L. A. Musical Salon

February 9, 2008 Concert

“The Musical Salon was an absolute delight….  The intimate setting enhances the enjoyment of the music, and meeting the musicians was a special treat.  The meal was delicious and the service excellent.  We are looking forward to the next concert.”

-- Barbara & Bill Sullivan, audience members

“What a lovely evening of music and good fellowship.  We truly enjoyed every moment….”

-- Roger Olson, audience member

Pianist Rose Chen introduces the Beethoven Piano Trio, Op. 11.

The first concert in the L.A. Musical Salon Series, held on Saturday, February 9, 2008, introduced the Series’ Artists in Residence, The Blue Rose Trio, performing a program entitled “Two from Vienna” – showcasing two composers who lived and worked in Vienna a hundred years apart. 

The audience was charmed by the Trio’s engaging, warm and humorous style – and mesmerized by the ensemble’s musical virtuosity….

Violinist Audrey Solomon first briefed the audience on the history of the piano trio as a musical form.  Pianist Rose Chen next introduced the Beethoven piece, noting that the last movement was based on a popular Viennese street song of the era entitled “I must eat before I work” – at which cellist Lars Hoefs commented in an aside, “But not us, we must work before we eat,” to delighted audience laughter.

After the Beethoven piece, Lars Hoefs introduced Korngold – a musical prodigy in Vienna long before launching his fabled career as a Hollywood film composer of the Golden Age of film – and his piano trio, a witty and highly sophisticated piece written when Korngold was only twelve years old.

Following the performance, the Trio joined the audience at the dinner tables, along with choreographer Laura Karlin, switching tables at dessert so as to chat with as many audience members as possible.

After dessert and coffee, the Trio gave a brief encore of two dance pieces, “Dream Waltz” composed by cellist Lars Hoefs, and “Tango à Trois,” composed by USC Thornton School of Music faculty member Neal Desby specifically for The Blue Rose Trio.