her “sensitive playing and touch,” she is an active performer, an award-winning chamber musician, and a highly sought-after accompanist, with previous performances at the Hong Kong Music Festival, Rosalynn Carter’s Celebration of Life service, and President Jimmy Carter’s 100th Birthday Celebration concert.