About String Trios

Discover the intimacy, balance, and brilliance of string trio repertoire in this weekend course, exploring a range of works by Schubert, Mozart and Fuchs. Led by professional string players Michael Gemmill, Hannah Horton and Julian Metzger and including a concert from the tutors on Saturday evening with a talk from guest expert Katy Hamilton. This course is part of our new Vienna Weekend.

What is the course about?

The string trio is often overshadowed by the quartet, but its repertoire is every bit as captivating - full of clarity, conversation, and warmth. Guided by three outstanding tutors, Michael Gemmill, Hannah Horton and Julian Metzger, this course offers the chance to discover a range of expressive and richly textured music for violin, viola, and cello. Immerse yourself in music by Schubert, Mozart and Fuchs - a carefully chosen selection of works that showcase the variety and beauty of the trio form. Whether you’re a seasoned chamber musician or discovering the joys of trio playing for the first time, this course promises a rewarding journey of musical discovery.

What will you learn?

By the end of the course you will: Develop your chamber music skills, including balance, interpretation, listening and responding. Discover an exciting range of string trio repertoire, and be inspired to play further in this format. Meet and play with other passionate string players in a beautiful setting.

How will the course be taught?

You’ll work in trio groupings of violin, viola and cello players, with each group allocated their own rehearsal room. Tutors will divide their time with each group, so you’ll have the chance to work with each tutor on the course. There will also be informal masterclasses, with one trio receiving coaching in front of the whole group, giving you the opportunity to learn by observing, and opportunities to mix and play with other players, trying out additional repertoire and new combinations. 
 

On Saturday evening you will enjoy a concert of Schubert’s Winterreise given by Anna Tilbrook (tutor for our Vienna Weekend Exploring Lieder course) and James Gilchrist, alongside a talk from guest expert Katy Hamilton. The weekend will culminate in an informal sharing session - a celebration of the insights and connections of your music-making.

Who is the course for?

We are looking for violin, viola and cello players of Grade 7 standard and above. Both individual musicians and pre-formed trios are welcome.

Will music be provided and do you need to prepare or bring anything?

Our tutors will share the set pieces with you before the course so you can learn your parts. We recommend coming with a decent level of fluency in the pieces, so we can focus our time on coaching interpretation, musicality and ensemble playing rather than learning the works. You’re also welcome to bring suggestions of other works to play outside of the main sessions. Please bring your instruments with you.

“It was a wonderful introduction to the world of string trios. All three tutors gave excellent tutoring on both technique and interpretation to help our trios gel and balance the sound and direction of the music. A huge amount of progress was made over the weekend.”