Events » Classical Expressions 2025 » Ghost Trio
Classical Expressions 2025 presents
The Cultural: Ghost Trio
Thursday 7 August | 7.30pm
Music Between Tides and across countries.
This concert will take you on a journey through time and cultural landscapes, showcasing the evolution of chamber music from the late 18th century (Beethoven) to the 20th century (Ravel), and finally to the contemporary era (Takemitsu, Downie). Each piece offers a distinct musical experience, reflecting the stylistic diversity and cultural richness of classical music through the lens of the piano trio. This programme spans time and our planet, and the representation of different backgrounds connected through music is something that resonates deeply with the multicultural fabric of Aotearoa. Throughout the performance the trio interact with the audience, inviting them openly to explore different musical worlds that encompass the old and the new. This programme features iconic composers known for their innovative approaches to music. Beethoven was a trailblazer in the transition from the Classical to the Romantic era. Ravel finds influence in cultural diversity, including the Basque country and its zortziko dance, and the musical expression of the poetry of Malaysian Pantoum. Takemitsu was a 20th-century composer who blended elements of Western classical music with Japanese traditional music and avant-garde techniques. The trio also venture into music from Aotearoa written today, with the world premiere of a work by New Zealand’s own Glen Downie, especially for the Ghost Trio. This programme emphasises the universal language that music provides, allowing us to connect with ourselves and with others across time and cultures.
- Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Trio in D major No. 1 “Ghost”
- Toru Takemitsu, Between Tides, SJ1091
- Glen Downie (Aotearoa, 1991), Sonata da chiesa
- Maurice Ravel, Piano Trio in A minor
This concert is presented in partnership with Chamber Music New Zealand