Every late spring and summer, chamber music ― a form of classical music performed by a small group of musicians at a small venue ― pops up in the local music scene, which is otherwise dominated by symphony orchestras and solo recitals.

This is because, usually around this time of the year, musicians find time out of their busy schedules as soloists or members of large ensembles or orchestras to get together and play music with their colleagues, just by themselves with no strings attached.

In chamber music, each part is performed by only one player and carries an equally important role, allowing musicians to engage in an intimate and often spontaneous musical dialogue among themselves. That is why this particular form of art music is called “music of friends,” and as such is loved by the players themselves.

There is a string of chamber music concerts in store starting this month:


The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio

For musicians, making chamber music is often about impromptu meetings and quick partings. But some stay together for decades, building their career as a chamber music group.

The trio of pianist Joseph Kalichstein, violinist Jaime Laredo and cellist Sharon Robinson, a.k.a. the K-L-R Trio, made their debut 37 years ago when they played at the White House for President Carter’s inauguration in 1977. They have since played together on world tours as well as recording albums. 

The American trio is now one of the most celebrated chamber ensembles of today, noted for their interpretations of classic trio repertoires as well as commitment to new works.

They will be performing in Seoul on May 16 as part of the seventh Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber Music underway at various spots in the city.

At the concert to be held at the Chamber Hall of the Sejong Center for Performing Arts, central Seoul, the group will present a program of Haydn, Danielpour and Brahms. The highlight is, arguably, “A Child’s Reliquary” written by American composer Richard Danielpour for none other than the trio.

Tickets are 30,000 won to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 712-4879 or visit www.seoulspring.org. 


Kumho Asiana Soloists

The now-grown-up child prodigies of Kumho Asiana Group’s young talent program will team up for two chamber music concerts this month.

On May 15 and 22, they will present works by illustrious composers from Vienna from the 18th to 20th centuries: Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven and Schoenberg. 

For the May 15 concert, pianist Da Sol, violinists Kwun Hyuk-joo and Jang Yoo-jin, violist Lee Han-na and cellists Lee Jung-ran and Hong Eun-sun will take the stage, presenting Mozart’s Piano Quartet No. 2 in E-flat Major and Schubert’s String Quintet in C Major, D. 956.

The May 22 concert program consists of Schoenberg’s “Transfigured Night for String Sextet,” and Beethoven’s Piano Trio in B-flat Major “Archduke.” The Beethoven piece will be played by Sohn Yeol-eum on piano, Kwon on violin and Lee Sang-eun on cello.

Both concerts will take place at Kumho Art Hall near Gwanghwamun in central Seoul. Tickets are 40,000 won for R-section seats and 30,000 won for the S-section. For details, call (02)6303-1977. 


The Ludvig Trio

The Ludvig Trio is a Spain-based chamber music ensemble dedicated to the music of Ludwig van Beethoven. The trio formed five years ago in Barcelona with Lim Hyo-sun (piano) and brothers Abel Tomas (violin) and Arnau Tomas (cello). The Tomas brothers are founding members of the renowned Spanish ensemble Casals Quartet, while the Korean pianist is the fifth-prize winner of the 2007 Queen Elizabeth International Music Competition of Belgium. 

The trio has recently performed the complete cycle of Beethoven piano trios.

The Ludvig Trio will perform for the first time in Korea on May 29 at LG Arts Center. The program features Mozart’s Divertimento in B-flat Major, K. 254, Beethoven’s Piano Trio in C minor, Op. 1 No. 3, and Brahms’ Piano Trio No. 1 in B Major, Op. 8. Tickets start from 30,000 won. For details, call (02)3443-5702.

By Lee Sun-young (milaya@heraldcorp.com)