Eroica Trio solo and with Chamber Orchestra

In my book, you are guaranteed a place in history when a cocktail is named for you. Take, for example, the venerable Margarita, Bloody Mary and Harvey Wallbanger. An all-female classical piano trio, the Eroica Trio, received that honor in 2000 to celebrate a CD release. (The Eroica: two ounces vodka, splash of Grand Marnier, one ounce lime juice.)

Grammy nominations, awards, critical acclaim, a busy recording schedule, television appearances, and tours that include performances with the world’s most renowned symphonies are the reasons behind the cocktail. The trio was also the subject of a PBS Independent Lens documentary.

The group also gets a lot of attention for shaking up classical music stereotypes. Instead of somber, pasty-faced guys in tuxedos, the Eroica is energized, gorgeous and glamorous. Just don’t compare them to the Dixie Chicks, although the two female super groups have a lot in common: devoted fans, record sales and a reputation as musical groundbreakers.

These conservatory and Juilliard-trained musicians belong to one of the most sought-after trios in the world. Fashion and hairstyles are just the trappings; the music dazzles as much as the performers. According to the Washington Post, “The women of the Eroica Trio play nothing halfway. Hair flying, bodies heaving, bows shedding hairs left and right… the Eroica achieved gestures of orchestral powers and sweep.”

A story in Strings magazine from 2004 reported that they chose the name Eroica, the French word for ‘heroic,’ because they liked the larger-than-life feel of the word, not because of Beethoven’s famous “Eroica” Symphony No. 3 in E flat. “We felt that our style of playing was very passionate, and very big and very heroic, in a way. And we also liked the fact that it was Eroic-a, with that ‘Ah’ ending, and the very slight intonation of the feminine. We thought that was really nice,” says cellist Sara Sant’Ambrogio.

The women of the Eroica Trio are all award-winning soloists and have performed on many of the world’s great stages. Pianist Erika Nickrenz made her concerto debut at New York’s Town Hall at the age of 11. Violinist Susie Park made her solo debut at age 5. She has won top prizes in international violin competitions and makes solo appearances around the world. Sant’Ambrogio has appeared on the world’s concert stages in performances with leading orchestras as well as in recital.

The Eroica Trio performs on Thursday, March 11, on the Wisconsin Union Theater stage. On Saturday, March 13, the trio will be joined by the UW Chamber Orchestra, also at the Union Theater. And in the best ticket deal going, when you buy a ticket for the March 11 recital, you get a free ticket for the concert with the UW Chamber Orchestra. Tickets for just the March 13 concert are available for $10.

When professional musicians come to campus for a performance, they will often give a master class, but incorporating visiting artists with a university ensemble is unusual. Performing with professional musicians is a valuable learning experience for students and a terrific opportunity for the audience.

Details on the concerts, the Eroica Trio and ticket information are available on the Union Theater’s Web site.