Ahn Trio Press Clips - April 17, 2009

4/11/2009

Classical music trio to present Eau Claire concert St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lullabies are best known for putting children to sleep. But for the Ahn Trio, such songs hold a different appeal. "We've always wanted to do an album of very beautiful music," violinist Angella Ahn said. "If you think about what lullabies are and how mothers sing them to their babies, it's this idea of a very simple tune that has so much power." On their latest album, "Lullaby for My Favorite Insomniac," Ahn and her twin sisters - pianist Lucia and cellist Maria explore an eclectic program ranging from the Rodgers and Hart standard "My Funny Valentine" to the Pat MethenyDavid Bowie tune "This Is Not America." The Ahn Trio will perform Wednesday night at The State Theatre in Eau Claire. "Insomniac" is the siblings' debut on Sony BMG Masterworks and was recorded after they left their longtime label, EMI Classics. "It was a special album in the sense that we chose all the tracks and we co-produced it," Angella Ahn said. "Dies Irie" and "Magic Hour" are by Kenji Bunch, a fellow Juilliard School graduate and one of the sisters' favorite composers. Bunch also contributed the arrangement of "Valentine."

Classical music ensemble Ahn Trio will perform Wednesday in Eau Claire. The sisters are promoting their latest album "Lullaby for My Favorite Insomniac."

Contributed photo

As a composer, Bunch is inclusive, collecting ideas from different kinds of music and making them relevant to the classical world, Ahn said. Considering the trio's musical openness, it's not surprising that "Insomniac" makes room for a classic folk song, "Solitary Singer," which Ahn heard on a Laurie Lewis album. "I brought it to my sisters, and I was like, 'You guys, we have to record this!' The music in that song is so beautiful, but the lyrics (sung on the album by Czech vocalist Ema Brabcova) are amazing," she said. The disc concludes with remixes of four tunes, including a version of "Valentine" that wouldn't be out of place in a hip-hop club. "We really did a lot of exploring and went to places we hadn't gone before," Ahn said.

SOURCE: MSNBC AUDIENCE: 14,067 [provided by Nielsen//NetRatings] DATE: 03−27−2009 HEADLINE: Ahn Trio with Special Guests Tata Bojs Source Website Ahn Trio returns to Highline with special guests, Tata Bojs of Prague Technically superb and blazing with talent, the Ahn Trio plays adventurous repertoires with a style that the Toronto Star says has "all the youthful fire, passion, and commitment one could possibly want." These three sisters were born in Korea and studied together at Juilliard. Since then they have been carving a path that has helped them expand the very definition of the term "chamber music." Although they have long mastered the classical repertoire, they now play pieces written for them exclusively by finest contemporary composers and the group is known for their unique collaborations with Modern Dance Companies, DJ's, rockbands, installation artists, painters, Pop singers, jazz artists and more. They have appeared in Vogue, GQ, Time and were named three of the 50 most beautiful people by the People Magazine and their albums have won the Echo Award, Germany's Grammy's. They return to one of their favorite venues in NYC to showcase music from their newest album on Sony, "Lullaby For My Favorite Insomniac" and from their collaborative album with the award winning Czech rockband, Tata bojs of Prague, "Smetana." Together, they create an unusual sextet of two trios, a modern Classical trio blending with the Rock trio. The hugely successful Tata−Ahn Tour last fall in the Czech Republic got rave reviews and they will return for the second tour with them this year. The program also includes a new work by legendary jazz guitarist Pat Metheny, "Yu−Ryung" written for the Ahns. Their passion to further explore the new, cutting−edge projects−it is precisely this vitality and commitment to innovation that has the Ahn Trio continually drawing new audiences to classical music. Highlights: classical, albums, musicfrom, album, Sony, Classical, Tour, tour, classical music

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Sunday, April 19, 2009 http://www.projo.com/music/content/artsun_ahn_trio_04-19-09_EUDVQ7N_v19.17d4e6b.html

Classical music’s Ahn sisters anything but traditional By Channing Gray Journal Arts Writer

The Ahn Trio — three sisters born in Korea and trained at Juilliard in New York City — play piano, violin and cello music that draws its inspiration from jazz, pop and rock. RileArts They have made albums of Ravel and Dvorak, but the Ahn Trio, three Juilliard-trained sisters who were born in Korea, is anything but traditional. The trio, which appears Monday at Rhode Island College, has in more recent times shared the stage with a Czech rock band, and performed arrangements of My Funny Valentine and The Doors’ Riders on the Storm. The sisters — violinist Angella, pianist Lucia and cellist Maria — form sort of the ultimate crossover group, dissolving the boundaries between art forms by combining the talents of dancers, DJs, installation artists, painters, and even kite makers. The group has spent the last couple of years performing new music that has been written for them. But that should not be seen as anything unusual, said Angella Ahn in a recent interview. When asked if the group no longer plays standard classical repertoire, Ahn said it all depends on what you mean by “standard.”

