Sitkovetsky Trio:

Alexander Sitkovetsky violin
Isang Enders cello
Wu Qian piano

joined by
Julian Bliss clarinet

Programme:
Clara Schumann — Andante from Piano Trio No. 1 in G minor Op. 17
Chaminade — Piano Trio No. 2 Op. 34
Messiaen — Quatuor pour la fin du temps

This concert takes place at St Christopher’s Church, St Christopher's Green, Haslemere, GU27 1DD.

This concert is kindly sponsored by Mrs Hilary Jenkins.

Sitkovetsky Trio
The Sitkovetsky Trio has established itself as an exceptional piano trio of today. Their thoughtful and committed approach has brought the ensemble critical acclaim and invitations to renowned concert halls around the world, including the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Frankfurt Alte Oper, Palais des Beaux Arts, Musée du Louvre, l’Auditori Barcelona, Wigmore Hall or Lincoln Center New York.

Recently, the Sitkovetsky Trio received the Chamber Music Award from BBC Music Magazine. They were previously first prize-winners of the International Commerzbank Chamber Music Award and recipients of the NORDMETALL Chamber Music Award at the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival, as well as the Philharmonia-Martin Chamber Music Award. They have been supported by the Hattori Foundation, the Musicians Benevolent Fund, the Fidelio Trust and the Swiss Global Artistic Foundation. Last season, the Sitkovetsky Trio received generous funding from the Initiative Musik as part of the Neustart Kultur programme launched by the German government.

Since 2014, a large number of recordings by the Sitkovetsky Trio have been released on the BIS Records label, including a compilation of works by Smetana, Suk and Dvořák, which was enthusiastically received by critics. This was followed by further releases on the Wigmore Live label and recordings of Mendelssohn piano trios, as well as an album with Ravel and Saint-Saëns, which was honoured with the BBC Music Magazine Award, among others.

The Sitkovetsky Trio is currently working on a cycle of all of Ludwig van Beethoven's trio works. Volume 1 has already received the Diapason d'Or ARTE.

Highlights of the 2024/2025 season include concerts in Madrid, London, Istanbul, Hong Kong and at the Heidelberger Frühling. They are also the ensemble in residence at the Beethovenfest Bonn and will be on tour in the USA and Israel.

Alexander Sitkovetsky is playing the 1679 ‘Parera’ Antonio Stradivarius Violin, kindly loaned to him through the Beare’s International Violin Society,; Isang Enders is playing a cello by Carlo Tononi (Venice, 1720) which has been kindly loaned by the J. & A. Beare Violin Society.

https://www.impresariat-simmenauer.de/en/artist/sitkovetsky-trio/

Julian Bliss is recognised as one of the world’s finest clarinettists, celebrated for his versatility as a concerto soloist, chamber musician, recitalist, jazz artist, and educator. He began playing at the age of four and honed his craft at Indiana University and under the legendary Sabine Meyer in Germany.

Bliss has graced prestigious venues such as Wigmore Hall, Verbier, Lincoln Center, and Gstaad and performed as a soloist with leading orchestras, including the London Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, São Paulo Symphony, and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. Recent highlights include a performance of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto with the Bournemouth Symphony and the world premiere of Ross Harris’s Clarinet Concerto in New Zealand.

Bliss’ recording portfolio showcases his artistry and range. His recent releases include John Mackey’s Clarinet Concerto and a Schumann recital album, as well as collaborations with the Carducci Quartet and James Baillieu. Past recordings feature works by Brahms, Mozart, and Reich, and his Gershwin-inspired album I Got Rhythm with the Julian Bliss Septet received glowing reviews. The Septet’s vibrant performances of jazz and swing have thrilled audiences worldwide, from Ronnie Scott’s to Jazz at Lincoln Center.

In addition to performing, Bliss is dedicated to expanding the clarinet repertoire. Through Bliss Music, he publishes arrangements such as Rachmaninoff’s Cello Sonata, which is now featured in the London College of Music syllabus.

Julian is proud to be a Buffet Crampon and Vandoren Performing Artist.

https://www.julianbliss.com/