The Poulenc Trio is the most active touring piano-wind chamber music ensemble in the world. Since its founding in 2003, the trio has performed in forty-five U.S. states and at music festivals around the world, including the Ravello Festival in Italy, the San Miguel de Allende Festival in Mexico, and the White Nights Festival in Russia, where the group toured and premiered two new works with violinist Hilary Hahn. The New York Times praised the trio for its “elegant rendition” of Piazzolla’s Tangos, and The Washington Post said the trio “does its namesake proud” in “an intriguing and beautifully played program” with “convincing elegance, near-effortless lightness
and grace.”

A strong commitment to new music includes commissioning, performing, and recording works from living composers. Since its founding, the trio has greatly expanded the repertoire available for the oboe, bassoon, and piano, with no fewer than twenty-two new works written for and premiered by the group, including three triple concertos for the trio and full orchestra.

The Poulenc Trio launched a pioneering concert series called Music at the Museum, in which musical performances are paired with museum exhibitions, with special appearances from guest artists and curators. As part of the series, the trio has collaborated with the National Gallery in Washington, D.C., the Walters Art Museum, the Baltimore Museum of Art, and the Hermitage State Museum in Russia.

In addition, the trio is deeply engaged in musical and educational outreach programs, including “Pizza and Poulenc,” an informal performance and residency series for younger audiences. The trio regularly conducts masterclasses, most recently at the University of Ohio, San Francisco State University, Florida State University. and the University of Colima in Mexico.

The Poulenc Trio was scheduled to perform for AFCM in April 2020 when COVID intervened. We are happy to welcome them for their first appearance on our stage.