A limited number of tickets for the performance may be available to the public for $15 each. For information on ticket availability, call the Vail Hotline at (740) 587-6557.

The evening's program begins with the "Sonate a Trois No. 2 in B minor" by the early 18th century Belgian born composer, Jean Baptiste Loeillet. The Trio also performs "Brahms Trio No. 2 in C major" Op. 87 followed by an intermission. The program concludes with Beethoven's "Concerto in C major for piano, violin, cello and orchestra," Op. 56, with the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra.

The Grammy-nominated Eroica Trio has established a unique identity by creating innovative programs that span 300 years of music. Highlights of their 2001-02 season included the world premiere of Kevin Kaska's Triple Concerto, written expressly for the Trio and performed with the St. Louis Symphony and conductor Hans Vonk. The Trio performs the Beethoven Triple Concerto more frequently than any other trio in the world, having appeared with the Chicago Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, Utah Symphony and Mostly Mozart Orchestra.

The women who make up the Trio are all top-ranked, award-winning soloists. Pianist Nickrenz, who made her concerto debut at New York's Town Hall at the age of 11, was a featured soloist on the PBS series Live From Lincoln Center, and has enjoyed a solo career that has taken her across the country as well as to Canada, Italy, Switzerland and Australia. Violinist Pena garnered first prize at the Washington International competition and has toured extensively as a soloist in the United States, Europe and South America. She has appeared with the English Chamber Orchestra, in recital at Carnegie Hall and on live European television, broadcast from Paris. Cellist Sant'Ambrogio's international successes include a 1986 bronze medal at the prestigious International Tchaikovsky Cello Competition in Moscow, resulting in concert tours across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and Canada, and her performance in the 1991 Grammy award-winning recording of Leonard Bernstein'sArias and Barcaroles.

In addition to their demanding concert and recording schedule, the Eroica Trio is committed to music education, giving concerts, master-classes and special children's shows at schools and colleges throughout the country.

Currently in its 24th season, the ProMusica Orchestra continues to highlight the virtuosic talents of its principal musicians and featured guest artists as well as premiering new works by contemporary composers. "Without question, our 24th season promises to be the most exciting to date," said director Russell. "The combination of our expansive repertoire and awe-inspiring guest artists will ensure that our audiences experience compelling performances every concert weekend." Other performers sharing the stage with the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra this season include Sergei Nakariakov, trumpet; composer Bright Sheng; Annie-Marie McDermott, piano; and Lucy Shelton, soprano.

Subsequent Vail Series performances scheduled for the 2002-03 season include:

Denison's Vail Series, made possible by a generous gift from the late Foster and Mary McGaw in memory of Jeanne Vail, a 1946 alumna, is part of the Vail Program that provides the University with a range of support for fine arts activities, including art history, cinema, dance, music, studio art and theatre. Each year the program underwrites performances by major artists through the Vail Series and provides for one or more Vail artists-in-residence who work with faculty and students to expand and enrich the cultural opportunities at Denison.

The 23rd season of the Vail Series is dedicated to the memory of James D. Vail III, brother of the late Jeanne Vail and a major benefactor to the College, who passed away in August.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575