Honors: Andes Duo

In the realm of music, where artistry meets intimacy, the Andes Duo shines brightly. This award-winning collaboration features husband and wife pianists, Andreas Landstedt and Esther Jihye Han, who are not only unified in life but resonate perfectly in their shared passion – the piano.

Music, Tradition, and Storytelling

The couple recently launched a unique project, “SERIE ANDES”, meant to intertwine music, tradition, and storytelling. It’s a manifestation of talent and creativity from these versatile pianists who are currently stationed at the UMKC Conservatory. They debuted the first part of the “SERIE ANDES” program, titled “PAPER”, in December 2023 at UMKC’s White Recital Hall.

“SERIE is meant to be spontaneous and serendipitous, a public display of a personal celebration reflecting us as unique performers and united partners,” describes Han, whose lyrical euphony blends effortlessly with Landstedt’s meandering melodies. The Andes Duo takes works by classic composers and transforms them the pair’s notable “two-piano interpretation,” requiring both pianists for the completion of the composition.

The Journey of the Andes Duo

The Andes Duo came into existence in March 2022, following their win in the annual U.S. International Duo Piano Competition and second place in the Sweden-based online North International Music Competition. This paved the way for performances at esteemed platforms including Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music, Ohio International Piano Duet and Duo Competition, and the online UK International Music Competition.

The duo’s passion for music started early on. Han commenced her piano studies when she was 6 in Chicago, while Landstedt began at the age of 5 in Los Lunas, New Mexico. Interestingly, the two discovered after starting to date that they had the same childhood piano teacher. “Our names are right next to each other in old recital programs, so that’s our sign we were meant to be!”

Interests Beyond the Stage

Apart from their shared love for music, both musicians have an array of interests. Landstedt, when not absorbed in musical compositions, follows the Premier League, avidly plays video games, and remains active in soccer. Han embraces the domestic domain joyously by knitting, cross-stitching, cooking and writing poetry.

In the upcoming months, Han plans to manage a private piano studio of more than 25 students while obtaining a Graduate Certificate in Performing Arts Management. Meanwhile, Landstedt will continue with his solo recitals, and further explore jazz music.

A Glowing Future

For the Andes Duo, which thrives on classical music, their future looks promising. Landstedt is developing an interest in composition, jazz, and improvisation, while Han was selected as a merit recipient of the Women’s Council Graduate Assistance Fund. “Our story is really only in its first chapter, and there is still much left in store,” concludes Han.

Beyond individual pursuits, the duo plans to continue the SERIE project, developing hour-long programs for local nursing homes and senior communities. With their dedication to music and each other, audiences can look forward to more “sonic magic” in the future.