On 19 October 2024, the young and promising ensemble Trio Memento gave a memorable concert in the historic Paradijshoeve in Hoegaarden, a venue that itself contributed to the magic of the evening. The impressive musical synergy between Colombian cellist Álvaro Quintero, Belgian violist Pierre Vopat and South Korean pianist Jungbin Lim captivated the audience from beginning to end.
The programme, aptly titled Dreamscapes in Trio, focused on the refined repertoire of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, precisely the stylistic period in which this ensemble excels. The concert opened with the dreamy Elégie nocturnale by Belgian composer Joseph Jongen. From the outset it was clear that the audience was in for a special evening: the warm, melancholic tones of Quintero's cello and the flowing, expressive interplay of the trio transported the listeners into the atmosphere of the nocturnal elegy.
The lesser-known, but equally moving Soir! Matin! by French composer Mel Bonis was subsequently performed with refined nuance. Bonis' poetic musicality was given space to shine through the delicate precision of Vopat and the sensitive accompaniment of Lim. The subsequent D'un matin du printemps by the brilliant Lili Boulanger, who died too young, brought a light but powerful energy into the hall, with sparkling piano passages and fiery interactions between the strings and piano.
After these first three works, the audience burst into loud and enthusiastic applause, and rightly so: Trio Memento managed to convey every nuance, every emotional climax seamlessly. The atmosphere in the hall was charged with deep admiration for the virtuosity and musical insight of the musicians.
The evening reached a second climax with the performance of Gabriel Fauré's Piano Trio in d minor, a masterwork renowned for its rich harmonies and subtle dynamics. Trio Memento's interpretation was outright masterful. They managed to bring the layered emotions of the work to life with a perfect balance of intensity and tenderness. The audience, visibly deeply moved, rewarded the musicians with even louder and more enthusiastic applause than before.
As an encore, the ensemble treated the audience to a refined performance of the Elegy by Czech composer Josef Suk, which was received as a warm and emotional finale. After the concert, many of those present remained to congratulate the artists personally for their breathtaking performance.
The historic Paradijshoeve, with its rich history and unique ambiance, provided the perfect setting for this unforgettable musical evening. The fact that the Bluthner piano from the last decade of the 19th century fitted perfectly with the period in which the music was composed further contributed to the authentic feeling of the performance. Trio Memento has once again proven to be an ensemble that not only excels technically and musically, but is also capable of taking the audience on an emotional journey through the time and space of the classical repertoire. This concert will resonate in the memory of those present for a long time to come.