Albert, Donnie Ray
Capuzzi, Giuseppe Antonio
Carrettin, Zachary
CSUN Wind Ensemble
Drew, James
Estes, Steve
Ewer, Gregory
Floyd, Carlisle
Goldsmith, Kenneth
Harlow, Russell
Hogan, Moses
Jensen, John
Johnson, Hall
King, Terry
LaMotte, Adam
Lloyd, Jr., Charles
Mirecourt Trio
Morgan, Leslie
Owens, Robert
Reale, Paul
Ritacca, Jo Anne
Tarragó, Leticia
Smith, Hale
Vandervelde, Janika
Whitwell, David

THE MIRECOURT TRIO

Cinnabar Recordings:
The Mirecourt Trio Commissions

“The Mirecourt Trio... has been characterized by a dedication to the highest standards of performance, to unearthing lesser-known works, and to increasing the piano trio repertoire by inviting important composers to investigate the medium. This dedication, pursued aggressively and discriminatingly, has made them what is probably today’s preeminent piano trio.”
—W. Simmons, Fanfare

The Mirecourt Trio has gained an international reputation as one of the world’s finest chamber music ensembles. Their unique sense of style, conception, and unity, combined with a tremendous love and joy for the music, produces a very special kind of music-making rarely heard today. Their contribution to the chamber music repertoire is unparalleled—in addition to researching and rediscovering 19th century masterpieces, the Trio has commissioned and premiered more than 100 new works, an accomplishment of enormous significance.

Formed in California in 1973, the Mirecourt Trio was offered the coveted chamber music residency at Grinnell College, which they fulfilled from 1975-1990. Previously home to the Lenox String Quartet, the Francesco Trio, and the Manhattan String Quartet, Grinnell College became a mentor to the Mirecourt by helping them obtain important commissions and disseminating them through recordings, and in turn, the Trio brought worldwide attention to Grinnell College.

“In addition to superb technique, musicality and near seamless ensemble, this group possesses the aura of spontaneity, the élan and the vigor to bring this tuneful repertory to joyous life.”
—Richard Slater, Los Angeles Times

“...their ardor is matched by stylistic cohesion and technical expertise...”
—Robert Sherman, The New York Times

Although based at Grinnell College, the Mirecourt concertized in major cities across the United States and became a cherished ensemble through their many mini-residencies in schools and communities throughout the United States. In 1976, the Trio toured Europe under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State, playing concerts in Finland, Norway, and Portugal. This bi-centennial tour featured American composers as well as Europeans—the concerts were received enthusiastically and to high critical acclaim. Following the tour, the Trio members spent two weeks researching the piano trio literature in libraries and antiquarian shops in Paris, Vienna, Rome, Bologna, Milan, and Florence. Libraries in Oslo and Helsinki also proved valuable sources for new trio literature. The Trio toured Europe again in 1986, performing in Switzerland, Germany, France, and Portugal. Highlights of this tour included the premieres of two works commissioned for the Trio: Swiss composer Peter Mieg’s Trio was premiered in his home town of Lenzburg, near Zurich, and Portuguese composer Joly Braga Santos’ Trio was premiered in Lisbon. In the historic town of Mirecourt, the Trio received a special medal struck in their honor. Mirecourt, the French center of violin and bow making for four centuries, created a week-long festival featuring the Mirecourt Trio, the only professional ensemble to have paid tribute to this famous village. Mayor Jacques Zimmermann proclaimed: “Your choice of Mirecourt as your name has warmed our hearts.”

“Phenomenal...One seldom hears such brilliant playing, and the force of the Trio nearly took our breath away ...the experience was great and rare.”
—Tromsø, Norway

“...top-notch musicians who could easily build solo careers of their own but choose to play in perfect harmony as a trio. Throughout time high caliber artists such as the Mirecourt Trio have inspired the creation of great music, and they are also the ones who enable us to enjoy its beauty... performed with great resonances, youthful spirit, warmth, and a powerful strength of communication.”
—Seculo, Lisbon, Portugal

In 1983, the Mirecourt was invited to tour the Peoples Republic of China as guests of the conservatories in Beijing, X’ian, and Shanghai. They were the first trio to tour China since the cultural revolution. In 1986, the Trio toured Taiwan and Hong Kong.

“Besides being world-class musicians, they are unusually good with people in difficult situations. With grace and aplomb they serenaded and soothed bats flying on stage, communicated with school-age music students too shy to bring their instruments to master classes, and pleased their hosts by giving every impression of relishing local delicacies that many visitors would not dare to sample.”
—Taipei, Taiwan

The Mirecourt Trio has performed repeatedly on radio and television, including WQXR and WNYC in New York City, WFMT in Chicago, and St. Paul Sunday Morning on Minnesota Public Radio. The Trio has recorded for ABC, Genesis, CRI, Audax, Grand Prix, Innova, Cinnabar Records, TR Records, and Music & Arts. They have received a Grammy-award nomination, a Stereo Review “Record of Special Merit” award, and a “Record of the Year” citation from The Village Voice.

Since the 1990's, the members of the Mirecourt Trio, although pursuing individual musical careers in St. Paul, Boston, and Houston, continue to collaborate on research and recording projects, and occasionally they celebrate together in a live concert. The great cellist Gregor Piatigorsky said of the Mirecourt Trio that they are “Second to none!” Their legacy of fine recordings and commissioned works continues to deserve his high praise.

“You guys are spectacular!”
—William McGlaughlin, St. Paul Sunday Morning

“Superb performances!”
—K. Robert Schwarz, Musical America

“The Mirecourt Trio deserves an award for its support of living, breathing composers.”
—Steven Groark , American Record Guide

Kenneth Goldsmith, violin
Terry King, violoncello
John Jensen, piano

Mirecourt (meer-koor), a small town near Paris, has been the center of French violin and bow-making since 1601.