Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the most important figures in chamber music, composed his relaxed and lyrical Piano Trio No. 4 in B-flat major, known as the “Gassenhauer”, during his early creative period, when his chamber writing still bore the stamp of his own virtuosity as a pianist. Carl Maria von Weber, best known as a central figure of musical theatre, left an unusually lyrical and distinctive body of chamber music. Among these works, the Trio in G minor stands out for its melancholy, dramatic contrasts and characteristic Romantic expression. Franz Schubert, one of the deepest masters of chamber music, achieves in his Piano Trio No. 1 in B-flat major a lavish fusion of melody, expansive formal design and lyrical fervour, making it one of his most mature creations.

These intimate works will be performed by Slovene musicians who are active at the heart of the country’s chamber music scene. Violinist Janez Podlesek, former long-standing concertmaster of the Slovenian Philharmonic and recipient of a Škerjanc Prize and a Prešeren Prize, is active as a soloist, chamber musician and teacher at the Ljubljana Academy of Music. Cellist Karmen Pečar Koritnik, winner of the Luis Sigall Competition and Eurovision Young Musicians, performs with leading conductors and orchestras, gives masterclasses and directs Cellofest Ljubljana. Pianist Aleksandar Serdar, an established soloist and teacher, has built his career through competition successes, concert appearances in Europe, the United States, Asia and South America, and performances with leading orchestras.