The Triple Helix
The Name
In calling themselves “Triple Helix,” the artists were inspired by the notion of the double helix — the dynamic intertwining and interdependence of the spiraling energies that generate life. They saw a parallel in their partnership of violin, cello, and piano: each instrument, a potent force in its own right, is entrusted by the composer with its specific share of the music’s “genetic material.”
In calling themselves “Triple Helix,” the artists were inspired by the notion of the double helix — the dynamic intertwining and interdependence of the spiraling energies that generate life. They saw a parallel in their partnership of violin, cello, and piano: each instrument, a potent force in its own right, is entrusted by the composer with its specific share of the music’s “genetic material.”
Beginnings
When the award-winning and internationally known Triple Helix musicians — violinist Bayla Keyes, cellist Rhonda Rider, and pianist Lois Shapiro — joined together in 1995, The Boston Globe described the results of their union as “the livest live music in town,” with “wildly imaginative, emotionally charged, virtuoso playing” that was “sophisticated in musical detail, wholeheartedly interactive, uninhibited in emotion, and touched by a special grace.”
Subsequently, the ensemble has become known as one of the best piano trios on today’s musical landscape. As the Los Angeles Times noted, “Triple Helix is clearly something special… the players have a splendid musical chemistry with virtually perfect dynamic balance, a firm collective sense of rhythm, and fervor and authority when needed.”
Breadth
In addition to presenting superb traditional concerts, the Trio offers engaging Musical EXPLORATIONS, informal discussion-recitals which offer listeners new perspectives and insights — on the music and more. As Artists-in-Residence at Wellesley College, the musicians take such programs into classrooms in which poetry, history of art, Russian history, math, and many other subjects are taught, thereby enhancing students’ grasp of the cultural and social aspects of the period or subject that they are exploring. In fact, these mind-expanding journeys are often incorporated into the MINI-RESIDENCIES which Triple Helix also offers.
Depth
Advocates for new music, the Helices have premiered several new works. In 2000, the group won a commissioning grant from Chamber Music America, which enabled Lee Hyla, co-chair of Composition at New England Conservatory, to compose the piano trio Amnesia Redux (2002) for them. Other premieres include David Rakowski’s Hyperblue (1992) and Attitude Problem (1996) — both of which were recorded on the CRI label; Ross Bauer’s Motion (1998); Richard Cornell’s Piano Trio (1998); Arlene Zallman’s Triquetra (1999); Andy Vores’ Dark Mother (narrated by Phyllis Curtin and performed to rave reviews in a “FleetBoston Celebrity Series” concert in April of 2000); and James Bolle’s Piano Trio (2000). And as part of an enriching cross-cultural program at Wellesley, in 2004-2005, they premiered another work which was written expressly for them — well, more specifically, for their piano trio and Korean pansori singer/percussion — Chan Hae Lee’s The Rabbit Story (2005).
The Triple Helix musicians are also regular guests on National Public Radio’s WGBH-FM. And Gramophone magazine hailed the Trio’s recording, “Sense of Place” — which includes works by Ravel, Shostakovich, and Bright Sheng — as a “cherishable disc,” including it in a listing of best new recordings from North America.
More information on their website www.triplehelixpianotrio.org