Duo Fuerza strikes a new chord at Georgia Southwestern

At Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW), something new is taking shape. As the university’s first-ever Ensemble-in-Residence, Duo Fuerza is creating new opportunities for hands-on learning, performance and community connection.

For pianists Alwen Yeung and James D’Leon, stepping into this inaugural position is both exciting and meaningful. With no established blueprint, they see the opportunity as a chance to build something lasting by creating a model that blends performance, education and outreach. Their goal is simple but ambitious. They desire to give students an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at how a professional ensemble works while sparking a deeper appreciation for classical music.

The duo’s story begins, fittingly, with connection. Their name, “Duo Fuerza,” comes from the Spanish phrase “La unidad hace la fuerza” – “In unity, there is strength.” That philosophy underpins everything they do. Their partnership formed organically through mutual connections and a shared vision for four-hand piano performance. When they finally played together, the synergy was immediate. “It was clear that our musical styles fit really well,” they said. “It just clicked, and the rest is history!”

“Our collaboration is unique because it brings together two distinct artistic voices with a shared musical vision,” they explained, describing performances that blend “intense emotional expression and synchronized physicality on a single piano” into something both powerful and fresh. This balance carries into their teaching philosophy as well. “In a duo, everything is shared — sound, space and visual presence… we aim for contrast and balance,” they said, emphasizing the importance of awareness, listening and adaptability.

Both musicians bring rich and diverse backgrounds to the residency. James, now based in Arizona, began playing piano at age four. “I have to give my mom credit for encouraging me to stick with it,” he said, noting how her early support and later mentorship from a professor who taught him not just to play the notes, but to enjoy the depth of music and the experience of performing. He went on to earn a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music. His career includes performances at major venues like Carnegie Hall and recognition as an International Steinway Artist.

Alwen’s journey is equally personal. “My mother always dreamed of learning the piano, but her family couldn’t afford one in Indonesia so being able to fulfill that dream for her became part of my own story,” she shared. Alwen, originally from Hong Kong, earned a Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy from Florida State University and a Master of Arts in Chinese Pedagogy from Middlebury College, and is now working toward her MBA at GSW. She has built a career as both a performer and educator.

Despite the geographical distance between them, the duo has crafted a residency model that is both intentional and sustainable. Careful planning allows them to maximize time on campus, ensuring that when James is in Americus, the experience is immersive – filled with performances, rehearsals and engagement with students and faculty.

Inside the classroom, students gain more than technical instruction. They witness the full lifecycle of a musical performance from concept to execution. Outside the classroom, they are exposed to the realities of a professional music career, including programming, communication and artistic decision-making. It’s an experience that transforms music from something studied into something lived.

But the impact of Duo Fuerza’s residency extends well beyond campus. Community engagement is a central part of their mission. “Engaging with the Americus and Southwest Georgia community is an important part of this residency for us,” they shared. From performing at local venues like First Methodist Church to planning future outreach events across Southwest Georgia, the duo is committed to making classical music accessible and inviting. Their presence strengthens the connection between the university and the broader Americus community, reinforcing GSW’s role as a cultural hub.

Looking ahead, Duo Fuerza is eager to expand their creative reach. Upcoming projects include audio and video recordings for platforms like Spotify and YouTube, as well as potential multimedia collaborations involving dancers and other artists. These initiatives showcase their artistry and provide students with a window into modern, cross-disciplinary performance.

Duo Fuerza’s upcoming schedule includes a mix of performances across the U.S. this season and beyond, with upcoming concerts in Ohio, Nevada and Arizona, as well as later engagements in Georgia, Arizona, California, Massachusetts and Maryland through 2027 and beyond. Alongside these concerts, they will engage audiences through outreach and educational events.

Beyond the stage, both musicians bring a depth of personality and interests that often surprise those who know them only through their performances. For James, that includes “cooking, running long distances and hiking in the mountains at high altitude,” pursuits he says contribute directly to his musicianship by building “stamina for long rehearsals, mental clarity for complex passages and inspiration in the rhythms and patterns of nature.”

Alwen’s energy is equally dynamic. An avid reader and active community volunteer, she enjoys walking in the woods, biking, kayaking and stargazing. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, English and Indonesian, she embraces both culture and curiosity. “I’m the kind of person who wakes up before sunrise and goes all the way to midnight without stopping,” she said. “Caffeine and naps are optional.” In fact, she added, “Back in my college days, my friends used to call me the ‘Energizer Bunny.’”

For students navigating their own musical paths, their advice is refreshingly grounded: “Stay curious and keep showing up,” they shared. “You don’t have to have everything figured out right away.” Success in music, they emphasize, isn’t always linear. Growth comes through persistence, exploration and a willingness to embrace opportunity.

As GSW continues its pursuit of becoming an All-Steinway School, the residency also plays a strategic role. Through performances, masterclasses and daily engagement with Steinway instruments, Duo Fuerza helps model the level of artistry and professionalism associated with that distinction. By integrating Steinway instruments into both performance and pedagogy, the residency supports the department’s goal in a practical, meaningful way.

In many ways, Duo Fuerza’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter for Georgia Southwestern. As the residency takes shape, their work is already influencing how students learn, collaborate and experience music – laying a foundation that will continue to evolve in the years ahead.