Amael Piano Trio

Artist Information

Biography

In 2010, the Amael Piano Trio has received oustanding international acclaim performing in New York, London, Rome, Belgrade, Bergen, San Marino, Munich and some other European cities.
A large Multi-national audience rewarded the Amael Piano Trio with thunderous applause and prolonged ovations at the sold-out Christmas Concert in Rome (December 25 2010), which completed a series of very successful Amael Trio performances at several international festivals, and thus confirmed its reputation and international recognition already achieved in the past:

In addition to the repertoire of classical music, the Trio Amael at all concerts promoted and performed a number of works by Slovenian composers.

According to New York Concert Review Amael Trio did an excellent job... they represented Slovenia with honor.

Amael Trio was also honored to play the opening concert of two important festivals of contemporary music (The Forfest in Kromeríz, Czech Republic and The Festival Nuovi Spazi Musicali in Rome), where the trio also very successfuly performed four World Premieres, new compositions for piano trio, written by Hugh Levick, Streven Mento, Massimiliano Messieri and Andrea Morriconne.

Concert Highlights of Amael Piano Trio for 2011 include invitation to perform at the 25th SXSW Festival in Austin in March, Croatian tour in May, German Tour in October (including concerts in Gasteig in Munich and concert at The Spectrum Festival Nordhorn), and England tour in November.

New Amael Piano Trio Releases are planned in 2011 on Cantabel label and on Eroica Classical Recordings label: Amael Piano Trio Live from Spectrum Festival featuring works by Alfred Schnittke, Astor Piazzolla, and Johannes Brahms and additional release with works by Haydn, Schubert adn Beethoven.

More about Amael Piano Trio:
The Amael Piano Trio was founded by three very accomplished artists, who, individually, have backgrounds as prominent soloists and chamber musicians.
All three artists, the pianist, Tatjana Ognjanovic, the violinist, Volodja Balzalorsky and the cellist Damir Hamidullin, have performed internationally as guests of numerous music festivals and cycles, and as soloists with many orchestras. Individually, as well, they have also created multiple CD,s and have made extensive live and archival radio and TV recordings throughout Europe and in the USA and Asia.
The trio has 11 years of successful performances in a variety of venues, concert series, and festivals in Europe and in USA.

The Amael Trio has achieved the status of being among the most sought after chamber groups in Slovenia. In addition to performing known traditional trio literature from various style epochs, the trio is also dedicated to performing contemporary works, and to the promotion, internationally, of Slovenian composers of piano trio literature.

In the immediate future, they plan to schedule additional concert-tours and perform in many different countries, make several CDs, and expand their repertoire, exploring the works of lesser-known composers and performing new works created for piano trio. They also plan to commission and record new works; some renowned Slovenian and international composers have already decided to write especially for their trio.

VOLODJA BALZALORSKY - violin
Volodja Balzalorsky is an internationally acclaimed concert violinist who has performed in many international music festivals and concert series throughout Europe, and North America.

Recently he was awarded with several International Music Arards, such as: The Hollywood Music in Media Award 2009 - Best Classical, The Inland Empire Music Award Music Award 2008 - Best International ArtistThe Ontario Independent Music Award 2007 - Best International Artist, The Canary Island Music Award 2007- Best Interpretation, Julij Betetto Music Award 2006 and Nomination for The Los Angeles Music Award 2007- classical.
Critics have described him as an artist with a sensitive, intelligent and intuitive gift of interpretation, a polished technique, and a rich, full tone.
Volodja Balzalorsky is particularly active in the field of chamber music. He performs with several well known international groups and ensembles. Critics comment on the degree to which he is able to develop and maintain unity with his musical partners in this milieu, presenting "... an exceptional harmony of ease and authenticity of performance.
Volodja Balzalorsky has made extensive live and archival radio and TV recordings in various countries. In December, 2004, four CDs were released as part of his "LIVE" Collection, with 5 more planned for release on the CANTABEL label, with added releases by EROICA, a well known US Label that features great classical artists worldwide.
Volodja Balzalorsky considers teaching an important and complementary part of his artistic career (Violin class at the Music Academy of University of Ljubljana), and regularly gives master classes in Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Great Britain, and the United States.
After graduating from the class of professor Igor Ozim at the "Music University in Cologne, Germany, he continued his studies in Moscow with Galina Barinova at the Conservatorium P.I.Tchaikovsky, with Josip Klima at the Music Academy in Zagreb, where he received his Master's Degree, and with the eminent Czech violinist Josef Suk at the Music University in Vienna.


