Sister act: Accomplished classical trio returns to Ukiah
On Sunday, Feb. 2 at 2 p.m., the Ukiah Community Concert Association will welcome The Lee Trio back to town at the Mendocino College Center Theatre. Composed of three sisters — Lisa, violin; Angela, cello; and Melinda, piano — The Lee Trio is one of the premier chamber ensembles on the international stage.
Since its formation in 2002, the Trio has been preserving the West’s great tradition of classical music while moving it forward into the future. Their recital tours are international, their awards and accolades many. In 2010, they had the honor to perform for Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel during the head of state’s official visit to New York City. In 2006, the three women each received the 2006 California State Assembly Recognition for Exemplary Service to the Community.
Firm believers in educating the next generation of musicians, Lisa, Angela and Melinda have taught classes to youth from many walks of life all over the world, including Las Vegas, Nevada; Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and other cities in China; and the Ukraine.
The Oakland Tribune comments, “All three sisters are dazzling musicians.” And the San Francisco Classical Voice was equally emphatic: “Their polish and expressive capacity … was amazing. Clearly, there was more at work than dexterity; there was brain power coupled with a keen integration of ensemble down to the smallest detail. I’d be hard put to remember any trio who played with such total commitment to the music.”
This is the third time the Trio, San Francisco natives, has played for UCCA in Ukiah. The upcoming concert will continue the Trio’s balance between the old and the new. The program consists of Beethoven’s Piano Trio No. 5 in D Major; Dvorak’s Piano Trio No. 4 in E Minor; and Richard Pantcheff’s Introduction and Allegro No. 3 (“Beethoven — Besinnung”) for Piano Trio. Pantcheff is a contemporary British composer who dedicated this composition to the Lee Trio. The work was first performed by the Trio at the Kurt Masur Institut in Leipzig, Germany, in October of 2019.
Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door (adult) and $10 for youth (under 18). Advance tickets are available at Mendocino Book Company in Ukiah, Mazahar in Willits, and online at www.ukiahconcerts.org.
Free tickets are available at the door to high school and Mendocino College students with ID, space providing. Residents at Brookside Retirement Residence are also invited to attend free of charge as part of UCCA’s educational and community outreach program. For more information, call 707463-2738, or visit UCCA on Facebook and at the website.