Fantastic Celebrating Trio Concert
Last Sunday’s Cowal Music Club concert by the Celebrating Trio, Jane Monari (mezzo-soprano), Christian Schneeberger (tenor) and Ed Cohen (piano), was an outstanding success, with the audience delighted and thrilled by the highly entertaining programme, which featured songs by the American composer Irving Berlin.
This very eminent trio, two of whom have close connections with Scottish Opera, appeared in association with Classical Musicians Scotland, who assisted in the presentation of the programme, which featured the story of Irving Berlin’s life, interspersed with many beautifully familiar melodies, sung as solos and duets.
No wonder recent press coverage of the Trio has been so positive, with both singers’ beautiful voices and Ed Cohen’s masterly piano playing proving an ideal combination, summed up recently by press comments such as “Brilliant expressive musicians and a well crafted repertoire”.
With a programme showcasing American composer Irving Berlin’s life and so many of his most wonderful songs, mezzo-soprano Jane Monari, herself from Philadelphia in the USA, was in her natural element singing this repertoire. And she did so with remarkable assurance and flair. Tenor Christian Schneeberger also sang with remarkable quality and projection, while the Trio as a whole appeared to be really enjoying themselves. Ed Cohen’s wonderful piano playing also really enhanced the evening, and his assurance seemed all the more remarkable since he had replaced Derek Clark (who was indisposed) at short notice.
All trio members took part in presenting the songs, as well as narrating the story of Irving Berlin’s life, complete with fascinating and memorable anecdotes.
The programme included many of Irving Berlin’s most well loved songs, -such as Blue Skies, Say it isn’t so, and Easter Parade, to mention only a few. So it was little wonder that an encore was demanded , and given - with a joyous rendition of There’s no business like Show Business! The enthusiastic sustained applause afterwards said it all!
Cowal Music Club’s next concert is scheduled for November 29th, at 2.30pm, when the Resol String Quartet will perform.
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