Mithras Trio: Beethoven, Brahms, Grime and Shostakovich

Small wonders: daring and dynamic works by Beethoven, Brahms, Grime and Shostakovich.

Beethoven’s less often played Trio in G major, op.1 no.2, is typically imaginative, and Brahms’ late Piano Trio no.3 in C minor is a tragic tour-de-force within a miraculously compact structure.

In the second half, hear Helen Grime’s Three Whistler Miniatures from 2011, inspired by three chalk and pastel miniatures by the American artist James Whistler.

The Mithras Trio conclude the concert with Shostakovich’s monumental Piano Trio no.2 in E minor, composed during the Second World War and dedicated to his deceased friend Ivan Sollertinsky.

Recently selected by the Kirckman Concert Society, the Mithras Trio came together in 2017 as students at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and have gone on to successes in several major competitions, including the 2019 Royal Over-Seas League competition.

The trio, comprising pianist Dominic Degavino, violinist Ionel Manciu and cellist Leo Popplewell, has performed at venues including Lake District Summer Music Festival, Highgate International Chamber Music Festival, and Guildhall Chamber Music Festival.

Programme

Beethoven Piano Trio in G, Op.1 No.2
Brahms Piano Trio No.3 in C minor, Op.101
Interval
Helen Grime 3 Whistler Miniatures for piano trio
Shostakovich Piano Trio No.2 in E minor, Op.67

Performers

Mithras Piano Trio
Ionel Manciu violin
Leo Popplewell cello
Dominic Degavino piano