Ahn Trio Press Clips - April 17, 2009

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    SOURCE: MSNBC AUDIENCE: 14,067 [provided by Nielsen//NetRatings]

    DATE: 03272009 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 theToronto Star says has "all the youthful fire, passion, and commitment one could possibly want." These threesisters were born in Korea and studied together at Juilliard. Since then they have been carving a path that hashelped 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 andthe 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 andwere named three of the 50 most beautiful people by the People Magazine and their albums have won theEcho 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 albumwith the award winning Czech rockband, Tata bojs of Prague, "Smetana." Together, they create an unusualsextet of two trios, a modern Classical trio blending with the Rock trio. The hugely successful TataAhnTour last fall in the Czech Republic got rave reviews and they will return for the second tour with them thisyear. The program also includes a new work by legendary jazz guitarist Pat Metheny, "YuRyung" written forthe Ahns. Their passion to further explore the new, cuttingedge projectsit is precisely this vitality andcommitment 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

    http://thingstodo.msn.com/new-york-ny/events/show/86442784-ahn-trio-with-special-guests-tata-bojs/print/1/displaymode/1098/
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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 musics 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 sisterswho were born in Korea, is anything but traditional. The trio, which appears Monday at RhodeIsland 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 ultimatecrossover 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 lastcouple 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. Whenasked if the group no longer plays standard classical repertoire, Ahn said it all depends on whatyou mean by standard.

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    If you look at Beethovens time, or Mozarts time, classical music was contemporary, notmusic hundreds of years old. For us, standard classical music is whats being written for us.

    Ahn said she is not sure what she and her sisters will play at RIC. The program will beannounced 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 thats contemporary butaccessible.

    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 theres so much love, passion andstrength to them.

    It may seem like there was a grand plan behind the formation of the group. After all, what arethe odds of three sisters all mastering instruments on a professional level, instruments that just

    happen to form a piano trio? But thats not the case, said Ahn.We did not come from a typical, strict Korean family. Both parents worked. Our mother is awriter 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. Itwas not carefully planned at all.

    How many people, after all, grow up thinking I want to spend the rest of my life with mysisters?

    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 theywere excited about.

    Not that we are not excited about Dvorak, but we wanted to showcase something morecontemporary, 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 tocontemporary repertoire.

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    The sisters all live in New York City, but just far enough apart, said Ahn. Does that meanthey dont get along? Obviously they have to see eye to eye to play such complicated musictogether. 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 Colleges Sapinsley Hall. Ticketsare $35 with discounts for seniors, students and RIC employees. Call (401) 456-8144.

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

    'Seoul Sisters' return to town withcontemporary compositionsBy 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 beautifullycrafted trios by Ravel, Villa-Lobos, Suk, Dvorak and Shostakovich, the Juilliard-trained sistershave been on the cutting edge of contemporary music for more than a decade. The Ahn Triohas premiered and recorded new works by a number of prominent and up-and-comingcomposers 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 isimpossible 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 thetrio's latest recording of the same name. The album features music by British composer, criticand musicologist Michael Nyman, Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla, and Americancomposer Kenji Bunch, among others. Bunch, a particular favorite of the Ahn Trio, is thecomposer of three pieces on the recording: "Dies Irae," "Magic Hour" and "Lullaby for MyFavorite Insomniac," the album's namesake.

    The Ahn Trio will also perform several vocal tracks from the album with special guest artistsThorry and Isaac Koren, collectively known as the Australian folk-rock duo, The Kin. Dynamicand versatile musicians, the two brothers are presently a part of the New York City musicscene, 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. Asa professor of music at UCLA, Chihara, a former pupil of both Nadia Boulanger and Gunther

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    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 withmovements 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 severalyears, largely due to the efforts of Michael Blachly, director of UF Performing Arts. Havingworked with the Ahn Trio while at UCLA, Blachly wanted to begin and continue the traditionwhen he moved to Gainesville about a decade ago.

    "He is a dream presenter and gives us an amazing amount of freedom," says Angella Ahn. "Weare given the chance to share what we believe in, and we want the audience to come becausethey like what we do."

    "They are three of the most gifted musicians I've ever worked with," Blachly said. "They havevery 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-$30Info: (392-2787)

    sc12ahntrio.jpg

    The Ahn Trio performs on Saturday at University Auditorium.

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    Ahn Trio embraces power of lullabies By Calvin WilsonST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH02/27/2009

    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.

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    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 oneof childrens favorite characters will delight audiences during March at the PasquerillaPerforming 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 Roadin 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 allaround 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 newaudiences 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 Centers Alice Tully Hall, Carnegies Weill Hall,Chicagos Ravinia, Singapores Victoria Concert Hall and Moscows 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.

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    Discount tickets of $22 are available for senior citizens (62 years of age or older) and membersof 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 universitys alumni association; $10 for students. There is a $4 handling fee on all orders.

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    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, theAhn Trio sisters Maria, Lucia, and Angella will return to Edison Theatre Saturday, Feb. 28, topresent a piano-trio repertoire with commissioned works by some of today's most visionary composers.

    Part of the Edison Theatre OVATIONS Series, theperformance begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $32; $28for seniors and Washington University in St. Louisfaculty and staff; and $20 for students and children.

    In addition, as part of the ovations for young peopleseries, the trio will present a special matineeperformance at 11 a.m. that day. With matineetickets priced at $10, the entire family can enjoy theAhn sisters, musicians who are setting thestandard for the next generation of chamber ensembles.

    Tickets are available at the Edison Theatre BoxOffice and through all MetroTix outlets. EdisonTheatre is located in the Mallinckrodt StudentCenter, 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 NikolaiKaspustin has composed for the Ahns, and Pat Metheny's "Yu Ryung" (Korean for "ghost figure"), whichthe 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," themusicians' latest CD, recorded on their own label, L.A.M.P. The Ahns will perform these works withspecial 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 brothersThorry and Isaac Koren.

    Of The Kin, Billboard Magazine noted, "The Australian siblings have a radiant gift for songwriting andperforming that infuses their live shows and is winning believers in clubs across the United States. TheKoren 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,

    Courtesy PhotoThe Ahn Trio, from left: Maria (cello), Lucia (piano) andAngella (violin) will bring extraordinary talent and style toEdison Theatre Feb. 28.

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    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 theDavid Parsons Dance Company.

    This summer, the Ahns were the only classical group to be invited to perform at the iTunes LIVE Festivalin 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 secondtrio works that the award-winning composers are writing.

    Possessing a hypnotic combination of talent and style, the Ahns have long been inviting subjects for theinternational press. They made their magazine premiere as teens in Time's cover story, "Asian AmericanWhiz Kids," and have gone on to frequent fashion pages the likes of Vogue and GQ. In 2003, they werenamed 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 UnitedStates and around the world. Wherever the Ahns travel, they share their innovative spirit and ever-evolving vision of music.

    The Edison Theatre performances are made possible with support from the Missouri Arts Council, astate 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; $22for students. Matinee performance: $10. Available through the Edison Theatre Box Office, (314) 935-6543, and all MetroTix outlets

    SPONSOR: Edison Theatre OVATIONS Series