VEGAN VIRTUOSI
with Dr. Joanne Kong
& Dr. Christoph Wagner
Recognizing that the arts can be a powerful and uniquely communicative means of advocating for animals, veganism, and the environment, Kong partners with acclaimed cellist and vegan advocate Dr. Christoph Wagner as VEGAN VIRTUOSI. The duo has been praised for their impeccable ensemble and sensitive, dynamic artistry. They are the creators of Strands of Compassion, compelling events that are an inspirational blend of music, imagery, and spoken reflections, with the goal of bringing about transformative spiritual growth, positive change and planetary healing. Their creativity fosters and instills in their listeners a deep emotional response and heartfelt connection to the life energy and compassionate spirit which connects all beings.
A passionate advocate for sustainability and plant-based nutrition, Wagner has been described by the New Mexico Sun as “a conscientious mind with a musical heart.” He created Rice Vegan Society in 2017, advocating for a more veg-friendly and zero-waste environment at Rice University, as well as sharing information about the manifold benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle: environmental sustainability, animal rights, health, social justice and world peace. He holds a Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University, and one of his research areas focuses on the role of nutrition in musical peak performance.
In addition to Strands of Compassion events, VEGAN VIRTUOSI has performed benefit concerts and special events at a number of sanctuaries including Rancho Compasión, Porchlight Sanctuary, Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary, and River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary. They have been profiled on Supreme Master TV’s A Journey Through Aesthetic Realms, gave a presentation on the benefits of plant-based eating at the 2024 International Society for Music Education World Conference in Helsinki, Finland, and will be featured in the upcoming documentary, Taking Note, about vegan musicians and the history of animal rights as seen through music.
ENDORSEMENTS
“Pablo Casals once said, ”Music is the divine way to tell beautiful poetic things to the heart.” In their “Strands of Compassion Concert/Presentation,” Joanne Kong and Christoph Wagner gifted our hearts with healing, enchanting, vibrant messages of love, connection and hope. They also spoke directly and eloquently to our Unitarian Universalist Principles. The images, poetry, quotes, personal reflections and musical performance lifted our spirits as they directly invited us to a profound compassionate awareness of and growth in our relationships with all beings and all of nature. Every note and every syllable combined to embody and illuminate our participation in the interconnected web of existence. As one attendee stated, “What a unique way to communicate a very important message!” The most memorable message of compassionate oneness was exquisitely delivered and warmly received by the those in attendance. I believe many left inspired to further explore how our actions and choices impact our one common home. This concert/presentation can only be described in superlatives! It is a priceless treasure to all sentient beings and the planet.”
Loretta Rowe, Unitarian Universalist Congregation (Fairfax, VA)
“What a privilege it was to host Wagner and Kong for their Strands of Compassion concert! Their performance displayed not only exceptional technical ability and artistry, but also heartfelt playing and deep soulful connection to the music, the audience, and all beings. It was truly extraordinary! Attendees were so moved and remarked that they experienced the spirit of life through Joanne and Christoph’s music and reflections.”
Tonja Nansel, Event Organizer, River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation (Bethesda, MD)
“I had the privilege of attending and hearing Joanne Kong and Christoph Wagner in a recital that I would describe as heart-centered. I already knew Joanne and her artistry so I expected that the concert would be wonderful. My expectations were exceeded. Christoph and Joanne come together with exquisite beauty. Their level of technical ability is the underpinning of their intuitive and soulful playing. As a pianist my desire in going to a music experience is that I have an opportunity to be “lost in the music”, to be moved to a place of transcendence. That happened for me as I experienced Joanne and Christoph’s beautiful collaboration. Their final selection, Spiegel im Spiegel, by Arvo Pärt brought tears to my eyes. That unique ability—the gift of sharing—from the composer, to and through Christoph and Joanne, and into the body and soul of the listener speaks to the depth of their connection to the music and each other. Their playing is exquisite and is a gift to all who have the opportunity of experiencing them.”
Carol Jacobs, Pianist
“Combining their compassion for animals, the environment, and nature with their passion for plant-based eating and music, Joanne Kong and Christoph Wagner have created a winning partnership, indeed! Their sweet, soothing sounds and thought-provoking words gently transcend the audience into a state of calm and kindness. Bravo!!”
Karyn Kuhn, Department of Psychology, University of Richmond
VIDEOS
STRANDS OF COMPASSION
Youtube.com/watch?v=XdttWDLYHI4&t=15s
INTERVIEW WITH VEGANLINKED
Youtube.com/watch?v=Fv9Dnn8n4as
INTERVIEW, HOPE FOR THE ANIMALS PODCAST
Youtube.com/watch?v=f78LGIR3hlc
To learn more about Wagner and Kong’s careers and activities as professional musicians, visit Joannekongmusic.com/wagner-kong/