Trio Mastro (from left, Hank Su Ren Han, Lee Jae Phang and Lyubomira Stankova) is all set to present chamber music at the highest possible level.
by Foong Pek Yee
Dec15, 2023.
THEY have very different musical journeys.
Bulgarian-born cellist Lyubomira Stankova moved to Asia shortly after graduating and stays in Malaysia now.
Malaysian concert pianist Lee Jae Phang who spent his formative years studying and performing music in the United Kingdom returned shortly before the start of the Covid 19 pandemic.
Taiwanese-born violinist and conductor Hank Su Ren Han is based in Malaysia.
And fate would have it the three accomplished musicians met in Malaysia and found synergy – playing chamber music
That was in December 2022 at Sunway University In Petaling Jaya where they were engaged to adjudicate the Persatuan Chopin’s International Music Competition Malaysia.
Lyu says chamber music – one of her specialties – always has a special place in her heart.
Lyu
But finding equally inspired colleagues committed to the meticulous preparation of programs can be challenging, she says, adding that the turning point took place when she met Lee Jae and Hank who are chamber music enthusiasts.
Hank and Lee Jae
Discovering Lee Jae’s specialization in Beethoven works, she says they formed a piano- cello duo.
Shortly after they reached out to Hank, and their first meeting to do some sight reading saw them forming a trio which they named Trio Mastro.
Synergy: Hank, Lee Jae and Lyu performing at the Christmas Concert in Lyu Music Academy in Kota Damansara on Dec 12, 2023.
They performed:
Beethoven Piano Trio in C minor, Op. 1, No. 3, First Movement
Allegro con brio
Haydn Piano Trio in C Major, Hob. XVI/27, First Movement
Allegro
Dvořák Piano Trio in E minor “Dumky”, Op. 90
Lento maestoso – Allegro quasi doppio movimento – Lento maestoso – Allegro
Raff Cavatina
Arnold Heart Throbs
Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 6
Lee Jae says the word mastro means master in Italian. It is also an occupation name for a teacher or for a master craftsman.
“We chose this name to reflect our professional standing as a concert performer and teacher, and also to reflect our dedication to education.”
Lee Jae also notes the importance of having a clear purpose in one’s musical journey , and that the process towards achieving it calls for perseverance and humility at all times.
And the same applies to other aspects of life, he says, underscoring the role of learning music in character building.
Lyu says each of them brings diverse experiences and strong personalities; making it a wonderful collaboration and sharing of a common belief in classical music.
And the founders’ common goal is to present chamber music at the highest possible level.
Says Lyu: ” As musicians, our responsibility and joy lie in collaborating with like-minded artists to present the audience with the profound works of great composers.
“Chamber music uniquely blends the essential skills of group collaboration and individual soloist expression, creating a magical dynamic on stage.”
Lyu notes that their mission in fostering an appreciation for classical music will go a long way instilling teamwork skills in the younger generation through chamber music.
Young talent: Lyu and her students performing at the Christmas concert.
Finale : The Christmas concert ended on a high note.
A great performance on stage is certainly more than meets the eye.
Lee Jae who likens the job of a performer to that of an inspired messenger says:
“We read the notes and symbols by the composers, decipher, understand and interpret them, and use our skills with our instruments to communicate the essence of the music to our audience.
“A high level performance is one that moves, inspires and engages the audience who are partakers in the performance itself.”
While the trio had different musical journeys, training that followed different paths and having performed around the world, Lee Jae says hard work, perseverance, patience and dedication are their common traits.
Regardless of pursuits and location, Lyu says persistent hard work, unwavering dreams and refusal to give up are essential.
To her, she says success hinges on persistence, love and having a clear vision for the path towards realizing one’s dreams .
Hank, trained in Taiwan and in Tokyo under several renowned violin teachers, had performed extensively around the world.
Many of his students who have won scholarships to study abroad, excelled in international examinations and international music competitions have gained Hank the recognition of a teacher with unique teaching abilities.
He describes playing violin as not only his love but also his life.
Nurturing talented and world renowned artists and hosting international competitions augurs well for a nation’s image, Hank says, citing Singapore which started supporting classical music 10 to 15 years ago has made headway.
As the saying goes, “Let the playing do the talking”.
