St Disen's Church, Bradninch, June 2018
What a great idea! Collect a glass of ice-cold bubbly with your ticket and then enjoy music played professionally with courage, sensitivity and panache. On this occasion, Trio Exe became Quintet Exe Plus for the first time, as Lauren Benson, one of their students sang ‘The Trout’ by Schubert before the afternoon’s major work, his Trout Quintet – to give a large audience a taste of the song source for his work which seems to celebrate just such a situation – sunshine and happiness.
Alex Wilson’s exuberant playing of Percy Grainger’s ‘Country Gardens’ gave the concert momentum to a programme, promising fun and amusement, leaving the audience with smiles of pleasure that must have encouraged all the performers. It showed that Alex is not simply a background player but has power and technique, although from then on his playing was never intrusive; but, like Michael Allnatt’s double-bass, and Alex Ennis on her viola, discreetly provided support and foundations on which the other instruments could be centre of attention – except when the composer gave them moments with the tune or variation as it passed around the group.
Hilary Boxer’s playing of three of Vaughan Williams’ ‘Studies in English Folk Song’, allowed Alex Wilson the opportunity to show how well he accompanies, as her cello sang these dreamy pieces of nostalgic memory. She was able to take us back to times gone by, with their loves and regrets. Her cello sounded so reassuring and expressive, with rich tone and confident restraint: beautiful music, beautifully played.
The fresh teenage voice of Lauren Benson singing German changed the mood again, setting the tone for Schubert’s Trout Quintet, which violinist Carina Vince led at a challenging and lively pace right from the start. The group soon got into its stride, and each instrument had its say, just as Schubertintended. Here was professionalism and live music at its best – in a small Devon country town. You can’t beat live music: watching five people inter-reacting, alert to the common mood and enjoying the music they are recreating – on this occasion in a beautiful mediaeval setting, the sun streaming on to the backs of an audience (almost without a cough). As players exchange a glance as they pass the theme between them and as all eyes watch the violin for the split second when the next movement approaches at the piece from a different point of view.
And how good to be able to relax in the presence of musicians whom you can trust to play the right notes in the right place even at the ambitious pace they have set themselves for an allegro; a delightful concert, the right length, the right music, sparkle – and weather.
..... George Macpherson, www.grandevignepress.co.uk
Alex Wilson’s exuberant playing of Percy Grainger’s ‘Country Gardens’ gave the concert momentum to a programme, promising fun and amusement, leaving the audience with smiles of pleasure that must have encouraged all the performers. It showed that Alex is not simply a background player but has power and technique, although from then on his playing was never intrusive; but, like Michael Allnatt’s double-bass, and Alex Ennis on her viola, discreetly provided support and foundations on which the other instruments could be centre of attention – except when the composer gave them moments with the tune or variation as it passed around the group.
Hilary Boxer’s playing of three of Vaughan Williams’ ‘Studies in English Folk Song’, allowed Alex Wilson the opportunity to show how well he accompanies, as her cello sang these dreamy pieces of nostalgic memory. She was able to take us back to times gone by, with their loves and regrets. Her cello sounded so reassuring and expressive, with rich tone and confident restraint: beautiful music, beautifully played.
The fresh teenage voice of Lauren Benson singing German changed the mood again, setting the tone for Schubert’s Trout Quintet, which violinist Carina Vince led at a challenging and lively pace right from the start. The group soon got into its stride, and each instrument had its say, just as Schubertintended. Here was professionalism and live music at its best – in a small Devon country town. You can’t beat live music: watching five people inter-reacting, alert to the common mood and enjoying the music they are recreating – on this occasion in a beautiful mediaeval setting, the sun streaming on to the backs of an audience (almost without a cough). As players exchange a glance as they pass the theme between them and as all eyes watch the violin for the split second when the next movement approaches at the piece from a different point of view.
And how good to be able to relax in the presence of musicians whom you can trust to play the right notes in the right place even at the ambitious pace they have set themselves for an allegro; a delightful concert, the right length, the right music, sparkle – and weather.
..... George Macpherson, www.grandevignepress.co.uk
St Margaret's Church Topsham, April 2018
This wonderful concert by Trio Exe followed a choral evensong in which Exeter Bach Society had sung J S Bach’s Cantata 6. So it was particularly appropriate that they should begin their programme with that same composer. We heard his Violin Sonata in D, movement from his solo cello suite in C, and some two-part inventions for piano solo and violin and cello duo. Carina Vince’s violin sparkled in the sonata whilst cellist Hilary Boxer’s thoughtful cello solo took us to the depths.
Alex Wilson’s piano was the perfect accompaniment throughout the evening, demonstrating his skill and facility as a chamber musician of sensitivity and power. The Ravel Trio in A minor was the showpiece of this concert which also gave us the delights of a Mendelssohn trio movement.
