Masterpieces for Piano Trio

Joanne Quigley, violin Davide Forti, cello and Francesca De Nardi, piano

An Díseart, Fresco Room 

Dé Sathairn/Saturday 5pm

Donations at the door

FELIX MENDELSSOHN – PIANO TRIO IN D MINOR, OP. 49 FRANK MARTIN – TRIO SUR DES MÉLODIES IRLANDAISES 

Tonight’s concert presents two richly expressive works for piano trio, composed nearly a century apart, yet each reflecting a deeply personal response to the musical language of their time. Felix Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio in D minor, composed in 1839, stands as one of the cornerstones of the Romantic chamber music repertoire. Praised by Robert Schumann as “the master-trio of our time,” it blends Mendelssohn’s trademark clarity and lyricism with passionate intensity. Swiss composer Frank Martin’s Trio sur des mélodies irlandaises, written in 1925, reveals Martin’s distinctive voice, blending French Impressionism with his own modal and rhythmic language.

Drawing on traditional Irish folk tunes, Martin transforms these melodies into a sophisticated and deeply evocative tapestry. Performers Joanne Quigley McParland is a distinguished violinist renowned for her versatility across orchestral, chamber, and solo performances. She has served as guest leader for esteemed ensembles such as the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, and RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra. As a principal player, Joanne has toured extensively with the English Chamber Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic, and Sir John Eliot Gardiner’s Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique. 

Davide Forti, cellist, hails from Trieste, Italy, where he earned his Master’s Degree in Cello with highest honours from the Conservatorio G. Tartini in 2017. He furthered his studies at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, achieving the title of Recital Artist with Distinction under the guidance of William Butt. Davide has participated in numerous masterclasses with renowned cellists and has been recognized in various competitions, including First Prize at the Feis Ceoil 2021.  

Francesca De Nardi, pianist and violinist, also from Trieste, Italy, holds Master’s Degrees in both Piano and Violin, as well as in Medical Biotechnology. She has an active career as an accompanist and chamber musician, performing across Italy and Ireland. She has honed her chamber music skills under the guidance of esteemed mentors, including Daniel Rowland, Trio di Parma, and the RTÉ ConTempo Quartet.