MUSIC from three passionate young musicians can be enjoyed at a coffee concert in Bridport on Friday, February 15 at 11am.

Concerts in the West will welcome Trio Sōra to Bridport Arts Centre.

Pauline Chenais plays the piano, Magdalēna Geka the violin and Angèle Legasa the cello.

This season of mini classical and baroque chamber music tours launches in spectacular fashion with Trio Sōra, a stunning French piano trio comprising three passionate young musicians who are definitely ones to watch on the European classical music scene.

Founded in 2015 at the Paris Conservatoire by three talented young women - Pauline Chenais, Magdalena Geka and Angele Legasa - TrioSōra has literally soared to fame despite having only played together for three years. This is due in no small measure to their rigorous schedule of rehearsals and competitions, which has helped them reach their current level of excellence.

Awards have been reaped along the way, including the Parkhouse Award in April 2017, as well as a number of French and International awards. They were also appointed HSBC Lauréates of the Festival d’Aix Academy 2017 and Lauréate of the Special Prize of the Verbier Festival Academy 2018. But what is really impressive is the strength and sensitivity they use to interpret chamber music. Playing with both warmth and energy, Trio Sōra is now considered an ensemble with a distinct artistic identity.

Catherine Maddocks, director of Concerts in the West, explains the ethos behind this special West Country arts charity, which she founded in 2006:

She said: “Concerts in the West brings talented young musicians to small venues in the West Country in areas that may not have easy access to music of this quality. Our small intensive tours in Devon, Dorset and Somerset are arranged for the musicians over a few days, allowing them the opportunity to work on new repertoire, or to embed works more fully in readiness for upcoming recordings and major concerts elsewhere.

“The music played at the concerts is enormously varied and gives local audiences a wonderful opportunity to hear both familiar and unusual works for voice and instrument in many combinations. So for our first 2019 concert I am delighted to introduce our audiences to this wonderful piano trio who interpret chamber music in a unique and entertaining style. Trio Sōra will be performing an exciting repertoire for us, including works by Robert and Clara Schumann and Brahms.”

“Looking ahead, we have many plans for the future, particularly in the area of education. We feel there is an audience for Classical Music of all types, but it has to be nurtured early, even if it takes some years to bring the two together. So we are delighted to be working again with the Centre for Young Musicians, Taunton in 2019.”

The Bridport Arts Centre programme will feature Brahms Piano Trio No 1 in B major, Op 8; Robert Schumann Marchenerzahlungen (Fairy Tales) Op 132. Contact the box office for tickets.