The apex's Classical Music Season continues with the Smetana Piano Trio on Thursday 16 February.
Founded in the 1930's, the Trio featured some of the Czech Republic's leading soloists of the time. The tradition of excellence has continued to this day, with the baton passing from one generation to the next as cellist Jan Páleníček continues the work of his father, Josef, an original member of the ensemble. The three current members are all distinguished Czech soloists in their own right, but together, they create a cohesive harmony celebrated throughout Europe and around the world.
Programme:
- Mozart - Trio G major KV 564
- Smetana - Trio G minor Op.15
- Beethoven - Trio in B flat Op.97 "Archduke"
Bedřich Smetana was the founder of the Czech nationalist school of composition. Best known for his opera The Bartered Bride and his cycle of tone poems Ma Vlast (My Fatherland), his two string quartets and his Piano Trio also played an important role in his musical output. The G minor Piano Trio was completed in two months and given its first performance in Prague on December 3, 1855, with Smetana himself as the pianist.
Beethoven's last piano trio, composed in 1811, derives its name from its dedicatee, and devoted patron, the Archduke Rudolph and is not only Beethoven's greatest piano trio, but possibly the greatest of piano trio of all.
The concert starts at approximately 7.30pm with ticket prices of £16 and £12, concessions are available and there is a £5 ticket for those aged 25 years and under, ring the apex Box Office on 01284 758000 or book online at www.theapex.co.uk.
Ends
Notes for editors:
Musicians:
- Jana Vonaskova-Novakova - Violin
- Jan Palenicek - Cello
- Jitka Cechova - Piano
Jan Palenicek studied chamber music with Joseph Vlach, leader of the Vlach Quartet and Paul Tortellier. He has given concerto and chamber performances worldwide and has taught at the Conservatoire and at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague.
Jana Vonaskova-Novakova studied at the Prague Conservatoire, then at the Royal College of Music in London with Felix Andrievsky. Her awards include Young Concert Artists Trust, London, in 2002.
Jitka Cechova has an international solo career enjoying regular appearances with orchestras throughout Europe. A major international prizewinner, Jitka has also made many recordings, including the complete piano works of Smetana.
For more information, photographs, interviews contact:
Sandra Robinson
Marketing Co-ordinator
Phone: 01284 758106
Email: Sandra.robinson@theapex.co.uk
Julie Warren
Development Manager
Phone: 01284 758105
Email: julie.warren@theapex.co.uk
The apex
1 Charter Square
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk IP33 3FD
The apex is a multi-purpose public venue built as a cultural heritage investment by St Edmundsbury Borough Council. For up to date event information visit www.theapex.co.uk
