Clavecin en concert: Classical Trios

Next to the symphony, string quartet, and keyboard sonata, the trio for violin, cello, and keyboard remains one of the major genres of classicism. Derived not so much from the baroque trio sonata, but rather from the “harpsichord pieces that can be played with accompaniment of a violin and a viola da gamba” in which French masters gave prominence to the keyboard, the classical trio gradually established the perfect balance between the three partners, each deploying material corresponding to its own technique, but in total complicity.

Artists
Alexander Read, violin

Canadian violinist Alexander Read has quickly become a sought-after performer on the international music scene. He was appointed Principal Second Violin with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra in April of 2013. Mr. Read’s recitals and concerto performances have been broadcast on CBC Radio/Radio-Canada, and he has presented concerts across North America, the UK, Continental Europe, Asia and Australasia. An avid chamber musician, he has appeared at Concerts aux Îles du Bic, Le Domaine Forget, the Verbier Festival, the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival and the Montreal Chamber Music Festival. Mr. Read’s interest in historical performance, particularly of the classical and romantic periods, has led to collaborations with leading musicians of the field, including members of the London Haydn Quartet. Mr. Read is on the faculty of the Schulich School of Music at McGill University.

Andrea J. Stewart, cello

Canadian cellist and gambist Andrea Stewart is a versatile musician and artistic instigator whose explorations span from historical performance to the sounds and techniques of contemporary music. As a performer of historical and modern instruments, she is equally at home playing with electronics as she is playing basso continuo. Various solo recitals and ensemble collaborations have brought Andrea to venues across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Andrea holds the degrees of Doctor of Music and Master of Music from McGill University. Her doctoral research was devoted to the expansion of cello technique in relation to works in the contemporary repertoire. In the domain of early music, she explores 18th century music for cello and viola da gamba from a multi-instrumentalist point of view.

Luc Beauséjour, pianoforte

Harpsichordist and organist Luc Beauséjour is renowned for the elegance, virtuosity, and expressiveness of his playing, which has won him an enthusiastic audience and the continuing praise of critics and music specialists. In the last few years, he has won numerous awards, including “2003 Performer of the Year” by the Conseil québécois de la musique. Mr. Beauséjour leads a very active performing schedule in Canada and abroad that has taken him to France, the United States, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Belgium, and Bermuda. He has performed in Paris, Boston, Washington D.C., Vienna, Munich, and Montreal, as well as at numerous festivals, including the Festival d’Uzès (France), the Lanaudière International Festival, the Festival d’Ambronay, the festival Un été à Bourges, the Lamèque Early Music Festival (New Brunswick), and the Vancouver Early Music Festival. He was invited to perform the Goldberg Variations at the Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto for a CBC commemoration of the great pianist’s birthday—testimony to the recognition he has earned as one of Canada’s finest musicians. He is also heard regularly on both CBC and Radio-Canada.

“The naturalness of his harpsichord playing, the remarkable attention he gives to proportions and to a singing quality have made him a one-of-a-kind artist.” – Le Devoir

Born in Rawdon, Quebec, Mr. Beauséjour holds a Doctorate from the Université de Montréal. He studied harpsichord with Mireille Lagacé and organ with Bernard Lagacé. He also trained in Europe under Ton Koopman and Kenneth Gilbert. First Prize winner of the 1985 Erwin Bodky International Harpischord Competition in Boston, he has also won prizes at several other competitions and received a number of grants from the Canada Council and the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec. Mr. Beauséjour teaches harpsichord and organ in Montreal.

Program
J.C. BACH Trio Sonata in A major, Op. 15, No. 2, W. B50
HAYDN
Trio in G major, No. 39 Gypsy
Trio No. 25 in E minor, Hob XV: 12
MOZART
Trio in E major, No. 4 K. 542

Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 7:30pm
To purchase your tickets, visit: www.mbam.qc.ca/en/bourgie-hall/