Sonoma State University's resident chamber music ensemble, Trio Navarro, presents its third concert of the year, performing piano trios by Fanny Mendelssohn, Robert Schumann and Kirke Mechem - who is expected to be in the audience - at 4 p.m. April 8 in Room 1028 of the Green Music Center.
Sometimes called "the dean of American choral composers," the San Francisco-based Kirke Mechem is well known for his operatic and choral music. His Trio for Piano, Violin and Cello is an early work and it occupies a special place in his catalog of more than 250 compositions.
Mechem explains that he was living in Vienna when the 1956 Hungarian revolt took place. "Many refugees came over the border to Vienna," he said. "One of them was a young violinist, with whom I played a few sonatas." With his piano trio in the composition stage, Mechem dedicated the slow movement Magyaroknok (to Hungary). "I hope that a few Bartókian influences can be heard in this movement," Mechem said.
Mechem's Piano Trio in four movements has been described as "vital and alive, with wonderful and complicated rhythms and considerable melodic beauty."
The program also includes Fanny Mendelssohn's Piano Trio in D Minor and Robert Schumann's Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor. Trio Navarro, formed in 1992, is comprised of Marilyn Thompson, piano, Jill Rachuy Brindel, cello, and Roy Malan, violin.
Tickets are $12 general; $10 SSU faculty, staff and alumni; $8 seniors and students.
For information call the SSU School of Performing Arts box office at (707) 664-2353 or visit http://www.sonoma.edu/music/performances/.
GMC 1028 is located in the music education building next to the Joan and Sanford I. Weill Hall at the Green Music Center. Enter campus from Rohnert Park Expressway and park in Lot L. Parking is free on weekends.