Tilden Trio mesmerizes Honolulu audience at Ebb & Flow Arts series opener.

Photo Credit: Duane Padilla

This past weekend’s performance by the Tilden Trio at the Doris Duke Theatre was a mesmerizing display of great music making. With a warm tone that was inviting even in the most challenging music, the Tilden Trio proved the theory that chamber music at its best is a musical conversation between close friends.

The Tilden Trio was created in 2004 by Juilliard schoolmates Sarn Oliver, Peter Wyrick and June Choi Oh. Having collaborated for decades in various ensembles starting in their childhood years, the trio is dedicated to the performance of timeless masterpieces as well as exciting new contemporary works.

The highlight of the evening was a work written by Tilden violinist Sarn Oliver. At times the music was hauntingly reflective with a melodic sense that is clearly modern yet immediately captivating. At other times the mood was playful with a child like innocence that brought a smile to both the performers and audience members alike. Like great Shakespearian actors on a simply adorned stage, Tilden strings Oliver and Wyrick conveyed the work’s changing moods with great beauty and sensitivity. Pianist Oh dazzled with interspersed moments of virtuosity.

Satuday’s Tilden performance was the first event of Ebb & Flow Arts Summer Music Hawaii series. This year’s series brings modern classical music to 3 islands and will include performances by the Tilden Trio, percussionist Paul Carrol, members of the San Francisco Symphony, and the Ebb & Flow Multimedia Ensemble. Admission is free. For more information call E&FA at 808-876-1854 or visit EbbandFlowArts.org.

Summer Music Hawaii Performance Schedule

Saturday, July 25, 2009, 7:30pm -- Chamber Music from San Francisco
Doris Duke Theater, Honolulu, Oahu
Featuring the Tilden Trio (San Francisco) and works by Debussy, Mendelssohn, Oliver (premier), others

Sunday, July 26, 2009, 5pm -- Music from Three Continents
Makawao Union Church, Maui
Featuring the Tilden Trio (San Francisco) and works by Takemitsu, Copland, Pollack, Mendelssohn

Tuesday, July 28, 2009, 7:30pm -- French Fare
Ke’awalai Congregational Church, Makena, Maui
Featuring the Tilden Trio (San Francisco) and works by Debussy, Ravel and others

Thursday, July 30, 2009, 7:30pm -- Music of the Spheres
Imiloa Planetarium, Hilo, Hawaii
Featuring percussionist Paul Carrol and electronic works by Swanzy, Kalimullin, Varese, & others.

Saturday, August 1, 7:30pm -- Grand Finale
Seabury Hall Performing Arts Studio, Makawao, Maui
Featuring contemporary percussionist Paul Carrol, painters Martha Woodbury & Gabriel Moot, San Francisco Symphony violinists Mariko Smiley & Sarn Oliver, and the Ebb & Flow Multimedia Ensemble.