TATJANA OGNJANOVIC - piano
Tatjana Ognjanovic, one of Slovenia's leading pianists, has performed at International Music Festivals and given highly acclaimed recitals in 16 countries throughout Europe, as well as in Malaysia and Singapore. She has appeared as soloist with many orchestras, interpreting piano concertos by Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Rachmaninov, Scriabin, and Prokofiev.
She has made many CD, LP, radio and TV recordings, embracing a wide repertory of music from the baroque era to the contemporary. Her growing interest in chamber music has resulted in her collaboration with pianist Bojan Gorisek, and more recently, the increasingly acknowledged Trio Amael.
Tatjana Ognjanovic is a prize winner of national, as well as numerous international piano competitions such as the Cidade do Porto in Portugal (1991), Maria Callas in Athens, Greece (1992), Jose Iturbi in Valencia, Spain (1992), and Premio Jaen, also in Spain (1993).
The daughter of two professional opera singers, she began her music education at the age of four, studying for 14 years with Darinka Bernetic. She continued at the Academy of Music in Ljubljana with Dubravka Tomsic, and furthered her studies with Hans Petermandl at the Hochschule fur Musik in Vienna, and with Viktor Merzanov from the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow.

In addition to her artistic performances, she has been teaching at the Academy of Music of the Ljubljana University since 1993.

DAMIR HAMIDULIN - cello
Cellist Damir Hamidulin is a virtuoso soloist and an excellent representative of the famous Russian cello school.
He is first solo cellist of the National Opera House in Ljubljana (Slovenia) and a member of the Amael piano trio.
He performs throughout Europe as a soloist, recitalist and chamber musician.
He has played as a soloist many times with the Kazan Philharmonic and with other symphonic and chamber orchestras in Russia and in Slovenia. He plays all the famous concertos on his instrument: Haydn, Dvorak, Saint-Saens, Schumann, and Tchaikovsky.
He has also been guest artist at various international festivals - Festival Groblje and Festival of Contemporary Music Radenci in Slovenia, Festival of Contemporary Music Kishinjev in Moldavia, Festival of Kazan in Russia, etc.

Instrumentation

Volodja Balzalorsky - Violin
Tatjana Ognjanovic - Piano.
Damir Hamidullin - Cello

Discography

The release of two LIVE CD's of Amael Piano Trio is planned in March-April 2011 by Cantabel label in Europe and by Eroica Classical recordings in USA: Live in Ljubljana, and Live from The Spectrum Festival.
Streaming Preview at:
http://www.balzalorsky.com/amaeltriomp3

CD of Tatjana Ognjanovic:
Ludwig van Beethoven - The last piano sonatas

CDs of Volodja Balzalorsky
New Releases by Cantabel Productions:
LIVE IN VIENNA, LIVE IN BELGRADE, LIVE IN MARIBOR, LIVE AT THE FESTIVAL ROGASKA SUMMER

CD of Damir Hamidulin: Eroica release
Damir Hamidulin
http://www.eroica.com/damir_zoltan-music.html

Links

• Facebook
• Last.fm
• Twitter
• MySpace
• Amael Trio on Reverbnation
• Amael Trio on Airplay Direct

