A Los Angeles-based piano trio performed in the chapel for a lunchtime concert on Feb. 7. The trio — Songa Lee, Charlie Tyler and Louise Thomas — performed Ludwig Beethoven’s famous “Archduke Piano Trio,” along with a movement from Clara Schumann’s “Piano Trio.”
Lee, Tyler and Thomas have been performing as freelance musicians for six years at various venues and events throughout Los Angeles. Tyler, the trio’s cellist, said he has aspired to play music professionally from a young age.
“I initially chose the cello because it was larger than my older brother’s violin, being the younger brother,” Tyler said. ”I loved it immediately and knew the moment I started that this is what I wanted to do with my life.”
Tyler said the pieces they performed were particularly significant given the context of the time they were created.
“It is from the end of his period of compositions before [Beethoven] completely lost his hearing,” Tyler said. “There’s a sense of overcoming struggles in this piece.”
Noah Koo ’27 said the group’s passion for music was notable.
“I think [my favorite part] was the energy I felt from them,” Koo said.” They were all very concentrated and into it. I know they’re professionals, but I think the energy, vibes and color from the music [that] really shone through.”
Valentina Hernandez Ruiz ’27 said the group’s performance was well conveyed through their passion and dedication.
“My favorite part of the piano trio was seeing how passionate they were to share their love for the arts,” Hernandez Ruiz said.
Chamber Orchestra violinist Edward Ward ’25 said he hopes more students take advantage of opportunities to experience live music and appreciate its impact.
“I would encourage other students to attend similar performances,” Ward said. “Despite most people in attendance being musicians, I doubt all of them see or listen to live performances on a regular basis. Bringing the music to school is a really great way to enhance musical education and bring the orchestral program to the next level.”
Ward said live performances offer an experience beyond what recordings can capture.
“[During live concerts], you’re able to observe communication between performers, which is not something that comes easily and really does level up your musical abilities,” Ward said. “Even with the high standard of recording technology today, there is still something lost through the recording process that you can pick up through a live performance.”
Thomas, the group’s pianist, said music is profound because of its ability to impact others in any given situation.
“[The students] are incredibly lucky to have music in their lives,” Thomas said. “It’s one of those things that transcends everything. No matter what you’re feeling or when it’s very difficult to use words, music takes over.”
