German classical trio thrill Kigalians

It was indeed a memorable Wednesday evening, as an audience on tenterhooks gathered at Ishyo Arts Centre in Kacyiru, Kigali, for the ‘Twentieth Century Chamber Music’ to listen to the silky presentation of the Helmchen Hecker trio. The beautifully lit stage, good turn up and the mood was just right – the evening set off as those present enjoyed the smooth cruise in the rhythm of classical German and Austrian music of the 19th and 18th centuries. With Dr. Peter Stepan, the director of Goethe-Instutut as the host, the presentation was made by a Berlin based trio as they tactically played the piano, cello and oboe (hautois) instruments. The trio really captured the audience’s emotions as each of them displayed remarkable rhythmic art at their respective instruments with Martin Helmchen – on the piano, Marie- Elizabeth on the cello and Thomas Hecker with the oboe, bringing back the old times of real music origin -right from ancient to date.The sensational presentation not only touched the audience but also cheered them up as we were all astonished by the blending of instruments to form a uniform and charming rhythm. Each note played by Helmchen, the touch by Elizabeth – the Cellist and Hecker’s skill at the oboe all coalesced into a soothing mood much to the glee of present classical fans.The played pieces were by some of the great composers who include; George Fieldrich, Gabriel Fauré, David Ponchielli, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Isang Yun among others. Unlike usual concerts, this left a silent filled room with only the sounds of smooth rhythm to listen to and of course the eyes to admire such skill on display.The trio, which is dedicated to 20th century music, including music by the early avant-garde, as well as contemporary melodies, has performed at prestigious stages around the world, including their first performance ini Rwandan that took place at Kigali Serena Hotel’s Lounge on Tuesday, this week.A member of the trio, Helmchen, appreciated the audience observing that it was composed of mainly young people unlike in Europe, “This is a fantastic experience. We hope to be back here in Rwanda next year,” he promised. The show attracted students from the Kigali Music School and its director who was among the many inspired by the remarkable appearance.Audience’s reactions….“I’ve loved that combination of the three (musicians) because they were uniform,” commented Simeo Mugisha, a Kigali resident. “It isn’t the type of music we are used to here in Rwanda but when you listen to it, you just keep on doing so as it keeps you at rest.” “I have really enjoyed the concert,” said Emily Uwimbabazi, “I liked it and was surprised because I didn’t expect it in Kigali and it was really good.” “It was lovely, very entertaining with top musicians here in Kigali,” said a music enthusiast who only identified himself as Schulz.The show which ended at 9:05 pm was organised by Goethe-Insitut, in conjunction with Ishyo Arts Centre.

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German classical trio thrill Kigalians