Trio Koch delivers wonderful performances that are full of spirit and energy on their new release for Etcetera Records of works for two violins and piano by Moszkowski, Milhaud and Martinů. The Classical Reviewer
The Trio Koch, consisting of two violins and a piano, is a family affair. The father, Philippe (violin), his daughter Laurence (violin) and his son Jean-Philippe (piano), explore the original and little-played repertoire of trio works for two violins and piano. They perform music from all periods, from Bach to Shostakovich and Berio, taking in Mozart, Moszkowski, Martinů and Bartók along the way.
Their projects include performances in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, UK, Spain and Japan. The audience has witnessed the keen musical empathy their family’s long artistic heritage has given them. In 2016 the Trio released an album on the Belgian label ET’CETERA which features original works for two violins and piano: Moszkowski’s suite in G minor Op. 71, Milhaud’s Sonata Op. 15 and Martinů’s Sonatina H. 198. The disc received a nomination at the International Classic Music Awards 2016 as well as excellent reviews from Klassik Heute, Fono Forum, Gramphone, WDR 3, Radio Klassik, Klassieke Zaken, Pizzicato. The Trio Koch received the Classical Music prize by music:LX (Luxembourg’s music export) as Export Artist of the Year, in 2016.
In July 2020 they were invited by the Philharmonie in Luxembourg to perform for their video weekly live stream series «Phil LIVE doheem». Next concerts for them are scheduled at the Ververij Cultural Centre (Belgium, in February ’21), at the Amuz in Antwerpen (March ’21) and in Eupen (Belgium) for the European Music Marathon (May ’21).
PHILIPPE KOCH
In addition to being leader of the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra, Philippe Koch is a professor of violin at the Liège Royal Conservatoire, a soloist, a chamber musician and a co-founder of the Trio Koch as well as of the Trio Grumiaux and the Louvigny Quartet. After perfecting his craft with master violinists C. Ferras, P. Amoyal and A. Grumiaux, he embarked on a solo career in Europe, Japan, the United States and Latin America, performing with leading conductors and orchestras. He has recorded more than 25 CDs, many of which have won prestigious awards (including the Diapason d’or, Choc de la musique, Recommandé par Répertoire and Pizzicato). He has also served as a judge at the Queen Elisabeth Competition (violin). Philippe Koch is a keen chamber musician and regularly performs with several renowned chamber ensembles.
LAURENCE KOCH
Laurence Koch regularly performs as a soloist in orchestras both inside and outside Luxembourg. She is also a member of a number of chamber music ensembles, such as the New Generation Trio, which she formed in 2008 with Eliane Reyes and Sarah Dupriez. She has won numerous awards, including the IKB Prize and the Stelmes Prize in Luxembourg and the Charlier Prize and the Prix de l’Oeuvre des Artistes in Belgium. She is a violin teacher at the Conservatoire in Luxembourg.
JEAN-PHILIPPE KOCH
Jean-Philippe studied the piano at the Musikhochschule in Saarbrücken, Liège Royal Conservatoire, Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he has been awarded a scholarship by the school, as well as at the Codarts University of Arts in Rotterdam. Always on the lookout for new approaches to piano and always interested in improvisation, jazz and composing Jean Philippe has performed in multiples countries in Europe and in other continents, both with the Trio Koch and with his Jazz trio Dock in Absolute.