UW-Whitewater’s Department of Music presented a concert by lecturer Karen Boe and her friends Suzanne Beia and Karl Lavine at Light Recital Hall on Thursday Mar. 3 at 7:30 p.m. Boe, a pianist and graduate of the Juilliard School, performed Piano Trio No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 8 by Dmitry Shostakovich and Piano Trio No. 7 in B flat major, Op. 97 by Ludwig van Beethoven. Accompanied by Beia on violin and Lavine on cello, the trio put on a memorable performance for the audience, displaying their wide range of musical talents.

Beginning the night with Piano Trio No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 8, a piece which requires impeccable breathwork, appeared to have been completed with ease. Their breaths were simultaneous, making them appear as one on stage. The piece could have been viewed as a struggle between the three instruments, all battling for superiority; however, Lavine, Beia and Boe ensured that all parts built each other up as equals creating beautiful harmonies.

Oppositely, Piano Trio No. 7 in B flat major, Op. 97, an overall relaxing piece carried a sentimental tone as with each new movement came excitement that would then resolve itself as the song progressed. Taking into consideration the dynamics which brought the piece to life, the group visibly immersed itself into the music as their body language shifted with the momentum of the notes.

Overall, the concert was a triumph and an evident crowd pleaser. For more information about upcoming performances at UW-Whitewater, visit the College of Arts and Communication event page at https://www.uww.edu/coac/events.