Upton Trio Coming to St. Matthew's Church on June 11, 2022 at 7:00 PM
The Upton Trio will be performing at St. Matthew’s Church in the Parish Hall on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 7:00 PM
Attached is a review by Paddy Bell
Mrs. Bell is an Author, playwright and lyricst.
UPTON TRIO REVIEW
May 17, 2022 Concert – Arts Center of Kershaw County
My husband Rick and I are longtime supporters of the Upton Trio and have had the pleasure of attending many of their concerts over the years. We have always been delighted, astounded by the exceptional musicians – but the May 17th concert held in the Arts Center of Kershaw County’s “blackbox” reached an entirely new level. The performance was astounding.
The trio, composed of Mary Lee Taylor Kinosian, violin, Billy Shepherd, piano, and Dusan Vukajlovic, cello, featured selections “The Carnival of the Animals,” Camille Saint-Saens, “The American Dance Suite,”Mary Lee Taylor Kinosian, and “Trio #2 in E Minor, Opus 92,” Camille Saint-Saens.
Billy Shepherd gave an absolutely phenomenal performance of the three pieces, but “Trio #2,” one of the most remarkable piano trio masterpieces, often called the greatest French piano trio of the nineteenth century, was particularly impressive. I took a peek at the score, awed and terrified by the overwhelming notes on the page. Even the composer himself was said to refer to the first movement as “black with notes.” I sent a personal message of “Bravo” to Billy for his mastery of this challenging music.
Dusan Vukajlovic did not merely play the cello, he seemed to merge into it, a harmonious blend of man and machine. Always somewhat true - as a cellist literally embraces the cello - but on this exceptional night, there appeared to be no distinction between musician and instrument, as they were truly one. He enchanted the audience with his emotional interpretation of the lovely movement, “The Swan” in “The Carnival of the Animals.”
Mary Lee Taylor Kinosian joined Billy and Dusan as the unifying force of the three, as the voice of a violin often will. Concert-goers were totally engaged with her composition, “American Dance Suite.” This brilliant piece of Americana resonates in our history, heritage, and hearts as the movements embrace the cultures of the Native American spirit, the frontiers, the blues, the tango, climaxing in a finale that stirs the senses to see and feel as well as hear.
The pace of the chosen selections allowed no time to rest. No sooner had one movement ended, than the next began. Although all knew and properly observed concert etiquette, it was nearly impossible to wait until the finale of a piece before applauding and cheering. Sighs, intakes of breath, whispered praise could still be heard throughout the sustained vibrations of a note or chord.
The zoological fantasy, “The Carnival of the Animals” is so pleasing, it stirs childlike sentiments of the lion, the hens, the elephant, the donkey and others. But the intricacies of the melodies and musical demands of the performers are far from simplistic. I searched my collection of classical sheet music, hoping to find Saint-Saens’ “Carnival,” inspired to play images of a gliding swan or hopping kangaroo, as did the Upton Trio. But I had to order the music, stressing “intermediate” piano arrangements, NOT “advanced!”
Perhaps the venue contributed to the wonder of the evening, the blackbox providing an intimate setting and perfect backdrop for the players - a blank canvas, free of adornment, fancy lighting, or sound enhancement. Small round tables, seating two to four were covered with crisp linen, and simple bud vases of flowers. The trio needed no help from extraneous embellishments, as they held the audience spellbound for two hours.
I cannot overstate the poignant intensity that filled the room as attendees were stunned to silence, all seeming to hold a collective breath as the trio mesmerized all – the talent on display, the elegant interpretations, the powerful sound, the meticulous attention to detail – to each other!
Yes! That’s what I’ve been searching for – the passion of the trio, and their attention to each other in a singleness of purpose and person. Billy, Dusan and Mary Lee represent the epitome of musical artistry as individuals, but together, they are beyond measure. Like Dusan and his cello, the three were one that night, as never before.
Anyone who can attend a concert of the Upton Trio is blessed and will enjoy a unique experience of the highest level. Fortunately, several opportunities are available as the trio has scheduled performances: June 11th, 7:00pm at St, Matthew’s Anglican Church in Darlington (office@saintmatthews.us) and June 20th, 7:30pm at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Columbia (www.stjohnneumannsc.com)
I am not a performance musician or virtuoso, simply a devotee of the arts, in particular, music. It is an honor to share these words, offered with love and the utmost humility.
Paddy Bell
Author, playwright, lyricist