Residency Shapes Success for Neave Trio
The Neave Trio came to SDSU in 2012 as Graduate Artist Diploma students.
Like a grand garden, talent requires cultivation to thrive.
Much like master gardeners, Joseph Fisch and Joyce Axelrod have tilled the soil for the Neave Trio, the Fisch/Axelrod Trio-in-Residence at the SDSU School of Music and Dance.
Since joining the SDSU program in 2012 as Graduate Artist Diploma students, the Neave Trio has grown into one of the preeminent young chamber ensembles in the country, with their debut CD release described by Fanfare Magazine as having “exceeded the gold standard and moved onto platinum."
Recorded in SDSU's Rhapsody Hall, the CD also received rave reviews from Music Web International and Robert Sherman, on his WQXR radio show, consequently receiving airtime on classical music stations throughout the country.
As well as winning fans on the radio, the trio performed more than 50 concerts around the nation during the 2013-2014 academic year, fast distinguishing them as an ensemble “who will soon be among the busiest chamber ensembles going,” as described by Boston Musical Intelligencer.
Their busy schedule includes appearances at some of the finest chamber music festivals in the country (they made their Rockport Festival debut in June) and innovative community programs like their “Music and Healing” series for patients and their families at Scripps Green Hospital.
“The Fisch/Axelrod Scholarship has made everything possible,” explains Anna Williams, Neave Trio violinist, who has traveled the country with cellist Mikhail Veselov and pianist Toni James.
“The support of Joe and Joyce has given us the critical luxury of a home base at SDSU, and allowed us to be a part of an amazing community of scholars and musicians at the School of Music and Dance. Their generosity has provided the tools to take our first steps and now we are concertizing, touring and looking forward to a busy upcoming season. We couldn't be more grateful to them."
Engaging new audiences
In addition to a full concert schedule, Neave Trio projects have cast a net to capture new audiences, providing a fresh window through which to view classical music.
In February, the trio kicked off the first of a new kind of classical series, hosting the inaugural Stein 2.0. Designed in the spirit of author Gertrude Stein and her Parisian salon-style soirees, each audience member at Stein 2.0 is personally greeted by the musicians and encouraged to exchange ideas through engagement and social media during the evening.
Cocktails, antipasti, desserts and a newsfeed wall projected in the intimate setting encourage patrons to shed their stuffy concert habits and embrace a more casual atmosphere.
Building upon a strong foundation
More than a dozen upcoming concerts from San Diego to Syracuse have already been scheduled for the popular trio over the next few months.
In addition, they are working on a film project comprised of a series of four short films without words, scored only by the trio playing the work of contemporary Argentinean composer Astor Piazzolla and a dance and chamber music project built upon the music of Dmitri Shostakovich.
It’s a busy time, and thanks to the Fisch/Axelrod Residency, the Neave Trio is taking full advantage of every opportunity.
