Formed in 2019, the Czech group Trio Bohémo — featuring Matouš Peruška on violin, Kristina Vocetková on cello, and Jan Vojtek on piano — quickly bonded, especially during the pandemic, when they lived together in a large house.
Vocetková recalls, “That experience really solidified our team dynamic. There was no escaping each other, so we learned to spend time together without any tension.”
During a four-day recording session in England last year, Vocetková described their extraordinary chemistry: “We created something like a new family, but one where everything just works perfectly. We share the same positive outlook and values, even in politics, which helps a lot.”
However, she humorously adds that when Peruška is in the car, it’s best to respect his preference for silence.
Before forming the trio, Vocetková and Peruška had collaborated in a string quartet and as a duo. Ironically, the piano trio format was initially their least favored in chamber music, until one serendipitous day.
“By chance, Matouš and I started playing as a trio with Jan,” Vocetková explains. “From the very first moment, we had an incredible chemistry. It felt effortless. We clicked musically, understood each other without words, and from that point, we knew it was meant to be.”
Having spent so much time together, their performances now reflect a synchronized unity, with their movements often mirroring each other in a precise, at times playful, at times passionate dance. Trio Bohémo has evolved beyond just three musicians — they now perform as a unified entity that clearly relishes their bond.
The trio’s success has been marked by numerous awards in international chamber music competitions, and they’ve performed on prestigious stages such as the Vienna Musikverein and London’s Wigmore Hall. Their current U.S. tour features a collection of 15 piano trios, following the release of their debut album, which has already earned critical acclaim worldwide.
Looking ahead, 2025 will see Trio Bohémo perform two triple concertos with a full orchestra for the first time.
“We have unlimited energy on stage,” says Vocetková. “We’ve always wanted to channel that energy into a larger group, so performing in a massive chamber music setup is something we’re eagerly anticipating.”
For the Grand Piano Series’ new year, the trio will showcase three unique interpretations of works by three iconic composers: Haydn’s classical joy, Smetana’s passion, and Brahms’ emotionally charged Romanticism. Their expressive performances are sure to move audiences to tears.
“We try to embrace the audience with Brahms’ music,” Vocetková shares with a smile.
Vojtek previously noted in an interview that Smetana was 30 when he composed the piano trio the trio will perform, and they were all around the same age when recording the piece.
“We instantly connected with this piece,” says Vocetková. “That’s why we decided to record it. Performing it abroad is especially meaningful because it’s not as well-known as it should be. We love being its ambassadors.”
Andrew Keener, the trio’s CD producer, praises their performance: “These young Czech musicians truly adore this piece, and it shows — both in how they connect the structure intellectually and in their raw, emotional playing.”
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