ArcoStrum

Praised as “a first-rate ensemble among the new generation of performing artists,” ArcoStrum is a trailblazing violin-guitar duo leaving their mark through creative concert design, on-stage charisma, and innovative programming. From classics like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to Chinese traditional music to progressive rock, they have captivated audiences around the world with exciting, inspiring, and dynamic performances.

Winners and Audience Prize recipients of the 2023 Concert Artists Guild 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 (GFA-ICAC).

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.

TY and Strauss believe in the power of music to spark imagination and are deeply committed to educational and community engagement, aiming to inspire and empower younger generations. While on tour, they frequently connect with students from kindergarten through college through interactive workshops, school concerts, and outreach programs. In the summer of 2025, they led a eight-week residency at the Fried Music School in Alhambra, CA, titled “RockoStrum”, an immersive program that gave students the opportunity to collaborate, form small bands, explore non-classical genres, work on arranging, and step outside their musical comfort zones.

On stage, they are ArcoStrum. Offstage, TY and Strauss are best friends who share a love for an inclusive and creative music making process. Their friendship began 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.

The name ArcoStrum is a fusion of arco (the Italian word for the violin “bow”) and strum (the gesture of sweeping across guitar strings), symbolizing their unique musical identity. The duo has been featured on The Violin Channel, The Strad, and Chamber Music America Magazine.

ArcoStrum is represented by General Arts Touring, led by Tom Gallant.