The Yarra Trio was formed in 2007 and has since taken Melbourne by storm, winning several awards including the University of Melbourne Alumni Chamber Music Prize, an Australian Arts Council Buzz Grant through The Foundation for Young Australians, and a Knowledge Transfer Student Grant through Melbourne University’s Dreamlarge Programme. They have launched a sell-out subscription series, and have toured extensively throughout regional Victoria and New South Wales. With Stefan Cassomenos on piano, Jess Ipkendanz on violin and Chris Howlett on cello, they will give around 30 recitals Australia-wide in 2009.
The Yarra Trio have supported The Royal Children’s Hospital ‘Hush’ Foundation, and have aimed to engage at a deeper level with regional communities through their regional education programme. They actively support young Australian composers, recently forming a National Composition Award in partnership with Melbourne University.
The Yarra Trio have undertaken an extensive study program working predominantly with Janis Laurs (Principal Cellist, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra) and with international pedagogues including members of the Kungsbacka Trio, Dussek Trio, and Jerusalem Quartet.
