The 2013 Fall concert tour is a series of firsts for La Cafamore.
The classical music group has been touring the Kootenays since 2008, performing concerts mainly for the string quartet format, with occasional guests. In this next series of concerts, they will present piano trio repertoire for the first time.
“We are without our cellist for this concert” says Carolyn Cameron, “as he is busy with his new appointment as artistic director of the symphony of the Kootenays. In fact, we were almost without our violist too."
Violist Alexis More has left her teaching position in the Kootenays to further her career in Victoria.
"Luckily for us, she was able to fit these concerts into her busy schedule" says Cameron.
In light of these changes, the group was faced with finding repertoire for two violin and viola.
While there are some excellent works for this combination, violinist Angela Snyder had concerns about the loss of the bass part.
“To me it feels like there is something missing when the cello voice is not there” she says.
The group decided to explore piano trio repertoire, with Cameron switching roles of violinist to pianist.
“I am very excited and somewhat nervous, because I haven’t done much chamber music as a pianist... I’m hoping that my violin experience translates across instruments.”
Since most piano trio arrangements are for violin, viola and cello, More will take on the cello part with her viola.
“Most cello parts transpose fairly easily to viola” she says, impishly adding “the piano drowns me out anyway”.
The group will play two of the most famous works of the piano trio repertoire, Haydn’s “Gypsy” piano trio and Beethoven’s “Archduke” piano trio.
“I grant you that the Haydn is the piano’s moment to shine” says Cameron. “Haydn intended the piano to be the focal point, with the other instruments as supporting characters, so to speak. There are very few instances in this work where the viola part is not also played by the piano. My apologies to Alexis.”
Both Snyder (violin) and More have their moments in the sun with the Beethoven “Archduke” trio.
“In the hands of Beethoven, the piano trio is a more collaborative effort, giving each member an important and unique voice” says Snyder. “Piano trios are my favourite instrument combination, and the Beethoven is unbeatable.”
The trio will perform at the Nelson United Church on Sunday, October 6 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults or $12 for students and seniors. Children under 12 are free.