[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts music review of The Elixir Piano Trio at The Athena Foundation for the Arts concert series.
It’s not every day you can walk into a community auditorium and hear a piano trio. Let alone one of this caliber and virtuosity. The Elixir Piano Trio consists of internationally acclaimed musicians pianist Lucy Nargizyan, violinist Samvel Chilingarian, and cellist Fang Fang Xu. This particular concert was presented by the Athena Foundation for the Arts. The house was packed and the audience, including myself, was astonished, entertained, and brought to our feet after each piece was played.
The musical selections chosen by The Elixir Piano Trio were eclectic, diverse, and mesmerizing. The first half featured two women composers in honor of International Women’s Day.
The first composer, Clara Schumann, has been regarded as one of the most distinguished pianists of the Romantic era. Schumann’s Piano Trio in G Minor, Op. 17 could not have been a better selection. The synergy between the musicians and the piece was so connected that it seemed to touch everyone in the audience. There was a little girl of about 7 or 8 that was as enchanted as I was. This little girl couldn’t take her eyes off the musicians. Great musicians and master works create magic.
The next composer was one I was not familiar with was Jennifer Higdon, and thanks to the Elixir Piano Trio, now it will never be forgotten. Pale Yellow was like gentle rain falling down from a sunlit sky. Whereas Fiery Red thundered in like a tempest. Both played beautifully and expertly. As the musicians left the stage, the audience had to be reminded that there would be a brief intermission. No one moved for a long moment. The music lingered after the musicians had left the auditorium.
The second half was met with great enthusiasm. The Elixir Piano Trio had won the audience over and next would come Rachmaninoff. The rich orchestra colors of this composition danced around the auditorium. The Elixir Piano Trio not only played this piece lovingly, but each instrument brought its own tonal colors. It was like witnessing an aural painting. It was enchanting and emotional.
The final composer of the evening was Aram Khachaturian. The selection was Khachaturian’s best-known ballet music, Gayaneh Ballet. The Elixir Trio captures this piece with great care and musical sophistication. At times, I had to remind myself that this was a trio and not an orchestra. The sounds were so rich and lustful that they brought each note to life.
I just can’t say enough about the Elixir Piano Trio. Their interpretations of these carefully selected pieces show what a great talent and love of the music this trio embodies. I, for one, was completly present throughout this concert. As for the little girl who sat next to me, she seemed so happy and excited that I imagined her returning home to practice on the piano, violin, or cello.
About The Athena Foundation for the Arts
Our Mission: Create. Culture. Community. The Athena Foundation for the Arts sets the stage, providing an annual world-class concert series, bringing stellar musicians from around the world to share their outstanding programs with our community. Your tax-deductible donations make these programs possible. Ask about our corporate sponsorship program, connecting culture with commerce. Help the Athena Foundation for the Arts by donating today! It’s a Sound Investment. Donate at: https://athenafoundationarts.org/donate/