Review: Trio Goya: Women Composers Revisited, The Playground Theatre 

About 15 years ago I went to a Sunday morning concert featuring a string quartet at Wigmore Hall with my Mum, and at the time we both commented on what a civilised thing it was to do, and how it should become a regular occurrence. Trio Goya’s performance was only the second time since then that we’ve made it to a performance on a Sunday morning, and again, we remarked on what a lovely thing it is to do, particularly as it happened to be Mother’s Day. 

The Playground Theatre is tucked away on Latimer Road. We were early and unsure if it would be open but a friendly welcome greeted us and there was time for a coffee in the bar before the concert. Women’s Voices: A Celebration is running at the theatre throughout March, a programme packed full of theatre, spoken word, panel events and music. Trio Goya: Women Composers Revisited is just one of many events celebrating women in the arts across the month. 

Trio Goya, made up of a piano, violin and cello, are a well-established trio. However, on this occasion their violinist was unable to attend so Julia Kuhn stepped in alongside pianist Maggie Cole and cellist Sebastian Comberti. You would never have guessed this wasn’t their usual line up – they played together so intuitively, it was easy to relax in their presence. 

The programme celebrates the work of female composers, and it’s a treat to find out more about some who are familiar, such as Clara Schuman, and those that are less well known to me, like Hélène Liebmann, Amy Beach and Cécile Chaminade. Cole introduces the concert and tells us some biographical details about the composers, commenting on their success and their challenges, namely being women throughout history in such a consistently male-dominated field. 

The performance is a true delight; the repertoire transports, moves and uplifts us both and the hour flies by in a whirl of beautiful chamber music. As a violinist myself, I’m always more drawn to violin repertoire and the two pieces that Kuhn chooses to perform are instant additions to my sheet music shopping list. ‘Romance’ by American composer Amy Beach is a particular highlight. Kuhn’s virtuosic performance is mesmerising and as I find myself itching to learn the piece, my Mum is moved to tears. 

The trio end the concert with Clara Schumann’s ‘Piano Trio in G minor, Op.17’. Cole informs us that Clara Schumann had eight children in just fourteen years, whilst also touring and composing – the true definition of a woman trying to have it all. It’s a thrilling performance by the trio who play together beautifully. My inner-musician and teacher is itching for a little more eye-contact between them all, but regardless, they bring the music vividly to life.

Classical music can feel stuffy and pretentious at times, but it’s such a shame that it can have this reputation because it really is a tonic to the stresses of the outside world. Sitting in The Playground Theatre, on this sunny Sunday morning, I’m completely at peace, whilst also inspired to pick up my own violin and learn some new repertoire. Thank you to Trio Goya for introducing me to some new music, and starting Mother’s Day in such a beautiful way. Let’s hope it doesn’t take us another 15 years to enjoy a Sunday morning concert.

Music composed by: Helene Liebmann (1795 – 1869); Cécile Chaminade (1857 – 1944); Amy Beach (1867 – 1944); Clara Schumann (1819 – 1896). 
Musicians: Julia Kuhn – violin; Maggie Cole – Piano; Sebastian Comberti – cello

This show has completed its current run.