A Piano Trio Concert: Passion and Poetry

Passion and Poetry presents an evening of chamber music centered on three distinctive works that showcase lyricism, virtuosity, and expressive storytelling. The program opens with Astor Piazzolla’s Oblivion , a haunting and deeply expressive tango whose slow unfolding melodies evoke longing and nostalgia while blending Argentine tango traditions with classical influences. David Popper’s Hungarian Rhapsody, Op. 68 follows as a brilliant showcase for cello, drawing inspiration from Hungarian folk music through fiery dance rhythms, dramatic contrasts, and expansive lyrical writing. The concert concludes with Franz Schubert’s Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat Major, Op. 100 , one of the great masterworks of the chamber repertoire. Written in 1827 near the end of Schubert’s life, the trio is known for its sweeping melodies, emotional depth, and rich interplay between instruments. Its celebrated second movement introduces a haunting, song-like theme, while the surrounding movements move between energy, elegance, warmth, and moments of exuberance. Performing this program are violinist Dr. Blanka Bednarz, an internationally active soloist, recording artist, and faculty member at the University of Utah and Utah Valley University; cellist Dr. Cheung Chau, conductor and Director of Orchestral Studies at Utah Valley University with an international career spanning Europe, Asia, and the United States; and pianist Dr. Carmen Hall, founder of the Timpanogos Chamber Music Series and faculty member at Utah Valley University whose performance and educational work has brought collaborative music-making to audiences and students across the United States and abroad.