On March 22, 2019 at 7:30 in the Thorley Recital Hall in commemoration of the 100 year anniversary of the park, the Zion Trio put on a sensational musical performance.
They performed Ludwig van Beethoven’s very own Piano Trio in D Major, op. 70, no.1 (Ghost). Both trios were composed in 1808.
The first movement, like the program notes said, was “lyrical in nature despite a forceful unison opening.” The second movement in the piece, rightfully nicknamed “Ghost” was starkly different, with an eerie theme. Carl Czerny, Beethoven’s former pupil, said that the movement “resembles an appearance from the underworld.”
A diverse audience was in attendance, ranging from young music students to older couples. Despite the age difference, the reaction to the concert was similar. Perched on the edge of their seats, the audience was comforted with a joyful finale to close the piece.
The trio also beautifully performed a piece entitled, “Cafe Music,” written by Paul Schoenfield. Schoenfield said, “my intention was to write a kind of high-class dinner music.” In his own words, his music is the “kind that makes people sweat.”
The trio was composed of three incredibly talented and successful musicians.
Violinist Dr. Paul Abegg is a Professor of Music as DSU, and has performed throughout the world, even performing with Celtic Woman and Donny Osmond.
Cellist Dr. Ka-Wai Yu is Assistant Professor of Music at DSU and has given master classes in numerous universities and institutions in North America and Asia.
Pianist Christian Bohnenstengel is praised as, “a master of contrasts,” whose performances have taken him from the United States, South America, and Europe.
Together, the trio performed flawlessly. Their previous experience and knowledge of music showed and it could be heard through the notes.
Catch the next event starting on March 26 and running until the 29th. Held at the Heritage Center at 7:30, Masterworks Opera: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber is a ticketed event, so don’t miss out.
Story by: Elizabeth Armstrong
elizabethgracearmstrong@gmail.com
Photo by: Elizabeth Armstrong
