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Ahn Trio: three is the magic number
By Taylor Kennamer
Arts and Entertainment Editor

Pop culture has been forever changed through the efforts of a series of daring trios. There are the Three Tenors, of course, and the Three Stooges; and who among us will ever forget how the Three Blind Mice run?

Three, as Schoolhouse Rock tells us, is the magic number. The scientific nature of this formula has yet to be proven, but it’s certainly working for the opening act of the 2002-2003 Secrest Artists Series, three South Korean sisters who call themselves the Ahn Trio. Of course, the sisters’ determination, fresh style and incredible talent can’t hurt, either.

The latest to add themselves to the list of influential threes, the Ahn Trio consists of cellist Mariah Ahn, pianist Lucia Ahn and violinist Angella Ahn, all of whom are clasically trained musicians and recent graduates of the Julliard School in New York City. The twist? The women use their classical instruments to play contemporary music and cutting-edge arrangements of traditional compositions.

When the Ahn Trio takes the stage at 8 p.m. Sept. 5 in Brendle Recital Hall, they’ll play from an MTV-inspired program entitled "The New Ahn Plugged," which includes music by film composer Maurice Jarre and a MichaelRataj-penned transcription of The Doors’ classic "Riders on the Storm." Audience members will also recognize David Bowie’s "Ziggy Stardust," arranged by Kenji Bunch, and pieces by Erik Satie and Astor Piazzolla. A significant portion of the program will be consumed by "Swing Shift: Music for Evening Hours 2002," another Bunch composition written for the trio.

Despite their youth, the twenty-something sisters have had plenty of musical practice. Twins Maria and Lucia began to play the piano not long after they began to walk, and their younger sister Angella followed in their footsteps. Before they had blown out the candles on their 10th birthday cakes, the girls decided to diversify. Lucia stayed with the piano, while Angella discovered the violin and Maria moved to the cello.

After moving to the United States in 1981, the Ahn sisters enrolled at the prestigious Julliard. Time magazine featured them in "Asian-American Whiz Kids," a 1987 cover story and they returned to their native country to perform at the Seoul Olympics in 1988. Since stepping into the spotlight 15 years ago, the trio hasn’t stepped out. A string of prizes at musical competitions around the world led to a recording contract and appearances in the pages of magazines such as Vogue and GQ. When the Ahn Trio appeared on MTV’s Unplugged in 1997 with Bryan Adams, they gained the eyes and ears of a whole new audience. With visual as well as audio exposure, the Ahns have become almost as famous for their sleek, model-esque appearances and flamboyant costumes as for their music.

When they’re not onstage, the sisters hold master classes or workshops for children. They have toured on three continents and have produced three CDs.

Secrest Series organizers are looking forward to the trio’s performance.

"They’re very, very hot right now," said Lillian Shelton, director of the Secrest Series. "Besides being lovely to look at, they’re real solid players. We haven’t had a piano trio in a long time."

Musicologist Andrea Kaylin, a faculty member at the North Carolina School of the Arts, will give a pre-concert lecture at 7:10 p.m. in Scales 208. Kaylin’s discussion will center on the pieces the Ahn Trio will perform during their university appearnce.

General admission is $18 and admission for senior citizens and non-university students is $12. Tickets go on sale Sept. 3 at the box office in Scales Fine Arts Center (Ext. 5295). Box office hours are noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Student tickets are free and will also be available after the same date at the Benson Center Information Desk.