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Ahn Trio captivates audience with not-so-typical classical performance
By Amanda Wisz ’08
STAFF WRITER

Babcock began its 2005 fall season with a much anticipated performance by the Ahn Trio on Wednesday, September 14. The trio dazzled a packed house of students, faculty, and locals with their violin, cello, and piano combination. While their music could technically be called classical, their presentation is modern, fun, and appealing to a new generation.

Born in Seoul, Korea, the sisters have been involved with music from an early age, starting with the piano. Angella and Maria soon took on the violin and cello, respectively. Later they attended The Julliard School in New York and within six years of arriving in the United States, they were entertaining American audiences and being featured in Time Magazine. Since then they have won a number of music awards, traveled all over the world, and now graced the campus of SBC.

Twins Maria, Lucia, and their sister Angella appeared on the Babcock stage all dressed in different and charming ensembles, already hinting at their overall unique take on chamber music. The group not only prides themselves on bringing new audiences to classical music, but also exposing seasoned listeners to new composers. Their connections made at Julliard have supplied them with a supply of fresh pieces written by today's brightest composers, and transcriptions of popular music. They performed three pieces composed for them as late as 2002 along with transcribed songs such as “Riders on the Storm” by The Doors.

The trio’s exhilarating stage presence mesmerized the Sweet Briar audience as they played the movements from Swing Shift: Music for Evening Hours, a piece written for them, with grace and fervor. They are excited about their music and play every piece with enthusiasm. They are also excited about their audience, and seek to involve them in the show. After a standing ovation, the three performed a bluegrass piece and the audience yelled and clapped in approval. It was far from a typical classical performance.

The Ahns have put out several albums, their latest being Groovebox, featuring music by Maurice Jarr, Michael Nyman, Kenji Bunch, Astor Piazzolla, and Ronn Yedidia. They played many pieces from this album and signed copies of it after the show. Their other albums, including Ahn-Plugged with music by David Bowie, are available at their website, www.AhnTrio.com. The site also features upcoming performances, biographies, and a fan club.