It’s been more than four months since the last Border Concert was staged at Backus Auditorium International Falls, but if the audience’s reaction to last Friday’s appearance of the Agh Trio is any indication, the wait was well worth it.
The Korean-born sisters–violinist Angella, and identical twins, pianist Lucia and cellist Maria–presented a flawless and brilliant performance, showing why they are currently thrilling audiences in concert halls around the world.
The Ahn Trio opened Friday’s concert with “Oblivion,” a hauntingly beautiful work by Argentinian composer, Astor Piazzolla, in which the piano, violin, and cello blended as one instrument.
Mendelssohn’s “Piano Trio in C Minor” was played with equal brilliance, marred only slightly by the audience’s insistence on applauding between movements.
The trio chose a variety of shorter pieces for the second half of the concert. Angella introduced each selection to the audience with informative and witty comments, setting a relaxed mood for the evening.
The Bach-Gounod version of “Ave Maria” was played with deep emotion and sensitivity. Other pieces included the finale from Haydn’s “Trio in G Major,” a liquid-smooth arrangement of the Richard Rodgers classic, “My Funny Valentine,” a jazzy rendition of Paul Schoenfield’s “Cafe Music,” and another Piazzolla work, “Otono Porteno,” a tango depicting the various seasons in Beunos Aires.
Following a standing ovation, the Ahn Trio closed Friday’s program with an encore, Paul McCartney’s “Hey Jude.”
Whether playing Haydn or the Beatles, the Ahn Trio demonstrated extraordinary musical ability. Musical gifts of this magnitude are rare but to find such virtuosity among members of the same family is even more remarkable.
The Ahn Trio’s concert was filled with energy, warmth, and wonderful musicality. This was a show worth waiting for.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
