Experience the Unique Music of ArcoStrum

March 13th, 2026

There is something to be said about the power of music. It can transport a listener somewhere entirely unknown, influence the way a listener looks at the world, or simply make a listener’s day that little bit brighter. For friends and musicians Strauss Shi and TY Zhang, the violin-guitar duo known as ArcoStrum perform each concert in celebration of music with programs spanning all genres and eras. Vesper Concerts welcomes ArcoStrum to Omaha March 15 for a concert promising a little bit of everything a violin and guitar can offer. 

Born in China, Shi moved to the United States at age 6 with his family. Raised in a house of musicians, Shi’s parents opened a music school in which he attended. While he learned to play a variety of instruments during his time at the school, it was the violin that Shi gravitated towards the most.

Zhang was also born and raised in China. At age 18, Zhang met guitarist Sharon Isbin, founder of the guitar department at The Julliard School, while she was touring China. Zhang performed for Isbin during a master class and with her encouragement and help, applied to The Juilliard School to continue his studies. It was at The Juilliard School that the two met and became fast friends.   

Taken from the Italian word for the violin bow and the act of sweeping across guitar strings, the duo opted to incorporate both instruments in their name, ArcoStrum. As the duo began to establish themselves within the chamber music scene, they quickly realized the existing music for a violin-guitar duo would not be enough.

ArcoStrum’s performance will take place at the Presbyterian Church of the Cross, beginning at 3 p.m. For more information on the upcoming ArcoStrum concert, visit vesperconcerts.org.