Queensland Conservatorium’s newest Ensemble in Residence are making the old new again with their performance on Friday night.

The Lyrebird Trio are performing three contrasting masterpieces of the piano trio repertoire — Buxtehude, Schumann and Shostakovich – encompassing works from a timespan of almost 400 years.

Pianist Angela Turner says the Inner Thoughts concert delivers a challenging and distinct program.

“Each piece has very a distinct character and style. It’s a demanding program to perform, from the very first work which wasn’t originally composed for a modern-day piano trio,” Angela said.

“To approach a stunning 400 year old piece like this, composed for wonderful old instruments, and to re-interpret them on modern instruments is a challenge, but one that has been worth exploring.”

Lyrebird Trio have joined Collusion, Clocked Out and Lunaire Collective in the 2014 Ensembles in Residence lineup.

“As a student, the ensemble in residence at the time was Griffith Trio. They shared this world of the piano trio with the students, and allowed us to experience much of this music for the first time live,” Angela said.

“I hope our performances also show students that you can make your own path as a performer in a chamber ensemble.”

Glenn Christensen (violin), Simon Cobcroft (cello) and Angela Turner (piano) formed Lyrebird Trio early last year and quickly found success at the Asia Pacific Chamber Music Competition.

The trio visited the Banff Centre for the Arts in Canada earlier in the year as Winter Musicians in Residence, which gave them an intensive month of rehearsals and performances among groups from all around the world.

“The whole Banff Centre experience was amazing,” Angela said.

“You’re in this beautiful setting in the mountains, with very supportive staff and other like-minded artists, with the time to focus on your work. It really helped us with our preparations for a busy year.”

The trio takes their name after the Australian native lyrebird, an emblem of the Queensland Conservatorium for much of its history.

Event details
– Lyrebird Trio, Inner Thoughts, Friday 9th May 2014, Ian Hanger Recital Hall, 6.30pm

Related information
– Ensemble in Residence