Guest artist recital: Mendelssohn Trio

The Mendelssohn Trio (Erik Peterson, violin; Barbara Thiem, cello; Bryan Wallick, piano) was formed in 1988 and is named for Thiem's great grandfather Franz von Mendelssohn, a nephew of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy and an important supporter of artists and musicians in the Berlin of the early 20th century. The trio is in residence at Colorado State University where they give frequent concerts and work with the students on chamber music projects.

In addition to concerts in the US the trio has performed on five tours to several European countries including Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In 2012 their concerts included an appearance at the International Mendelssohn Festival in Berlin. The plans for a tour in May 2026 include a program of women composers from the US and Europe. Among other venues they will be playing at the Mendelssohn Museum in Berlin and the Mendelsohn Haus in Leipzig as well as for the Maria-Anna-Mozart-Gesellschaft in Salzburg.

While performing the standard repertoire of the 18th and 19th centuries the trio has made an effort to introduce its audiences to works by 20th century composers such as the Americans Muczynski, Copland and Susanne Sorkin, as well as Europeans Martinu, Bridge, Martin and Bloch, and the little known French composer Theodore Gouvy (1819-1898). This year's program is presenting Amy Beach, Cecile Chaminade, Lera Auerbach and Jennifer Higdon. Learn more.