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Cleveland Chamber Music Society

Lysander Piano Trio

Lysander Piano Trio

Tuesday, November 17, 2026
7:30 p.m.
Cultural Arts Center at Disciples Church, Cleveland Heights

Preconcert talk with Emily Laurance, 6:30 p.m.

GRIEG: Andante con moto

BONGAN NDODANA-BREEN: Two Nguni Dances (2008)

AMANDA MEIER: Piano Trio in E-flat major

DVOŘÁK:  Piano Trio in F minor, Op. 65


Named after a character in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Lysander Piano Trio was formed at The Juilliard School. In spring 2025, Itamar Zorman (violin) and Liza Stepanova (piano) were joined by cellist James Kim, a finalist in the 2024 Naumburg Competition. The ensemble is devoted to inventive programming that uncovers lesser-known gems of past and present, while collaborating with living composers to expand the piano trio repertoire. The trio continues to pursue creative projects and initiatives that connect music with the visual arts.



"...incredible ensemble, passionate playing, articulate and imaginative ideas, and wide palette of colours. Performed with sensitivity, panache and emotional depth, [Ravel's Piano Trio] perfectly displayed the Lysander Trio’s enormous potential.
— The STRAD

About the Artists

Praised by The Strad for its “incredible ensemble” and “imaginative ideas” and by The Washington Post for its “vivid engagement” and “ripely Romantic playing,” the Lysander Piano Trio is celebrated for its inventive programming and polished artistry. Their debut album, After A Dream (CAG Records), earned acclaim from The New York Times for its “polished and spirited interpretations.”

The Trio has performed at prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center, Spivey Hall, and the Kravis Center, and has appeared at festivals including the Bard Music Festival, Copenhagen Summer Festival, and Music Mountain. Highlights of the 2025-26 season include debuts at Peggy Rockefeller Concerts and Chamber Music Monterey Bay, as well as returns to series like Music at Kohl Mansion and Mobile Chamber Music.

Committed to expanding the piano trio repertoire, the Lysander Trio has premiered works by composers such as Udi Perlman, Gilad Cohen, and Reinaldo Moya. Their 2021 album, Mirrors, featuring Jennifer Higdon’s Love Sweet, was praised by Gramophone for its “finely honed ensemble values.”

Formed at The Juilliard School, the Trio has earned top honors at competitions including the Fischoff and Coleman Chamber Music Competitions. In 2025, the ensemble welcomed cellist James Kim, continuing its tradition of dynamic collaborations and innovative programming.

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