Trio Thalassa

The Programme

Juri Uchishiba – violin
Aria Posner – cello
Andrew Zhao – piano

D’un matin de printemps

D’un soir triste

Piano Trio
I. Moderato ma appassionato
II. Andante molto semplice
III. Allegro vigoroso

The Artists

Named for its roots on both sides of the Atlantic, London-based Trio Thalassa is a dynamic new ensemble formed in 2023, comprising postgraduate students at the Royal Academy of Music.

Pianist Andrew Zhao, a student of Rustem Hayroudinoff, has performed in ensembles at the Aspen and Borromeo Music Festivals. He holds degrees in Music and Public Policy Analysis from Pomona College in Southern California.

Violinist Juri Uchishiba, a student of Robin Wilson and alumna of the Guildhall School of Music, is the principal second violinist of the Ernest Read Symphony Orchestra.

Cellist Aria Posner, a student of Robert Cohen, received her Bachelor’s degree in Cello Performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music with a minor in Suzuki Pedagogy. An educator as well as performer, she has taught at the Aurora School of Music in the United States and performed in the Atlanta Pops Orchestra and Mansfield Symphony Orchestra.

Trio Thalassa works regularly with eminent musicians, including Jim Sleigh, Robert Cohen, Diana Ketler and Adrian Brendel. Most recently, Trio Thalassa was awarded first place in the Historical Women Composers Prize at the Royal Academy of Music. The trio was also selected for the Hans Keller Forum and will participate in the 2024/25 residencies in Cambridge. Earlier this year, Trio Thalassa was highly commended, receiving third prize in the Harold Craxton Prize also at the Royal Academy of Music.

With a focus on showcasing a diversity of repertoire, the trio made its recital debut with Rebecca Clarke’s Piano Trio and Beethoven’s Piano Trio, Op. 1 No. 1, performing at the RAM Piano Festival in June.