Audio

• Astor Piazzolla: Oblivion-Milonga / Live recording from The Spectrum Festival at castle Zemono
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• Astor Piazzolla: Verano Porteno / Live recording from The Spectrum Festival at castle Zemono
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• Johannes Brahms - Trio in C minor: Allegro energico / Live recording from The Spectrum Festival at castle Zemono
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• Alfred Shnittke: Trio (1992) - Moderato / Live from The Spectrum Festival
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• Johannes Brahms - Trio in C minor: Presto non assai / Live recording from The Spectrum Festival at castle Zemono
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• L.M. Skerjanc - Maestoso Lugubre / Live from Ljubljana: Radio Slovenia-Spectrum Live Concert at Viteska Hall-Krizanke
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• Johannes Brahms - Trio in C minor: Andante grazioso / Live recording from The Spectrum Festival at castle Zemono
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• Johannes Brahms - Trio in C minor Allegro molto / Live recording from The Spectrum Festival at castle Zemono
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• Mihail Glinka - Elegie / Live recording from The Spectrum Festival at castle Zemono
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Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• A top-notch ensemble, the Amael Piano Trio! Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall [+ Show ]
  

  A top-notch ensemble, the Amael Piano Trio, was presented this weekend under the auspices of the Spe...A top-notch ensemble, the Amael Piano Trio, was presented this weekend under the auspices of the Spectrum Chamber Music Society, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia. In a program of 20th-century Slovenian music (first half) and Beethoven’s Piano Trio in B-flat, Op. 97, the “Archduke” (second half), they brought unity and vigor to both old and new.
  
  The Amael Trio, based in Ljubljana, states in its biography (in addition to mentioning traditional repertoire) that it is “dedicated to performing contemporary works, and to the promotion, internationally, of Slovenian composers of piano trio literature.” They did an excellent job of just that in their Saturday evening program, and though only the pianist and violinist are natives of Slovenia (the cellist hailing from Russia), they represented Slovenia with honor. They might add to their biography that they also promote some non-trio works, as there was a violin solo included on their program; considering that each of the three players is of such strong individual ability, they might want to incorporate some solos or duos by the pianist and cellist as well. It would be a welcome addition.
  
  The concert opened in an intensely dark vein with “Maestoso Lugubre” by Lucijan Marija Skerjanc (1900-1973). Composed in 1935, the work is actually the last movement of this composer’s Piano Trio, though Skerjanc himself suggested that it be performed as a single work. From the very first solo cello notes by Damir Hamidullin, a somber lyricism pervaded, deepened by each player’s entry. The synchronization was marvelous, particularly in the string doublings (which can so easily sound “off” but were never so). All three blended in a way that was rich and warm, but also translucent, like the sonic equivalent of amber. The pianist, Tatjana Ognjanovic, managed to be the perfect foundation and “glue” for the trio without any suggestion of dominance even with the Steinway lid up.
  
  Violinist Volodja Balzalorsky came onstage next as soloist in “Something Wild” by Nenad First (b. 1964). Mr. First, though born in Zagreb, lives and works in Slovenia. “Something Wild” is pretty much what its title suggests, a rhapsodic, virtuoso violin showpiece with a rough, rustic streak (plenty of fifths) and dizzying speed (think Bartok meets Paganini). Seemingly fiendishly difficult in parts, it was the compulsory violin work in the 2005 International Johannes Brahms Competition. While I cannot profess to love the piece, it was an intriguing break from the trios and certainly an opportunity for Mr. Balzalorsky to shine.
  
  The first half concluded with the trio performing “Five Short Pieces” by Milko Lazar (b. 1965). Dedicated to the trio in 2001, it is a work of great variety within concise, classically restrained movements, each contrasting with the last (arranged as fast, slow, fast, slow, fast). The performance was one of extreme precision, and it would be hard to imagine it being played more convincingly than it was by this tightly knit ensemble.
  
  Beethoven’s “Archduke” Trio, a masterpiece that is reason enough to go to any concert, was given a fine, mostly polished performance for the evening’s close. Performers are unfortunately subject to the accumulated preferences of a listener when performing such an established masterpiece, and I felt it was slightly unsettled in parts. Occasionally it was a matter of simply needing more agogic placement of downbeats (as in the first movement’s initial move to G major, where a more settled metric feeling can enhance ensuing rhythmic surprises), but other times (as in the magnificent third movement) it seemed that the pursuit of momentum was undermining the overarching grandeur of the work. All in all, though, it was a fulfilling musical evening, and this is a superb ensemble, which I hope to hear again.
  
