King’s Lynn Festival coffee concert by The Astatine Piano Trio gives audiences an ‘uplifting recital’, says reviewer Andy Tyler

Reviewer Andy Tyler shares his thoughts on an “uplifting recital” during King’s Lynn’s Festival coffee concerts...

The King’s Lynn Festival’s autumn series of coffee concerts concluded on a high note recently with an uplifting recital given by The Astatine Piano Trio consisting of three talented young musicians: Berniya Hamie, piano, Maja Horvat, violin and Rita Hamie, cello.

The trio was formed in 2021 at the Royal College of Music, has performed widely in the U.K. and abroad, won numerous music competitions, made a debut appearance on BBC Radio 3’s ‘In Tune’, and has undertaken various residences and will take part in masterclasses across Europe this year.

Since 2022, the trio has benefited from the mentorship of distinguished world-famous pianist Alfred Brendel, at his invitation.

The trio is passionate about new music but the Festival Coffee Concert on this occasion consisted of music by three master composers of the past: Schubert, his Sonatensatz, D28, written when the composer was only 15!

A charming single-movement piece, which was followed by Beethoven’s Piano Trio in E flat, Op.1, No. 1. In this early work the composer is beginning to spread his own musical wings, moving gradually on from the influence of Mozart and Haydn.

The Astatine’s performance of the work perfectly reflected this, effortlessly conveying the trio’s varied moods and character.

The recital concluded with Ravel’s Piano Trio, composed in 1914, possibly inspired by Basque dance tunes and containing a subtle mixture of the traditional, impressionistic and experimental.

Astatine's interpretation of the piece was deeply felt and passionate when appropriate, and it made light of the technical challenges the piece presents.

The recital was enthusiastically received by the audience. The Astatine Trio is definitely another talented young ensemble to follow!