Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Rawlins Piano Trio is a classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over two decades. The trio consists of three talented musicians, violinist Ioana Galu, cellist Anne Francis Bayless, and pianist Susan Keith Gray. The ensemble has gained a reputation for their dynamic and expressive performances, which have earned them numerous accolades and awards. The Rawlins Piano Trio was founded in 1998 by three faculty members of the University of South Dakota's Department of Music: violinist Eunho Kim, cellist Marie-Elaine Gagnon, and pianist Susan Keith Gray. The ensemble was named after the Rawlins Gallery, a historic building on the university's campus that was once a music hall. The trio's founding members shared a passion for chamber music and sought to create a group that would showcase their talents and bring classical music to audiences in South Dakota and beyond. In 2001, the Rawlins Piano Trio welcomed a new member, violinist Ioana Galu, who replaced Eunho Kim. Galu, a native of Romania, had previously performed with the Romanian National Radio Orchestra and the Bucharest Philharmonic Orchestra. Her addition to the ensemble brought a new level of artistry and energy to the group's performances. Over the years, the Rawlins Piano Trio has performed at numerous venues and festivals across the United States and abroad. They have been featured on radio and television programs, including NPR's Performance Today and South Dakota Public Broadcasting's Dakota Life. The trio has also collaborated with other renowned musicians, such as clarinetist David Shifrin and pianist Jon Nakamatsu. One of the Rawlins Piano Trio's most notable performances was their debut at New York City's Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in 2007. The trio received critical acclaim for their performance, with The New York Times praising their "impressive technique and musicality." The ensemble has also performed at other prestigious venues, such as the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and the Ravinia Festival in Illinois. In addition to their performances, the Rawlins Piano Trio has also released several recordings. Their debut album, "Trio," was released in 2003 and features works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Shostakovich. The trio's second album, "American Canvas," was released in 2010 and features works by American composers such as Leonard Bernstein and Samuel Barber. The Rawlins Piano Trio has received numerous awards and honors for their performances and recordings. In 2005, they were awarded the South Dakota Governor's Award for Distinction in Creative Achievement. The trio has also been awarded grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the South Dakota Arts Council. In addition to their performances and recordings, the Rawlins Piano Trio is also committed to music education. They have conducted masterclasses and workshops for students of all ages, and have served as artists-in-residence at several universities and music festivals. The trio is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians and fostering a love of classical music in audiences of all ages. In conclusion, the Rawlins Piano Trio is a world-class ensemble that has captivated audiences with their exceptional performances for over two decades.

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