Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Classical

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

The Hartley Piano Trio is a classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over a decade. The trio was founded in 2009 by three talented musicians, violinist Rebecca Hartley, cellist James Barralet, and pianist Benjamin Powell. The ensemble has since become one of the most sought-after chamber music groups in the UK, known for their dynamic and expressive performances. Rebecca Hartley, the founder and first violinist of the trio, began playing the violin at the age of four. She studied at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and later at the Royal Academy of Music in London. She has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in some of the most prestigious venues in the UK and abroad, including the Wigmore Hall, the Royal Festival Hall, and the Berlin Philharmonic. James Barralet, the cellist of the trio, also studied at the Royal Northern College of Music and later at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Hannover, Germany. He has performed with many orchestras and chamber ensembles, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the Nash Ensemble. Benjamin Powell, the pianist of the trio, studied at the Royal Academy of Music and has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in many countries around the world. The Hartley Piano Trio has won numerous awards and accolades for their outstanding performances. In 2010, they won the Royal Overseas League Ensemble Competition, which led to performances at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Wigmore Hall. They were also finalists in the 2011 Parkhouse Award and the 2012 St Martin-in-the-Fields Chamber Music Competition. In 2013, they were selected as one of the winners of the Tunnell Trust Awards, which led to a tour of Scotland and performances at the East Neuk Festival. The trio has performed extensively throughout the UK and abroad, including tours of Germany, Italy, and the USA. They have also performed at many prestigious festivals, including the Cheltenham Music Festival, the Bath International Music Festival, and the Oxford Lieder Festival. In 2014, they were invited to perform at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Proms Chamber Music series. One of the highlights of the Hartley Piano Trio's career was their performance of Beethoven's Triple Concerto with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 2015. The performance was highly acclaimed, with The Guardian describing it as "a performance of great warmth and depth." The trio has also collaborated with many other musicians, including clarinetist Michael Collins and violist Lawrence Power. The Hartley Piano Trio is known for their innovative programming, which often includes lesser-known works alongside more familiar repertoire. They are particularly passionate about promoting the music of female composers, and have performed works by Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn, and Rebecca Clarke, among others. They have also commissioned new works from contemporary composers, including Cheryl Frances-Hoad and Joseph Phibbs. In addition to their performances, the Hartley Piano Trio is committed to music education and outreach. They have worked with young musicians in schools and community settings, and have given masterclasses at universities and conservatoires. They are also involved in the Live Music Now scheme, which brings live music to people in care homes, hospitals, and other settings.

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