  -Rorianne Schrade for New York Concert Review; New York, NY
  

• Amael Piano Trio at The Forge in London: A fascinating selection of Slovenian music and a riveting interpretation of Beethoven’s ‘Archduke’. [+ Show ]
  

  The members of the Amael Piano Trio have a large discography and numerous works composed for them. O...The members of the Amael Piano Trio have a large discography and numerous works composed for them. On this occasion they presented a fascinating selection of Slovenian music and a riveting interpretation of Beethoven’s ‘Archduke’.
  
  Pride of place was accorded to Maestoso lugubre by one of the leading Slovenian composers, Lucijan Marija Skerjanc (1900-1973), a multi-talented musician – pianist, conductor, composer and head of the Ljubljana Academy of Music – who composed it when he was thirty-five, as the finale of a 45-minute work. The movement starts with a Hindemith-like fugue based on a widely contoured subject, introduced here with strident resonance by Damir Hamidulin. The work evolves a more opulent chromatic impressionism reminiscent of Delius, with crunchy piano chords overlaid by expansive, sustained melodies in octaves for strings. There is a funereal dotted-rhythm procession assigned to the piano at the mid-point, which Tatjana Ognjanovic projected with compelling character, highlighting the biting, ostinato-laden bittersweet flavour suggestive of Shostakovich. In the final section there are several passages of exquisite beauty which counter the general dour mood, but the ending is a darker procession for piano alone.
  
  In a more experimental atonal idiom was Something Wild by Nenad First (born 1964), an intriguing work that Volodja Balzalorsky projected with stunning virtuosity and gripping energy. In the hands of this subtle yet communicative artist the violin came alive, with pointed pizzicato, incisive double-stopping and rapid passagework adding to the relentless excitement.
  
  A more radical exploration of the piano trio emerged in Five Short Pieces by Milko Lazar (born 1965). Composed in 2001 for the Amael musicians, each of the movements is vividly contrasted and finely crafted, alert to a range of influences including minimalism, jazz harmonies and rock rhythms. The two slow movements, second and fourth, evoked poetic imagery in the spare use of tiny ostinato patterns and wisps of melody; in the second (‘Largo lamento’) an atmospheric texture of high violin and low piano chords frame an elegiac cello melody. The faster movements radiated energy and panache, with quick-fire repeated-note motifs and fizzing syncopations.
  
  The concert concluded with a superb ‘Archduke’, full-blooded in tone yet also respectful of structural clarity. Magical colouring of modulations, highlighting of luminescent trilling, and fresh shades, lifted this performance above the usual. The fast tempo for the scherzo contributed to its lively imitative dialogues, and also the syncopations of the jocular finale. Yet the Variations of the third movement was the highpoint, a transcendent, calm flowing beauty of tone, the rhetoric involving and absorbing. The Amael Piano Trio was on top form and will be welcome in London again and often.
  
  Reviewed by: Malcolm Miller

• "Amael Piano Trio in Belgrade" A great artistic event of valuable guest artists [+ Show ]
  

  ... The concert of Amael Piano Trio shall remain reasonably be remembered as a great artistic event ...... The concert of Amael Piano Trio shall remain reasonably be remembered as a great artistic event of valuable guest artists from Slovenia... ...L.M. Skerjanc's Maestoso lugubre oppressed by the tragedy of this score, which requires balancing of pathos and restraint, was realized through a saturated, dark sound range, and deep sound conformation, which occurs only as a result of common breathing...
  
  Playing in some parts of the "Nocturne" by Shubert on the very threshold of hearing, members of the trio Amael here demonstrated exceptional subtlety of mutual listening, like the kind of prompt with silence...
  
  
  
  After only a brief introduction of the first paragraph, in which, after performing a solo piano, imperceptibly interfere section violin and cello, it was clear from how much restraint, lyricism and, why not, the nobility, the AmaelPiano Trio interpret Beethoven's music.
  
