The end of a musical era

They have been playing to the same tune for 21 years, but the USQ Phoenix Ensemble will provide their final curtain call when they perform together for the last time on Wednesday 20 September 2006.

It will be an emotional farewell for the internationally renowned trio, consisting of Wendy Lorenz (Piano), Andrew Lorenz (Violin) and Martin Crook (Clarinet), who also lecture together within the University's Music Department.

Wendy said it was the right time for her and her husband to look for a new challenge.

'Andrew and I actually met as students at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music well over thirty years ago and married when we were quite young.

'We have had 21 wonderful years here at USQ and Andrew and I just felt that it was time to move on as musicians,' she said.

'We have really appreciated the support that the University has given us and it has been very enjoyable, but life goes on.'

The Ensemble (formerly known as the Darling Downs Ensemble), began as a piano trio in 1987, later expanding to a quartet with the addition of clarinet.

'We drive to Brisbane regularly drive to record broadcasts for ABC Classic FM and have toured within Queensland and interstate,' said Wendy.

The trio have also enjoyed guest residencies and concert tours in Europe, Asia and America during their career.

'Andrew and I work well together– we really complement each other and in that sense we were lucky. We have also enjoyed working with Martin.'

In addition to their performing activities, the members are also committed to fostering the development of chamber music amongst the young. They frequently give workshops and master classes and also run a biennial Winter Chamber Music School in Toowoomba for piano, strings and clarinet.

The Phoenix Ensemble's final Toowoomba concert will be at the West-Star Motors Twilight Recital in the USQ Arts Theatre on Wednesday 20 September at 6.00pm.

The program will feature Mozart's much loved ‘Kegelstatt' Trio, the effervescent, jazz inspired Suite by Darius Milhaud, and the richly impressive Trio by Carl Reinecke, drawn straight from the heartland of nineteenth century Romanticism.

Tickets cost $13.50 for adults and are available from the USQ Box Office on 4631 1111.

Press Call: Wendy, Andrew and Martin will be available for interview during the Phoenix Ensemble Press Call on Monday 18 September 2006 (11am-11.30am) in the USQ Arts Theatre. There will also be a photo opportunity of the trio near the Steinway piano.

Media Contact: Amy Cass, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2092 or +61 412 097 326