Bring together three of the area’s most prominent musicians in a new chamber ensemble, and it’s bound to cause a stir on the local classical scene.
That’s exactly what has happened with the just-formed Hwang-Ainomäe-Hsu Piano Trio, which made its debut Wednesday evening before a nearly sold-out audience at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Arvada.
The group is composed of two leaders in the Colorado Symphony, concertmaster Yumi Hwang-Williams and principal cellist Silver Ainomäe, and pianist Hsing-ay Hsu, who heads the University of Colorado at Boulder’s Pendulum New Music Series.
Despite their many other responsibilities, it was clear from their focused, well-rehearsed performance that the three are fully committed to this new venture.
The evening culminated with one of the most beloved masterpieces of the chamber repertoire, Antonín Dvorák’s six-movement Piano Trio in E minor, Op. 90, “Dumky.”
Its memorable nickname is the plural of “dumka,” a Slavic folk song with a pervasive air of melancholia that is relieved with moments of calm and bursts of exuberance.
The threesome delivered a lively, absorbing interpretation, embracing the Eastern European flavor of this appealingly folk-tinged, dance- driven music.
Hwang-Williams has never sounded better, bringing a suitably gypsy-like flair to her spirited playing, and she was ideally matched by Ainomäe, with his deep-hued tone and soulful intensity. Hsu effectively complemented them, with a deft, sure touch.
All three are strong individual performers, but they displayed the kind of teamwork that any successful chamber group needs, with the three intently listening and responding to each other.
The evening’s first half consisted of what might best be described as musical appetizers, duets that showcased different combinations of the three musicians.
A highlight was a suitably earthy, seductive version of Astor Piazzolla’s “Le Grand Tango” for Cello and Piano.
The concert was part of Second Tuesdays at Trinity, a welcome new monthly classical series at the church. Next up is the Ivy Street Ensemble on March 8.
Kyle MacMillan: 303-954-1675 or kmacmillan@denverpost.com