It was the Ravel, however, in which this professional trio best demonstrated their verve and energy and sheer musical skill, Alex handling fistfuls of notes on the piano and the two strings playing with precision but with the warm emotion that the composer calls for in this demanding work. At times it was possible even to think that you were listening to a symphony orchestra rather than a small group of chamber musicians, such was the breadth of sound they conjured from their three instruments.
Bravo Trio Exe for such a heart-warming concert!
..... David James
Alex Wilson’s piano was the perfect accompaniment throughout the evening, demonstrating his skill and facility as a chamber musician of sensitivity and power. The Ravel Trio in A minor was the showpiece of this concert which also gave us the delights of a Mendelssohn trio movement.
It was the Ravel, however, in which this professional trio best demonstrated their verve and energy and sheer musical skill, Alex handling fistfuls of notes on the piano and the two strings playing with precision but with the warm emotion that the composer calls for in this demanding work. At times it was possible even to think that you were listening to a symphony orchestra rather than a small group of chamber musicians, such was the breadth of sound they conjured from their three instruments.
Bravo Trio Exe for such a heart-warming concert!
..... David James
St Disen's Church, Bradninch, Oct 2017
Trio Exe gave an enchanting performance on their second visit to St Disen’s this year, as part of the Sunday afternoon concerts. Faure, Saint-Saens, Debussy and Taillefere were the composers featured in their perfectly balanced hour-long programme. Familiar treats like ‘The Swan’ and ‘Danse Macabre’ were matched with less well-known pieces including the delightful Piano Trio written by Debussy when he was only 18 and rediscovered in the 1980s. One of the loveliest pieces was the melancholy and haunting ‘Cantique de Jean Racine’ by Faure, adapted from the original work for choir.
This was perfect Sunday afternoon music, not too heavy, not too long. It was played with delicacy and great confidence by this versatile trio, and the pleasure with which they play together was evident from the accuracy of their ensemble playing and shared smiles at getting passages just right.
..... Simon Tytherleigh
This was perfect Sunday afternoon music, not too heavy, not too long. It was played with delicacy and great confidence by this versatile trio, and the pleasure with which they play together was evident from the accuracy of their ensemble playing and shared smiles at getting passages just right.
..... Simon Tytherleigh
St Disen's Church, Bradninch, Mar 2017
"What a lovely afternoon concert. Thank you so much. Everyone enjoyed it so much. How lucky we are to have such incredibly talented musicians so close to such a wonderful piano!"
..... Mary Lorimer
..... Mary Lorimer
Crediton Parish Church, Feb 2017
Carina and Hilary opened with a beautiful duet, Johan Halvorsen's arrangement of Handel's Passacaglia, and Alex reprised one of the Tchaikovsky 'Seasons' ("February" naturally), before the trio embarked on their magnum opus - Brahms Piano Trio.
Forty minutes later, the audience were in no doubt that they were in the company of very experienced and accomplished musicians indeed.
After a short break, Alex accompanied Carina & Hilary in a couple of duets from Gershwin's 'Porgy and Bess' - and once again the concert ended with a rousing trio, "Bess You is my Woman Now". A splendid ending.
..... Luch Càise-Dearg, Classical Journey blog
Forty minutes later, the audience were in no doubt that they were in the company of very experienced and accomplished musicians indeed.
After a short break, Alex accompanied Carina & Hilary in a couple of duets from Gershwin's 'Porgy and Bess' - and once again the concert ended with a rousing trio, "Bess You is my Woman Now". A splendid ending.
..... Luch Càise-Dearg, Classical Journey blog
‘Tea Time Music’ with TRIO EXE at Crediton’s Holy Cross Church was the perfect antidote to the gloom of a February Sunday afternoon.
Not only was it an opportunity to hear three accomplished musicians, each of which already has a loyal following, but it was also a much-anticipated introduction to their first local concert as TRIO EXE.
The programme, well suited to the occasion, was devised both to showcase the expertise of the trio and the talents of each as soloists. It more than succeeded.
A spirited performance by Alex of ‘February’ from Tchaikovsky’s ‘The Seasons’ transported us to a winter carnival; Hilary’s mellowest of renditions of ‘Summer Time’ made us think that Gershwin had the cello in mind when he composed this iconic piece; and throughout the entire programme, Carina’s virtuoso playing wove strands of depth and warmth, uniting themes, keys and moods.
The highlight of the afternoon was undoubtedly Brahms Piano Trio in B major Opus 8. A long and complex piece, it not only captivated the audience but demonstrated the players’ complementary skills and the natural chemistry that exists between them.
That TRIO EXE has only recently come together is surprising. Less surprising is that its ‘new’ musical output is a delight.
......Simone Romain
Not only was it an opportunity to hear three accomplished musicians, each of which already has a loyal following, but it was also a much-anticipated introduction to their first local concert as TRIO EXE.
The programme, well suited to the occasion, was devised both to showcase the expertise of the trio and the talents of each as soloists. It more than succeeded.
A spirited performance by Alex of ‘February’ from Tchaikovsky’s ‘The Seasons’ transported us to a winter carnival; Hilary’s mellowest of renditions of ‘Summer Time’ made us think that Gershwin had the cello in mind when he composed this iconic piece; and throughout the entire programme, Carina’s virtuoso playing wove strands of depth and warmth, uniting themes, keys and moods.
