The Zemlinsky Trio visited Seaton Gateway on Thursday, (November 16) as part of the current season of Seaton Music concerts.

Emma Abbate (piano), Evva Mizerska (‘Cello) and Peter Cilgeris (Clarinet) are all soloists of distinction, and as a trio they presented a delightful programme of music allowing the three instruments to blend together. This was especially true in the Brahms Trio in A minor. The cello and clarinet exchanged melodic ideas in an intimate way which was charming. The evening had begun with two pieces by Fanny Mendelssohn for ‘cello and piano.

At Seaton Music, we are committed to including works by female composers, many of whom have been under appreciated in the past. We heard the Fantasia in G minor and the Cappricio in A flat major. These gentle pieces evoked the atmosphere of culural soiree. Fanny was an admirer of Beethoven and we then heard Beethoven’s Trio in B flat Major, one of his earlier works.

The third movement was a set of variations on a ‘pop’ tune of the day from an opera L’Amor Marinaro with an enjoyable melody that was heard to good effect on each of the instruments in turn. Peter then introduced us to two pieces by an English female composer Cecile Sarah Hartog. He had come across three of her compositions and uncovered some interesting details about her.

She belonged to the Society of Women Musicians in the early 20th century and was active as a pianist, composer and writer of songs. The two pieces Peter played were Chateux d’Espagne 1 & 2, attractive and delicate works.

Next month sees Seaton Music in festive mood when we anticipate an evening of Baroque Christmas music on 7th December at 7.30pm presented at the Gateway Theatre by the London Handel Players. One not to be missed with a rare opportunity to see and hear a harpsichord on the Seaton stage.

Tickets are £18. For more information visit their website.