This innovative new piano trio explores great masterworks of the piano trio literature, interspersed with improvisatory performance based on a variety of sources, including classical works, folk music and jazz as well as free improvisation and original works. Its three members all draw on a strong classical background, whilst being recognised as leading improvisers in their fields and spanning multiple genres.
Violinist Tobie Medland is known as the founder of the London Gypsy Jazz Festival as well as a virtuoso violinist with both a jazz and classical background. Cellist Shirley Smart draws on a similarly eclectic background, which includes 10 years living in Jerusalem, and is now a Professor of Improvisation at the Royal College of Music. Pianist Ben Smith is an acclaimed interpreter and champion of new music and of contemporary classical works, and a former Junior Fellow at the Guildhall School of Music.
The trio present a programme combining both traditional and contemporary approaches to the piano trio recital format.
Programme includes Mendelssohn, Shostakovich original works and free improvisation.
Tobie Medland – vln, Shirley Smart – vcl, Ben Smith – pno
