Calyx Piano Trio

This event is part of the Danforth University Center - Chamber Series.

Program:

Violin Sonata in C Minor, Op. 30, No. 2 - Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

Piano Trio in A Major, Hoboken XV: No. 18 - Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
 
Haydn Go Seek - William Bolcom (b. 1938)
 
...a circle around the sun... - Augusta Read Thomas (b. 1964)
 

Free Admission.

 

It has been said of the Calyx Trio, “whether you’re a confirmed fan of chamber music, or simply curious about this time-honored genre, Calyx Piano Trio never fails to delight audiences.” (New Bern Magazine)

Formed in 2001, the Calyx Piano Trio takes its name from the botanical term meaning the sepals of a flower, often in multiples of three, that encase a flower bud.  This organic and protective imagery and its creative application to chamber music inspires the performers of the critically acclaimed Calyx Piano Trio.  Catherine French, violin, Jennifer Lucht, cello, and Nina Ferrigno, piano, the group’s bright and accomplished musicians, have earned Calyx the reputation of defying stereotypes with a repertoire that combines classical masterworks with original pieces by living composers.

All seasoned chamber musicians, each member of the Calyx Trio has been described as “a shining star in her own right”.  Violinist Catherine French, a member of the Boston Symphony orchestra since 1994, has established herself as a versatile chamber musician with performances around the globe.  Cellist Jennifer Lucht, Director of the Carolina Chamber Music Festival, has played before enthusiastic crowds at the Kennedy Center and Weill Recital Hall as well as the Tanglewood, Ravinia and Bravo! Vail Festivals.  Pianist Nina Ferrigno described by the St. Louis Post Dispatch as "a magnificent pianist," has been featured at Tanglewood, The Miller Theatre (NY), Jordan Hall (Boston) and throughout North America.  

The Trio has performed extensively in the United States, exciting audiences with expressive ensemble playing and brilliant virtuosity. They have been featured at the Sheldon Concert Hall and the Kranzberg Arts Center (St. Louis), and on series at the Brooklyn Friends of Chamber Music (NY), Pamlico Musical Society (NC), Newton Free Library (MA), Curtisville Consortium (MA) and James Library Center for the Arts (MA).  Calyx has presented concerts and educational programs at Washington University (St. Louis), Webster University (St. Louis) as well as East Carolina University (Greenville).  Festival residencies include those at the Carolina Chamber Music Festival (NC) in 2008, 2009 and 2013 as well as the Missouri Chamber Music Festival in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Committed to illuminating the genre through juxtaposition of master works and fresh pieces by living composers, the Calyx Piano Trio champions new music.  This dedication to contemporary music is reflective of the Trio’s decade long collaboration in AUROS Group for New Music (Boston) and adds to considerable years of experience working with composers to present their works on stage.  Calyx Trio’s keen intelligence, expert ensemble playing, detailed sound and passionate expression bring new works to life providing deeper insight into the traditions of chamber music while helping to establish new traditions and standards for the genre.  This dynamic group has been described as “a composer’s dream come true”.  They have premiered many pieces written for them including “kiss to the earth” by composer Amy Beth Kirsten, premiered this season at the 2013 Missouri Chamber Music Festival (St. Louis).  This commission was made possible by a grant from Chamber Music America Classical Commissioning Program.

The Calyx Trio has presented workshops and performance/discussions to audiences throughout the U.S..  They have coached chamber music at the University of Missouri- Columbia, the Walnut Hill School (MA), and the Longy School of Music (Boston).  While in residence at the the Carolina Chamber Music Festival, the Calyx Trio developed “Conversations with Calyx”, the Trio’s educational outreach program.  Included in these relaxed presentations are points of intersection for performers and audiences on a variety of musical topics.  Recently, such presentations have included The Calyx Trio offering historical perspective on the development of the piano trio, discussing their experiences working and performing in an ensemble, lecture-demonstration of extended techniques in contemporary music, and interacting with audience members through question/answer.