Based in London, Trio Ébano was formed in January 2003, when clarinettist Cristina Strike joined flautist Nicola Shorland and oboist Veda Lin. The name Ébano is Spanish for the ebony wood from which some of our instruments are made.
Challenged by the lack of repertoire for such a combination (due to the missing bass instrument), they have been keen to explore lesser known works and composers. They have also been inspired to transcribe, arrange and compose pieces to build a varied repertoire of music ranging from Mozart to Scott Joplin. Most recently, they have inspired new compositions from young composers. Metropillis by Neil Smith, and Suite for Wind Trio by Thomas Morgan, were two pieces written for Trio Ébano, premiered in 2005.
Recent performances include recitals at St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Marble Hill House, recitals for the Berkhamsted and Rothamsted Music Societies, and a recital in the “Parish Music” series in Worcestershire. Trio Ébano also performs regularly in the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where we all currently study.
In May 2004 the group was invited to attend the Strathgarry Chamber Music Course in Perthshire, Scotland, sponsored by the Tunnell Trust, where they received coaching from distinguished professionals William Bennett and Neil Black. During this course they also led workshops in two local primary schools, introducing their instruments through the exploration of their repertoire. In the summer of 2004, the trio won third prize in the ensemble category of the 13th Anglo-Czech Trust International Competition.
Trio Ébano has been coached by Ian Clarke, Joy Farrell, Katy Gainham, Peter Gane, Helena Gaunt, Gordon Hunt, Sarah Newbold, Robert Ehrlich and David Walter.
Future plans include participation in festivals and competitions, as well as leading children's workshops both in the UK and abroad. We hope to inspire young composers to write for this combination of instruments. Trio Ébano brings together three talented musicians from three very different cultures, into complete understanding of each other through the universal language of music.
