Chicago-based Lincoln Trio performs at UW-Madison

The Guest Artist Series at the School of Music hosts its final residency of the 2011-12 season with the Lincoln Trio, performing on Wednesday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. in Morphy Hall. Admission is free.

Formed in 2003, the Lincoln Trio takes its name from its home, the heartland of the U. S., the “Land of Lincoln.” The trio’s members-violinist Desirée Ruhstrat, cellist David Cunliffe and pianist Marta Aznavooria — are all artists of international renown, with performing and teaching careers in addition to their joint endeavors as a chamber ensemble.

The Lincoln Trio has performed at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Hall, the Ravinia Festival, Indianapolis Beethoven Chamber Music Series, University of Chicago, Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series and Poisson Rouge, among many others.

In December 2011 the trio was chosen to celebrate the 60th anniversary of WFMT in Chicago and present a live world premiere broadcast from the Chicago Cultural Center.

The trio’s first full-length recording, “Notable Women,” features works by Jennifer Higdon, Joan Tower, Lera Auerbach, Stacy Garrop, Augusta Read Thomas and Laura Schwendinger, professor of composition at UW–Madison. The recording won a Grammy award for its producer, Judith Sherman.

The Lincoln Trio will open its Madison program with Beethoven’s “Piano Trio No. 4 in B-flat,” Op. 11. Following intermission, the trio will perform works by composers born in the 1960s and 1970s- — Auerbach, Garrop, Schwendinger, Higdon and Patrick Zimmerli.

On Tuesday, April 10, the trio will give “readings” of works-in-progress by UW composition students in a public workshop at 6:30 p.m. in Morphy Hall. It is a rare opportunity for student composers to hear their works performed by professional musicians and it often proves beneficial by revealing musical and technical challenges they may not have anticipated.

The Lincoln Trio’s residency is made possible by support from the Anonymous Fund.

Other concerts at the School of Music this spring featuring contemporary music include the Contemporary Chamber Ensemble (Laura Schwendinger, artistic director) on Tuesday, April 17, at 7:30 p.m. in Mills Hall, featuring works by Steven Burke (M.M. 1992, UW–Madison) and John Harbison; and the world premiere of Harbison’s “String Quartet No. 5” by the Pro Arte Quartet at the final concert this season marking the Pro Arte’s centennial, on Saturday, April 21 at 8 p.m. in Mills Hall. Admission is free to both of these programs.