Einklang Chamber Music Series
Founded by pianist Seolyeong Jeong, Einklang Chamber Music Series presents thoughtfully curated chamber music performances, bringing together accomplished musicians for artistic collaboration. The name Einklang, a German word meaning “harmony” or “being in accord,” reflects the series’ spirit of musical connection and collaboration.
The inaugural 2026–2027 season is presented in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven's death in 2027. To mark this occasion, Einklang undertakes a chronological presentation of Beethoven's seven piano trios across four concerts, tracing his artistic development through one of the most significant bodies of his chamber music.
From the three trios of Op. 1, through the Op. 11 "Gassenhauer" Trio, the two Op. 70 trios, and the monumental "Archduke" Trio, Op. 97, the series offers a chronological exploration of Beethoven's artistic development and the evolution of his musical language within the piano trio genre.
Einklang's programming extends beyond a single composer or period, bringing together carefully selected chamber music repertoire and distinguished performers in future seasons.
AFFILIATION: For its inaugural 2026–2027 season, Einklang is presented in affiliation with Beethovenian Collective, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
01
Early Masterpieces
L. v. Beethoven — Piano Trio in E-flat major, Op. 1 No. 1
L. v. Beethoven — Piano Trio in G major, Op. 1 No. 2
Yi Zhao, violin · Patricia Ryan, cello · Seolyeong Jeong, piano
Beethoven’s first two published piano trios mark an important beginning in his chamber music. Rooted in the Classical tradition yet already displaying his distinctive musical personality, these works combine elegance, wit, and expressive depth. The C major Trio, Op. 1 No. 1, is notable for its expansive scale and lyrical character, while the G major Trio, Op. 1 No. 2, reveals a more playful and inventive side through its lively exchanges and unexpected turns. These early trios offer a glimpse of Beethoven's growing ambition to expand the expressive and structural possibilities of the piano trio.
02
Between Drama and Wit
L. v. Beethoven — Piano Trio in C minor, Op. 1 No. 3
L. v. Beethoven — Piano Trio in B-flat major, Op. 11, “Gassenhauer”
Milana Reiche, violin · Pitnarry Shin, cello · Seolyeong Jeong, piano
This program brings together the dramatic intensity of Beethoven’s Piano Trio in C minor, Op. 1 No. 3, and the graceful wit of the Op. 11 Trio, known as the Gassenhauer. Both works feature movements in theme-and-variations form, revealing two distinct approaches to musical transformation: the expressive elaboration of an original lyrical theme in Op. 1 No. 3 and the inventive reworking of a popular operatic melody in Op. 11. Together, these works showcase the dramatic range, humor, and compositional imagination of Beethoven’s early chamber music.
03
Mystery and Lyricism
L. v. Beethoven — Piano Trio in D major, Op. 70 No. 1, “Ghost”
L. v. Beethoven — Piano Trio in E-flat major, Op. 70 No. 2
Maureen Nelson, violin · Richard Belcher, cello · Seolyeong Jeong, piano
Beethoven’s two Op. 70 piano trios explore contrasting musical worlds. The D major Trio, Op. 70 No. 1, known as the Ghost Trio, is distinguished by its dramatic tension and the haunting atmosphere of its slow movement. In contrast, the E-flat major Trio, Op. 70 No. 2, unfolds with warmth, lyrical breadth, and a more expansive character. Written during a particularly productive period in Beethoven’s career, these works reveal his growing command of the piano trio as a medium for dramatic expression and rich musical dialogue.
04
The Grandeur of the Archduke
L. v. Beethoven — Piano Trio in B-flat major, Op. 97, “Archduke”
Additional repertoire to be announced
Jinjoo Cho, violin · Max Geissler, cello · Seolyeong Jeong, piano
Beethoven’s Piano Trio in B-flat major, Op. 97, known as the Archduke Trio, is one of the most celebrated works in the piano trio repertoire. Dedicated to Archduke Rudolph, the work is distinguished by its expansive structure, lyrical richness, and remarkable interplay among the three instruments. Its serene opening, expansive variations, and majestic final movement reveal Beethoven’s extraordinary command of the genre, balancing intimacy with symphonic breadth. As the culmination of the series, this concert brings Beethoven’s seven piano trios to a close with a work of exceptional scale, depth, and expressive power.
