Classical music competitions often are the launching pads or the death knells for young soloists or young ensembles attempting to establish themselves in a highly competitive business. The competitions are usually fierce and grueling and often result in the several
Classical music competitions often are the launching pads or the death knells for young soloists or young ensembles attempting to establish themselves in a highly competitive business. The competitions are usually fierce and grueling and often result in the several categories of awards being divided among several groups.
It is particularly astounding that in 2007 at the 5th Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition, the Berlin-based ATOS Trio took not only the first prize, but also the grand prize, the Musica Viva Tour Prize, and the Audience Prize. Never before in the history of this competition, held every four years, has a single ensemble acquired all of those honors.
On Thursday, Feb. 2, at 7:30 p.m., can see this group when it performs at the University of Hawaii at Hilo Performing Arts Center. The concert is presented by the Hawaii Concert Society.
ATOS, an acronym created from the names of violinist Annette von Hehn, pianist Thomas Hoppe and cellist Stefan Heinemeyer, formed in 2003. Although all are from Germany, the members come from different musical backgrounds and have used that diversity as an asset.
“We have all kinds of different influences from different countries and different teachers, and from each of them we take something. That gives us a lot of ideas,” says von Hehn, who plays a Stradivarius on loan to her.
“Yet seems that we have the same way of making music,” she continued. “There are a lot of things that we don’t need to verbalize, we have a similar idea of how to rehearse, and we like to leave room for some spontaneity on stage.”
The three musicians, who had already been friends before ATOS, hold the common belief that performing should be a joyous occasion to experience symbiotically with the audience. Audiences and critics alike have commented on the passion, friendship and delight visible in each of the musician’s expressions.
When asked about this, pianist Hoppe immediately mentioned famed violinist Itzhak Perlman, with whom he used to perform. “Perlman was a big influence on me in the absolute joy in his playing. If you see his face on stage, it is radiant. I know for a fact this is not show. This is inspiration.”
Haydn’s “Trio No. 22,” Schubert’s B-flat major trio, and Shostakovich’s E-minor trio are on the menu for ATOS’s Hilo concert.
Tickets are $20 general, $16 for seniors 60 and over, and $10 for students and are available at the East Hawaii Cultural Center, the Most Irresistible Shop, the Book Gallery, the Music Exchange, and the UHH Performing Arts Center Box Office. Remaining tickets will be available at the box office on the night of the performance at 6:45 p.m. Seating is unreserved.
