'25 minutes of passion'

The three musicians stand together in a semi-circle. Clarinetist Don Ross, pianist Magdalena Adamek and cellist Colin Ryan are rehearsing Johannes Brahms’ Trio in A minor, op. 114.

A magnificent piece composed in 1890 after the master’s so-called retirement, it brings out the wilful, nostalgic lyricism so prominent in late Brahms.

Not an easy piece to perform, Trio in A minor is programmed as the finale for the St. Albert Chamber Music Recital Series launch on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Don’s Piano Place.

“It runs through all kinds of emotion and passion. It’s 25 minutes of passion and energy and we didn’t want any other piece to follow it,” said Ross, the ensemble’s spokesperson.

A versatile musician, Ross plays about 150 shows a year split between classical, jazz, world and experimental music. He plays regularly with eclectic groups such as Saint Crispin’s Chamber Ensemble, Billie Zizi and the Gypsy Jive, Edmonton Symphony, Opera Nuova and Vinok Dance.

When the three musicians play together, their sound is full of expressive delicacy and they draw out a rich, warm and broad ensemble sound.

Unfortunately, due to their super busy schedules, it is often difficult to find compatible days to rehearse and perform together.

This year, Ryan, who is principal cellist for Edmonton Symphony Orchestra is on sabbatical thereby freeing up time for supplementary engagements.

“Colin and I have played together since 1994. We were hired to play on some contemporary music albums recorded by the New Music Society and we hit it off right away,” Ross said.

“Colin has a stunning musicianship. We have the same temperament – passion on the inside and calm on the outside. Magda has both passion on the inside and outside.”

Adamek holds a master of arts in piano performance from the Frederick Chopin University of Music in Warsaw. She has led an active performance career across Eastern Europe, China, Canada and the United States.

Perhaps because of their diverse training and interests, they perform with a Utopian elegance and a perfect sensory balance.

Their program varies from Gabriel Faure’s beautiful, but short Les Berceaux, op 23. No. 1 to Darius Milhaud’s Duo Concertante.

“Darius was a French composer who had decided romantic music was too goopy and overblown. He wrote new music – neoclassical. And this piece is like a train ride through the French countryside – bouncy but intricate.”

Everyone has heard of pop celebrity John Mayer, but how many music lovers are familiar with John Mayer, the 1950s East Indian composer that composed Raga Music?

“He was one of the first cross-over guys in the world. He tried to bring eastern and western music together. Each movement is distinct and evocative and what’s amazing is what a complete emotional world he makes out of each one.”

The concert is also peppered with works from Florent Schmitt and Grzegorz Fitelberg.

“We’re just trying to create a world away from everyday life where you can lose yourself in.”

Emerging artist Vivian Tao opens the recital with two of Claude Debussy’s compositions – The Little Shepherd and Claire de Lune.