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Ensemble

 

Trefoil is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2015 by three talented musicians, all of whom shared a passion for chamber music. The ensemble comprises of three members, namely, violinist Rachel Stegeman, cellist Heather Lewis, and pianist Sarah Watkins. The group's name, Trefoil, is derived from the three-leafed plant, which symbolizes the three members of the ensemble. Rachel Stegeman, the violinist, is a graduate of the University of Auckland and the Royal College of Music in London. She has performed with various orchestras, including the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Heather Lewis, the cellist, is also a graduate of the University of Auckland and has performed with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. Sarah Watkins, the pianist, is a graduate of the University of Canterbury and the Royal Academy of Music in London. She has performed with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. The ensemble's founding was inspired by the members' shared love for chamber music and their desire to explore the rich repertoire of classical music. They wanted to create a platform where they could showcase their individual talents while also collaborating to create beautiful music together. The group's first performance was in 2015 at the Auckland Chamber Music Society's "Rising Stars" concert series, where they received critical acclaim for their performance of Beethoven's "Archduke" Trio. Since then, Trefoil has gone on to perform at various prestigious venues and festivals, both in New Zealand and internationally. In 2016, they were invited to perform at the International Musicians Seminar in Prussia Cove, England, where they worked with renowned musicians such as Steven Isserlis and Thomas Ades. They also performed at the Adam Chamber Music Festival in Nelson, New Zealand, where they premiered a new work by New Zealand composer, Ross Harris. In 2017, Trefoil was awarded the Pettman/ROSL Arts Scholarship, which enabled them to travel to the United Kingdom to perform at various venues, including the Royal Over-Seas League in London and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. They also recorded their debut album, "Brahms, Dvorak, Suk," which was released in 2018 to critical acclaim. Trefoil's repertoire is diverse, ranging from classical works by Beethoven and Brahms to contemporary pieces by New Zealand composers such as Ross Harris and Gareth Farr. They are known for their dynamic and expressive performances, which showcase their individual talents while also highlighting their ability to work together as a cohesive ensemble. In addition to their performances, Trefoil is also committed to music education and outreach. They have conducted workshops and masterclasses for young musicians in New Zealand and have also worked with the Sistema Aotearoa program, which provides music education to underprivileged children. Trefoil's achievements have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. In addition to the Pettman/ROSL Arts Scholarship, they have also been awarded the NZCT Chamber Music Contest's KBB Music Award and the Royal Overseas League's Ensemble Prize. They were also finalists in the 2018 New Zealand Chamber Music Contest.

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