“If you look at Beethoven’s time, or Mozart’s time, classical music was contemporary, not music hundreds of years old. For us, standard classical music is what’s being written for us.” Ahn said she is not sure what she and her sisters will play at RIC. The program will be announced from the stage. But she said it is likely that they will play a number of selections from their newest CD, Lullaby for My Favorite Insomniac, music that’s contemporary but accessible. In fact that seems to be a hallmark of the Ahns, playing music that is melodic and engaging, and draws its inspiration from jazz, pop and rock. “Lullabies are very simple melodies,” said Ahn, “but there’s so much love, passion and strength to them.” It may seem like there was a grand plan behind the formation of the group. After all, what are the odds of three sisters all mastering instruments on a professional level, instruments that just happen to form a piano trio? But that’s not the case, said Ahn. “We did not come from a typical, strict Korean family. Both parents worked. Our mother is a writer and our father owned a publishing business. But they shared an amazing love for classical music and took us to so many concerts. We grew up with a real love of the arts.” It all started with Lucia wanting to play the piano, and then the other two sisters not wanting to be left out. “We got into it as a hobby. And when we moved to the United States we all got into Juilliard. It was not carefully planned at all. “How many people, after all, grow up thinking I want to spend the rest of my life with my sisters?” The first couple of albums the Ahns made featured music by Ravel, Shostakovich and Dvorak. But then for a concert at Columbia University the sisters decided to put together a program they were “excited” about. “Not that we are not excited about Dvorak, but we wanted to showcase something more contemporary, more organic. And it turned into a philosophy.” That concert led to the album Ahn-Plugged. “It was quite an organic process that reflects who we are,” said Ahn about their move to contemporary repertoire.

The sisters all live in New York City, but just “far enough apart,” said Ahn. Does that mean they don’t get along? Obviously they have to see eye to eye to play such complicated music together. But there are also differences of opinion. “We fight every day,” said Ahn, “we are sisters. Doing something this intense, of course we fight.” The Ahn Trio performs Monday night at 8 at Rhode Island College’s Sapinsley Hall. Tickets are $35 with discounts for seniors, students and RIC employees. Call (401) 456-8144.

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090212/ARTICLES/902121003/1006/NEWS

'Seoul Sisters' return to town with contemporary compositions By Aaron Keebaugh Published: Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 6:01 a.m. Last Modified: Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 12:34 p.m. In the world of classical chamber music, the Ahn Trio - with sisters Lucia on piano, Maria on cello and Angella on violin - has smashed onto the scene like a meteor. Earning much success after their first two recordings, featuring little-played but beautifully crafted trios by Ravel, Villa-Lobos, Suk, Dvorak and Shostakovich, the Juilliard-trained sisters have been on the cutting edge of contemporary music for more than a decade. The Ahn Trio has premiered and recorded new works by a number of prominent and up-and-coming composers from around the world. In addition, the three "Seoul Sisters" - who have appeared in "Vogue," "GQ," and ads for GAP - have collaborated with jazz, rock, and other popular musicians, such as Pat Methany, Bryan Adams and Mark O'Connor. Recently, the Ahn Trio performed and recorded an album with the Czech alternative rock band, the Tata Bojs. "We do a lot of collaboration," says Angella Ahn, "and it is an organic process for us. ... It is impossible not to mix different musical styles today." The sisters' concert on Saturday night at University Auditorium will feature such collaboration. Billed as "Lullaby for My Favorite Insomniac," the concert will feature music taken from the trio's latest recording of the same name. The album features music by British composer, critic and musicologist Michael Nyman, Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla, and American composer Kenji Bunch, among others. Bunch, a particular favorite of the Ahn Trio, is the composer of three pieces on the recording: "Dies Irae," "Magic Hour" and "Lullaby for My Favorite Insomniac," the album's namesake. The Ahn Trio will also perform several vocal tracks from the album with special guest artists Thorry and Isaac Koren, collectively known as the Australian folk-rock duo, The Kin. Dynamic and versatile musicians, the two brothers are presently a part of the New York City music scene, owing to the success of their 2007 album "Rise and Fall." In addition, the sisters will perform two works by noted American composer, Paul Chihara. As a professor of music at UCLA, Chihara, a former pupil of both Nadia Boulanger and Gunther

