The Olympus Piano Trio, Sept. 17, 2017 - 2:00 p.m.
Chamber Music Trio Reaches New Heights
Le Petit Salon de Musique is proud to open its eighth season on Sunday September 17 at 2 p.m. with a stunning young chamber music trio that has been praised by the New York Concert Review for their “passionate commitment to every note” and “incredibly velvety tone.” The Olympus Piano Trio features three remarkable young performers, and has deep roots in both Greece and the United States. True to their name, they are reaching new heights in their quest for outstanding performance of classical, romantic and modern musical masterpieces.
Violinist Regi Álexandros Papa grew up in Greece, the child of two violists. The Strad Magazine called him “an exciting young violinist with brilliant technique and an excellent sense of style.” He has been a featured soloist with the New York Symphonic Arts Ensemble and as an avid chamber musician, he has performed extensively in ensembles and festivals throughout the United States and Europe.
The Boston Musical Intelligencer said of extraordinary cellist Ben Capps “this fearless soloist...left us in staggered disbelief.” Capps has appeared as featured soloist with the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas and many others in the U.S. and around the globe. A native New Yorker, Capps is an ardent performer of new music who has given numerous performances and premieres of new cello works on stages and at festivals throughout the world.
The Trio is anchored by pianist Konstantine Valianatos, an exciting young musician of great talent who has won numerous first place awards at international piano competitions. Like Regi Papa, Konstantine is a native of Greece. He began his piano studies at age seven at the National Conservatory of Greece, and his artistic integrity and work ethos were officially recognized with the highest accolade from the Athens Academy. Valianatos enjoys an international performing career as a soloist and as a chamber pianist.
Together, the three won the Gold Medal at the Chamber Music Foundation of New England’s international competition in 2016 and their debut album, Trios by Ravel, Hatzis & Mendelssohn, was released in 2017 on the LP Classics label. At Le Petit Salon de Musique, the Olympus Piano Trio will perform works of Ravel and Shostakovich, as well as two highly imaginative contemporary piano trios by Peter Winkler and Christos Hatzis.
About Le Petit Salon de Musique
Welcome to "Le Petit Salon de Musique", a place where you can enjoy exceptional music in a lovely, intimate setting at a very reasonable price.
Here's what some of our guests have said about Le Petit Salon concerts:
"Le Petit Salon de Musique continues to provide outstanding programs featuring truly accomplished musicians. The intimacy of the setting, and the virtuosity of the performers, make it a unique experience for people who truly love good music. We have been attending since the Salon's inception, re-arranging our own busy schedules whenever necessary in order not to miss a single concert." Susan and Paul Glatzer
"On December 18, 2011 we attended the concert at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship which featured Alexandria and Friends. It was our first concert at the Fellowship. We experienced one of the most exciting, enjoyable and musically competent concerts we have attended in many years. Alexandria Lee's piano performance was professional, beautiful and electrifying. The individual soloists on the violin, cello, viola and flute displayed outstanding competency. The finale quartet was nothing more than breathtaking. We look forward to attending future concerts." Deanna and Ted Schwartzman
"The concerts are absolutely superb. The performers are first rate and the venue is great. Keep it up!" George
"I've attended two of the concerts, and have to say that I was amazed at their professionalism. The music is wonderful and the atmosphere cozy. I could listen to the string quartet every week-they were magnificent!" Diana
"I just wanted to say that I was so glad I made it to the concert (just in the nick of time!!) because the performance was absolutely wonderful. I commented to another that I wouldn't be surprised if people somewhere, in other venues, etc., pay up to 10 times what we did yesterday to hear such a concert (Clueri Quartet). It was just amazing. Thank you for continuing to bring us such talented artists, at an irresistibly affordable price." Carol Castillo
The Salon is located at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook on Nicolls Road, north of Rt. 347. (Your GPS will know it as 380 Nicolls Road, E. Setauket). For information, call (631)543-0337.