TRIO KAGURA

~ Programme

Ludwig van Beethoven; Piano Trio in E-flat Major, Op. 70 No. 2

Rodion Shchedrin; Three Funny Pieces for Piano Trio

Interval -

Tōru Takemitsu; Between Tides for Piano Trio

Dmitri Shostakovich; Piano Trio No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 67

This concert will last 1 hour and 50 minutes, including a 20 minute interval.

~ Trio Kagura is an international ensemble formed in Manchester, bringing together musicians from Japan, Lithuania, and New Zealand. The name "Kagura" is derived from the Japanese tradition of ritual music and dance, performed to bring joy and peace to the community, reflecting the trio's mission to connect and inspire through music.

Recent highlights include being appointed Britten Pears Young Artists for the 2024/25 residency programme at Snape Maltings, a concert tour of New Zealand in 2025, and invitations to teach and perform at Kamermuziek Atelier Delft in 2025 and 2026. Upcoming engagements include a tour of Lithuania in September and the trio's debut at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall as part of the Manchester Midday Music Series 2026/27.

Known for their dynamic performances and imaginative programming, the trio has appeared at several prestigious chamber music festivals, including Akademie Telč in the Czech Republic and Chamber Music in Lavethan in Cornwall.

Throughout their journey, Trio Kagura has had the privilege of working with some of the world's leading musicians, including David Waterman, Kathryn Stott, Pavel Fischer, Petr Prause, Donald Grant, former members of the Talich Quartet, and members of Trio Gaspard and the Paddington Trio. In the past year, the trio was also selected to participate in the prestigious mentorship programme at ChamberStudio.

With a rich and varied musical path ahead, Trio Kagura continues to captivate audiences through expressive performances and a commitment to exploring the possibilities of the piano trio repertoire.