Schuller, has a number of chamber, orchestral, stage, film and television scores to his credit. The Ahn Trio will perform the composer's "Orchids," a three-movement piano trio with movements named for each of the sisters, and a fantasia based upon the Korean folk song, "Ahrirang." Performances by the Ahn Trio have been an annual event in Gainesville over the past several years, largely due to the efforts of Michael Blachly, director of UF Performing Arts. Having worked with the Ahn Trio while at UCLA, Blachly wanted to begin and continue the tradition when he moved to Gainesville about a decade ago. "He is a dream presenter and gives us an amazing amount of freedom," says Angella Ahn. "We are given the chance to share what we believe in, and we want the audience to come because they like what we do." "They are three of the most gifted musicians I've ever worked with," Blachly said. "They have very innovative ideas, a wonderful aesthetic, and I applaud everything they do to explore musical boundaries." Ahn Trio What: The Ahn Trio performs with The Kin When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday Where: University Auditorium, UF campus Tickets: $20-$30 Info: (392-2787) Ahn Trio What: The Ahn Trio performs with The Kin When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday Where: University Auditorium, UF campus Tickets: $20-$30 Info: (392-2787) sc12ahntrio.jpg The Ahn Trio performs on Saturday at University Auditorium.

Ahn Trio embraces power of lullabies By Calvin Wilson ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH 02/27/2009

Lullabies are best known for putting children to sleep. But for the Ahn Trio, such songs hold a different appeal.

"We've always wanted to do an album of very beautiful music," violinist Angella Ahn said. "If you think about what lullabies are, and how mothers sing them to their babies, it's this idea of a very simple tune that has so much power."

On their latest album, "Lullaby for My Favorite Insomniac," Ahn and her twin sisters — pianist Lucia and cellist Maria — explore an eclectic program ranging from the Rodgers & Hart standard "My Funny Valentine" to the Pat Metheny-David Bowie tune "This Is Not America."

The trio will perform Saturday in the Edison Theatre's OVATIONS! series.

"Insomniac" is the siblings' debut on Sony BMG Masterworks and was recorded after they left their longtime label, EMI Classics.

"It was a special album in the sense that we chose all the tracks and we co-produced it," Angella Ahn said.

A search for a new label ensued. The trio decided that Sony "had a really similar philosophy to us … and that we should create something that everyone can enjoy."

"Dies Irie" and "Magic Hour" are by Kenji Bunch, a fellow Juilliard School graduate and one of the sisters' favorite composers. Bunch also contributed the arrangement of "Valentine."

As a composer, Bunch has a way of being inclusive, collecting ideas from different kinds of music and making them relevant to the classical world, Ahn said.

Considering the trio's musical openness, it's not surprising that "Insomniac" makes room for a classic folk song, "Solitary Singer," which Ahn heard on a Laurie Lewis album.

"I brought it to my sisters, and I was like, 'You guys, we have to record this!' The music in that song is so beautiful, but the lyrics (sung on the album by Czech vocalist Ema Brabcova) are amazing," she said.

The disc concludes with remixes of four tunes, including a version of "Valentine" that wouldn't be out of place in a hip-hop club.

"We really did a lot of exploring and went to places we hadn't gone before," Ahn said.

February 27, 2009

Musicals for young, old on tap at Pasquerilla BY TOM LAVIS [email protected] Three sisters who have gained a worldwide reputation for excellence in chamber music and one of children’s favorite characters will delight audiences during March at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center. The internationally acclaimed Ahn Trio will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. March 10 and “Junie B. Jones” will stage multiple performances on March 13 at the arts center, 450 Schoolhouse Road in Richland Township. Born in Seoul, Korea, members of the Ahn Trio are redefining the art of chamber music. “The sister act last appeared at Pasquerilla in 1999 and have since been gaining a following all around the globe,” said Michael L. Bodolosky, arts center executive director. “Their musicianship is impeccable and their talent and style are unsurpassed.” The sisters – violinist Angella and twins, pianist Lucia and cellist Maria – have struck the right notes with audiences worldwide. “They are Julliard educated and, over the years, have been responsible for drawing new audiences to classical music,” Bodolosky said. “Their performances are just so unique, audiences are entertained whether they like classical music or not.” Performing almost 100 concerts annually, the Ahn Trio has offered fresh and exhilarating performances at such venues as Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie’s Weill Hall, Chicago’s Ravinia, Singapore’s Victoria Concert Hall and Moscow’s Tchaikovsky Hall. “They may be petite, but they produce an extra large sound,” Bodolosky said. “They put on a tremendous show.” Tickets are available by calling Artsline at (800) 846-ARTS from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. The box office is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and one hour prior to performances. Tickets are buy one get one free. The cost is $24.

