Mithras Trio

The Mithras Trio has emphasized 20th century music and contemporary music in its repertory. Among the group's many honors early in its existence was designation as part of the BBC New Generation Artists program. The Mithras Trio was formed in 2017 while the members were students at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London; violinist Ionel Manciu, cellist Leo Popplewell, and pianist Dominic Degavino met and began playing together during their first week at the school. They took the name from the Cult of Mithras in the Roman Empire. The trio had instruction from violist Matthew Jones, cellist Ursula Smith, and pianist Carole Presland, and the group was coached by such prestigious chamber groups as the Emerson Quartet and the Takács Quartet. The group almost immediately began winning prizes, starting with a win at the St. James Chamber Music Competition in 2018. The following year, the Mithras Trio gained widespread notice with a first prize at the Trondheim International Chamber Music Competition and also took top prizes back home at the 67th Royal Over-Seas League Music Competition and the Cavatina Intercollegiate Chamber Music Competition. The trio were named BBC New Generation Artists for a three-year term beginning in 2021. The Mithras Trio has appeared at top London venues, including Queen Elizabeth Hall, the Purcell Room, and the Milton Court Concert Hall. The group has held residencies at the Snape Maltings Arts Complex and at the Schulich School of Music at McGill University in Montreal. The trio has become a familiar sight at British festivals and chamber music series, including the Lake District Summer Music Festival, the Guildhall Chamber Music Festival, and the Brighton Coffee Concert Series. The trio is noted for its commitment to contemporary music; it has premiered works by Joy Lisney and Péter Tornyai and has worked closely with composers Julian Philips and Helen Grime. The Mithras Trio released its debut album, Eros: Bridge, Grime, Eröd & Ginastera, on the Linn Records label in 2023.
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