MACOMB -- What better treat for a frigid, post-blizzard evening than one of the hottest classical groups around, the Claremont Trio, followed by a reception in an art gallery!
This was a remarkable event at Western Illinois University on Feb. 3. Never mind that it was a windy 15 degrees outside, and that slippery, icy walks from parking lots to buildings had to be navigated. The warmth of the evening outweighed the chill of the weather.
The Claremont Trio on this evening was brilliant -- that was the verdict of all in the audience, including experienced WIU and Macomb musicians who attended.
Along with superb musicianship, the two women, 31-year-old twins, Emily and Julia Bruskin, are beautiful. They wore georgeous gowns, and played with emotion and zest. Afterward at the reception cellist Julia said they practice three hours daily, and more if they're working on a new piece.
And did they have a "Tiger mother" who demanded rigorous discipline and practice to learn music? No, she said, their mom was loving and supportive.
The third permanent member of their group just had a baby and was replaced with a brilliant young pianist, Benjamin Hochman.
The three braved the worst blizzard in years to drive to Macomb from Chicago on Feb. 2.
They played challenging numbers: Brahms Piano Trio in C Minor, Op. 101; Donald Crockett's Night Scenes, an interetsting 2009 piece written for the trio; and Beethoven's Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 97, the Archduke. The harmony and timing was extraordinary. Pure beauty in a dozen ways.
The reception, with light snacks, was at the WIU Art Gallery with a good show running now: The Photograph as an Art Object. This is also worth viewing, with startling and beautiful photographs from mainly central Illinois photographers.
-- Elaine Hopkins
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