Discount tickets of $22 are available for senior citizens (62 years of age or older) and members of the Pitt-Johnstown Alumni Association. Tickets for students and children are $10. There is a $4 handling fee on all orders. The box office is open for in-person sales from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The box office also opens one hour before performances. On stage Who: Ahn Trio, chamber music. Where: Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, 240 Schoolhouse Road, Richland Township. When: 7:30 p.m. March 10. Tickets: Call ArtsLine from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays at (800) 846-2787 or 269-7200. Special offer: Tickets are buy one get one free. The cost is $24. A $2 discount for senior citizens ages 62 and older and members of the university’s alumni association; $10 for students. There is a $4 handling fee on all orders.

Ahn Trio to dazzle audiences Feb. 28 at Edison Theatre Performances include matinee (for youngsters), evening concert View online: http://news-info.wustl.edu/news/page/normal/13464.html Feb. 13, 2009 -- Born in Seoul, Korea, and educated at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York, the Ahn Trio — sisters Maria, Lucia, and Angella — will return to Edison Theatre Saturday, Feb. 28, to present a piano-trio repertoire with commissioned works by some of today's most visionary composers. Part of the Edison Theatre OVATIONS Series, the performance begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $32; $28 for seniors and Washington University in St. Louis faculty and staff; and $20 for students and children. In addition, as part of the ovations for young people series, the trio will present a special matinee performance at 11 a.m. that day. With matinee tickets priced at $10, the entire family can enjoy the Ahn sisters, musicians who are setting the standard for the next generation of chamber ensembles.

Courtesy Photo The Ahn Trio, from left: Maria (cello), Lucia (piano) and Angella (violin) will bring extraordinary talent and style to Edison Theatre Feb. 28.

Tickets are available at the Edison Theatre Box Office and through all MetroTix outlets. Edison Theatre is located in the Mallinckrodt Student Center, 6445 Forsyth Blvd.

For more information, call (314) 935-6543 or email [email protected]. The evening program features "Divertissement for Violin, Cello and Piano," the first and only trio Nikolai Kaspustin has composed for the Ahns, and Pat Metheny's "Yu Ryung" (Korean for "ghost figure"), which the musicians premiered in summer 2008 in Mexico and performed in New York, China and Korea. The trio will conclude its performance with selections from "Lullaby for my Favorite Insomniac," the musicians' latest CD, recorded on their own label, L.A.M.P. The Ahns will perform these works with special guests Taku Hirano, a top-rated percussionist who has played with Fleetwood Mac, Whitney Houston, Bette Midler, Dr. Dre, Stevie Nicks and Lionel Hampton; and The Kin, Australian-born brothers Thorry and Isaac Koren. Of The Kin, Billboard Magazine noted, "The Australian siblings have a radiant gift for songwriting and performing that infuses their live shows and is winning believers in clubs across the United States. The Koren brothers' trump cards are their vocals and dual harmonies — unaffected and quietly passionate. Hearing their partnership is a humbling experience." Lucia (piano), Angella (violin) and Maria (cello) have fused their work with that of dancers, pop singers,

disc jockeys, electronic music artists, painters, installation artists, photographers, lighting designers, ecologists and even kite makers and have received critical acclaim for their collaborative project with the David Parsons Dance Company. This summer, the Ahns were the only classical group to be invited to perform at the iTunes LIVE Festival in London. Their engaging live performance with Tata Bojs at the Czech Grammys led to the Ahns' recording a collaborative album, "Smetana," with the award-winning Czech rock band. Next year, the trio will premiere Mark O'Conner's "Triple Concerto" as well as Nikolai Kapustin's second trio — works that the award-winning composers are writing. Possessing a hypnotic combination of talent and style, the Ahns have long been inviting subjects for the international press. They made their magazine premiere as teens in Time's cover story, "Asian American Whiz Kids," and have gone on to frequent fashion pages the likes of Vogue and GQ. In 2003, they were named three of People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People. The Ahns recently signed a multi-album exclusive recording artist contract with SonyBMG International. The trio is in high demand, performing and leading master classes and workshops across the United States and around the world. Wherever the Ahns travel, they share their innovative spirit and everevolving vision of music. The Edison Theatre performances are made possible with support from the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency, and the Regional Arts Commission, St. Louis. Calendar Summary WHO: The Ahn Trio WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28; 11 a.m. matinee as part of ovations for young people series WHERE: Edison Theatre, Washington University, Mallinckrodt Student Center, 6445 Forsyth Blvd. TICKETS: Evening performance: $32; $28 for seniors and Washington University faculty and staff; $22 for students. Matinee performance: $10. Available through the Edison Theatre Box Office, (314) 9356543, and all MetroTix outlets SPONSOR: Edison Theatre OVATIONS Series