Aleron Trio – September 13, 2013

Beethoven Piano Trio No. 5 in D major, Op. 70, No. 1, ‘Ghost’Shahab Paranj Piano Trio No. 1, ‘A Bitter Letter’Dvorák Piano Trio No. 4 in E minor, ‘Dumky’Shahab Paranj (b.1983, Tehran) is a composer of contemporary classical music based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Known for championing Persian music and culture throughout the world, Paranjs unique style blends Persian rhythmic and melodic influences with Western texture and form. His Piano Trio: A Bitter Letter, was commissioned by the Aleron Trio, who will premiere it this year. The work consists of three movements without pause, and proceed from a solemn, declamatory first movement through the second, rigorously based on a dramatic juxtaposition of Persian and Azari melodies, and finally progressing to a dark but dance-like finale. Praised for their “dexterity and breathtaking perfection” by French critics and for their “emotionally compelling” and “masterful execution” by the San Francisco Examiner, the San Francisco based Aleron Trio draws audiences with their unique energy and commitment to performing. Aleron Trio has been coached and mentored by faculty members at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music including Paul Hersh, Mack McCray, Jennifer Culp and Axel Strauss. Aleron Trio is a fiscally sponsored affiliate of the San Francisco Friends of Chamber Music. alerontrio.com