YCA’s first Ensemble-in-Residence makes their recital debut with a program defined by color, contrast, and collaboration. Tracing the evolution of the piano trio across a century, Trio Azura brings together the refined color of Maurice Ravel, the contemporary clarity of Jennifer Higdon, and the dramatic sweep of Felix Mendelssohn. Each work tests the ensemble’s balance and dialogue, moving from luminous textures to propulsive intensity, and revealing a throughline of three instruments shaping a unified voice across eras.

Program:

RAVEL: Piano Trio, M. 67
JENNIFER HIGDON: Piano Trio
FELIX MENDELSSOHN: Piano Trio No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 66

“One of the great challenges for any piano trio is balancing the contrasting sonorities and textures of the music, and finding commonality in the diverging personalities behind each instrument. This quest drives us to explore our musical limits, creating a trust in each other that grows with every performance. Each piece on our debut program has played an important role in shaping our voice as a trio, expanding our understanding of color and character.”

– Trio Azura