The highlight of the afternoon was undoubtedly Brahms Piano Trio in B major Opus 8. A long and complex piece, it not only captivated the audience but demonstrated the players’ complementary skills and the natural chemistry that exists between them.
That TRIO EXE has only recently come together is surprising. Less surprising is that its ‘new’ musical output is a delight.
......Simone Romain
Sidholme Hotel, Nov 2016
The audience at the Sidholme Music Room were treated to a very special concert this Sunday, as Trio Exe came to help raise more funds for the restoration of the chandeliers.
Alex Wilson (piano), Carina Vince (violin) and Hilary Boxer (violoncello), all local professional soloists in their own right, have recently joined forces, and presented a programme of thoughtful music for Remembrance Sunday. The three players achieved wonderfully warm tone and fine ensemble, presenting each piece with verve and variety.
The programme started with a rendering of Butterworth’s ‘The Banks of Green Willow,’ arranged for solo piano, and written at the start of WW1. Butterworth lost his life in the battle of the Somme, on 5 August 1916. We were able to enjoy Alex’s sensitive playing.
Hilary then gave us a sonorous and moving rendering of Sospiri, by Edward Elgar, written in 1913. It seemed to forecast the start of war, with its bleak Mahlerian influences.
Then Carina played Nimrod, the 9th of Elgar’s Enigma Variations, arranged for violin and piano; it is well known, and often used on reflective occasions. She brought intensity to her sustained playing of this piece.
The ‘meat’ of the concert was the Piano Trio, Opus 8, by Brahms. This trio, in four contrasting movements, was started in Brahms’ early life, in 1853, and was heavily revised later in his life, when he was involved in his friend Schumann’s attempted suicide. It contains powerful juxtaposition of warmth and optimism (B major), with stormy despair (in B minor.) Full of tuneful melodies, as well as turbulence, it made a fitting centre piece for this Remembrance concert.
The afternoon finished with two well-known pieces by Kreisler, full of jaunty tunes and joyous melodies, as well as poignant melancholic moments. The whole concert was indeed an emotional journey from joy to grief, and back again. We hope we may see this talented Trio again in Sidmouth.
........ Angela Bea
Alex Wilson (piano), Carina Vince (violin) and Hilary Boxer (violoncello), all local professional soloists in their own right, have recently joined forces, and presented a programme of thoughtful music for Remembrance Sunday. The three players achieved wonderfully warm tone and fine ensemble, presenting each piece with verve and variety.
The programme started with a rendering of Butterworth’s ‘The Banks of Green Willow,’ arranged for solo piano, and written at the start of WW1. Butterworth lost his life in the battle of the Somme, on 5 August 1916. We were able to enjoy Alex’s sensitive playing.
Hilary then gave us a sonorous and moving rendering of Sospiri, by Edward Elgar, written in 1913. It seemed to forecast the start of war, with its bleak Mahlerian influences.
Then Carina played Nimrod, the 9th of Elgar’s Enigma Variations, arranged for violin and piano; it is well known, and often used on reflective occasions. She brought intensity to her sustained playing of this piece.
The ‘meat’ of the concert was the Piano Trio, Opus 8, by Brahms. This trio, in four contrasting movements, was started in Brahms’ early life, in 1853, and was heavily revised later in his life, when he was involved in his friend Schumann’s attempted suicide. It contains powerful juxtaposition of warmth and optimism (B major), with stormy despair (in B minor.) Full of tuneful melodies, as well as turbulence, it made a fitting centre piece for this Remembrance concert.
The afternoon finished with two well-known pieces by Kreisler, full of jaunty tunes and joyous melodies, as well as poignant melancholic moments. The whole concert was indeed an emotional journey from joy to grief, and back again. We hope we may see this talented Trio again in Sidmouth.
........ Angela Bea
Many thanks for a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon of music.
A thoughtfully constructed programme, expertly delivered.
One of the audience commented that he had never expected to come to an event in Sidmouth in such beautiful surroundings and hear a performance that he might have gone to at the Wigmore Hall.
Another couple had come specifically to hear the Brahms and described it as "masterful".
.......... John McGregor, 'Friends of Sidholme Music Room'
A thoughtfully constructed programme, expertly delivered.
One of the audience commented that he had never expected to come to an event in Sidmouth in such beautiful surroundings and hear a performance that he might have gone to at the Wigmore Hall.
Another couple had come specifically to hear the Brahms and described it as "masterful".
.......... John McGregor, 'Friends of Sidholme Music Room'
The Old Parsonage, Uffculme, Oct 2016
" A real privilege to host Trio Exe at the Old Parsonage. Fantastic music making"
.......Sarah Harding
"Fantastic to hear quality music from local artists"
.......Michael Pocock
.......Sarah Harding
"Fantastic to hear quality music from local artists"
.......Michael Pocock