ArcoStrum

ArcoStrum is committed to pushing boundaries and redefining the 21st-century violin-guitar art form, presenting a new chamber music that is mixed-genre, multi-cultural, and cross-era.

Merging Eastern and Western musical traditions, ArcoStrum seamlessly blends the evocative sounds of traditional Chinese instruments—including the erhu (Chinese two-string fiddle) and dizi and piccolo dizi (Chinese bamboo flutes)—with the virtuosity of classical violin, guitar, and electric guitar. Their innovative program creates an immersive, movie-like experience, offering a transformative musical journey that transcends cultural boundaries and celebrates the evolution of music across generations.

ArcoStrum includes TY Zhang and Strauss Shi, who met while studying at The Juilliard School, where they were classmates and roommates. Since then, they have continued to grow together both personally and artistically, strengthening a partnership built on trust, curiosity, and a shared joy in making music. Every note they play reflects hours of collaboration, a deep respect for tradition, and a mutual drive to reinvent and leave their mark..

Winners and Audience Prize recipients of the 2023 Concert Artists Guild (CAG) Victor Elmaleh Competition, they were the first violin-guitar duo ever to receive this honor in CAG’s more than 70-year history. ArcoStrum features violinist Strauss Shi, a three-time international competition prize winner, and guitarist TY Zhang, the first and only Chinese classical guitarist to win the prestigious Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Competition.

The duo has brought their remarkable artistry and engaging stage presence to sold-out audiences across Asia, Latin America, and North America. They have performed in renowned venues and festivals, including recent and upcoming appearances at New York City’s Carnegie Hall Citywide and Merkin Hall, Krannert Center, University of Nevada–Las Vegas, Howland Chamber Music Circle, Austin Chamber Music Festival (with Empire Wild), Kravis Center, Caramoor, Guitar Foundation of America, Billings Symphony, University of Texas at Dallas, Wharton Center, and more.