  Reviewed by Ivana Komadina

• "New York Concert Review": Amael Piano Trio at Carnegie Hall [+ Show ]
  

  Amael Piano Trio is a very fine group. The stringplayer's intonation is impeccable, their tone is ri...Amael Piano Trio is a very fine group. The stringplayer's intonation is impeccable, their tone is rich, beautiful and homogeneous and can vary from floating delicacy to vibrant full bodied sonorousness...
  A large multi-national audience rewarded the performers with warm approval and prolonged ovations.

• Vjesnik, Croatia [+ Show ]
  

  Pianist Tatjana Ognjanovic, violinist Volodja Balzalorsky and cellist Damir Hamidulin collaborate on...Pianist Tatjana Ognjanovic, violinist Volodja Balzalorsky and cellist Damir Hamidulin collaborate on an extremely high level of musical communication. These three excellent musicians, all of them masters of their instrument, amalgamate their respective expertise in a high-quality musical experience... in Brahms the sound displayed luxury, power and temperament, confirming the high technical level, the accomplished interpretation and the excellent musicianship of this leading Slovenian trio.
  

• Radio Slovenia
  

  ...perfect symbiosis of intellect and passion... Radio Slovenia...

• Music.download.com [+ Show ]
  

  This award-winning Slovenian group plays its renditions of 19th-century German and Russian luminarie...This award-winning Slovenian group plays its renditions of 19th-century German and Russian luminaries with a masterful cross of red-blooded force and delicate restraint. It's that balance of vigor and vulnerability that distinguishes these works, this trio hits all the right notes.
  

Setlist

PROGRAMME PROPOSALS 2011-2013

1.
Special Program for contemporary music festivals and concert series:
First part: Slovenian composers
Uros Rojko 1954 - Meteor (2005)
Milko Lazar - Five short pieces (2001- dedicated to Amael Trio)
Igor Krivokapic Trio 2005 (dedicated to Amael Trio)
Second part:
Steven R. Mento: Music for Lancaster 2007 (dedicated to Amael Trio)
Hugh Levick: Translation for piano trio

2.
Alfred Schnittke - Trio (1985/1992)
Claude Debussy - Trio
Johannes Brahms - Trio in c-minor op. 101

3.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Trio No. 6 in C major, K. 548
Franz Shubert - Trio Notturno Es-dur D 897
Ludwig van Beethoven - Trio for Piano and Strings no 7 in B flat major, Op. 97 "Archduke"

4.
Joseph Hydn-Trio Hob XV No. 18
Milko Lazar - Five pieces
Bedrich Smetana - Trio


REPERTOIRE

Beethoven
Op.1 no.3 in C minor
Op. 70 no.1 'The Ghost' in D
Op.97 in B Flat-

Bloch - Three Nocturnes

Brahms
Piano Trio Op.87 in C
Piano Trio Op.101 in C minor

Bridge - Phantasie Trio

Copland Aaron - Vitebsk

Debussy - Trio

Dvorak
Piano Trio Op.65 in F minor 'Dumky'
Piano Trio Op.90 in E minor

Faur� - Trio Op.120

Haydn
Trios Hob XV no 18, 25

Malipiero Gian Francesco - Sonata a tre (1927)

Martinu
Bergerettes

Mendelssohn - Piano Trio Op.49 in D minor

Mozart
Trio in E K.542
Trio in C K.548

Rachmaninov
Trio Elegiaque in G minor

Ravel Maurice - Trio (1914)

Reger Max - Trio in e minor, Op.102

Schnittke Alfred -Trio (1985/92)

Schubert
Trio Op.99 in B Flat
Trio in B Flat D. 28
Trio in E Flat D. 897 'Notturno'

Schumann, Robert
Trio Op.110 in G minor

Shostakovich
Trio 2 Op. 67

Skerjanc Lucijan Marija - Maestoso Lugubre

Smetana - Trio

Suk - Elegie Op.23

Takemitsu Toru - Between Tides

Turina
Trio No.2 Op.72

Piano Trios by Slovenian composers: Skerjanc, Petric, Ramovs, Srebotnjak, Stuhec, Lebic, Rojko, Lazar, Krivokapic

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