Ghost Trio

Monique Lapins (violin), Ken Ichinose (cello), Gabriella Glapska (piano)

The Wellington-based Ghost Trio consists of three musicians who have performed in Waikanae, although with different ensembles. Violinist Monique Lapins is well-known as the second violinist of the New Zealand String Quartet, Ken Ichinose (Associate Principal Cello with the NZSO) has frequently visited us as a member of the Amici Ensemble, and sought-after pianist, accompanist and chamber musician Gabriella Glapska was part of a 2022 concert by TrioNique.

Named after Beethoven’s famous piano trio, the Ghost Trio was founded in 2019 as one of Gabriella’s PhD recital projects. Having quickly realised that they immensely enjoyed playing together, the group decided to continue working as a trio. All three are accomplished soloists and chamber musicians with diverse backgrounds. They have toured nationwide for Chamber Music New Zealand’s Music Up Close series, a tour where their performances were described as possessing “elan and unfailing attention to musical detail”.

Two of the greatest and most popular piano trios by Schumann and Ravel will dominate the programme, with some intriguing additions from Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho and New Zealander Leonie Holmes.