Artist Interview: Ieva Jokubaviciute, Trio Cavatina

Pianist Ieva Jokubaviciute is known for her “refined temperament and persuasive insight” (New York Times). As a member of Trio Cavatina, Ieva, Harumi Rhodes and Priscilla Lee have become one of today’s leading piano trios due to their command of the classical repertoire and their commitment to working with living composers. On Sunday, October 20 at the Perelman Theater, Trio Cavatina will be joined by longtime Juilliard Quartet violist Samuel Rhodes. Ieva sat down with us recently to discuss the trio’s program, their deep connection with the Marlboro Music Festival, and performing with Samuel Rhodes.

Patrick Burke:  Your program has an underlying Viennese/Germanic theme to it with works by Mozart, Brahms, and Schoenberg student Leon Kirchner. How did the program come together?

Ieva Jokubaviciute:  When one thinks about most celebrated piano quartets, Mozart and Brahms come to mind almost immediately. I suppose it is a bit of a coincidence that both of these composers, as pillars of the Viennese tradition, appear on our concert. Nevertheless the work by Leon Kirchner, who was Schoenberg's student, and whose work we have carefully selected for the program, ties the program together. All three works share insights into an explicit range of expression, craftsmanship and beauty.

PB:  As Trio Cavatina approaches its tenth anniversary as an ensemble, how has the group evolved? What are your goals moving forward?

IJ:  It is hard to believe that we are approaching our tenth anniversary; there is still so much repertoire that awaits to be explored. A source of continuing inspiration are the relationships with living composers which we continue to explore through new commissions. From our earliest days, Trio Cavatina has enjoyed a rich variety of collaborations with guest artists, and we look forward to continuing this tradition.

PB:  You all have spent multiple summers at the Marlboro Music Festival in Vermont. How did your experience there shape you as an artist?

IJ:  Aside from the fact that we met performing together as participants at Marlboro, each of us feels a deep and lasting connection to Marlboro the place, and to the mentors there who have guided us since our time there. The musicians we met there continue to inspire us daily.

PB:  You’re going to be performing with Samuel Rhodes. What is it like performing with a musician with such a legendary stature?

IJ:  As I mentioned before, mentors from our Marlboro experience have contributed greatly to the shaping of our collective musical identity. This is probably more true of Samuel Rhodes than anyone. We're delighted to make music with him and to share the stage with such a legendary artist.