Cover image: Trio Isimiz. Supplied

Trio Isimsiz’s name is derived from the Turkish term meaning ‘without name’ or ‘anonymous’. For Australian audiences who may be unfamiliar with your work, can you tell us how this name best describes you as a group? 

We appreciated, with its meaning, the idea that the music itself should always be at the forefront, rather than our individual personalities. This gives us an openness in our identity, and the full and varied scope of the styles we perform. We also liked its sound as well; the slightly symmetric form of the three I’s.

You first formed as an ensemble in 2009 as students at the Guildhall School in London. A lot has happened in the world of music—and broader society—in this time. How has your relationship with music and each other changed over these years?

I’d say having grown together and individually with music and life, our relationship has deepened over time and there is more and more a sense of ease and trust on and off stage, which we value hugely. The world has changed particularly in recent years, and we do have a heightened sense of gratitude—having the chance to experience and share this great music between ourselves and audiences.

Your upcoming Musica Viva tour is extensive, including 8 cities across Australia. Can you share how you maintain your energy and focus across a performance run such as this?

Indeed, it will be extensive and demanding but what a great chance and experience this is! Our performance as an ensemble is like a lovely game of reaction and awareness, accepting that the pieces are to be crafted in each individual moment and this produces different results each time. Of course, remaining focused and honest throughout such a tour is demanding, but this is where each of us will take turns to ‘rescue’ each other!

You’re performing two very well-known piano trios in the chamber music repertoire: Schubert’s Piano Trio No. 1, and Brahms’ Piano Trio 3 in C Minor, both of which you have also recorded. Can you tell us a little more about Francisco Coll’s Piano Trio, which was especially commissioned for you, and receives its Australian debut on your tour?

Francisco Coll’s trio is a very special piece for us, because we were closely involved in its creation. Coll is one of the most distinctive voices of his generation, and his writing manages to be both playful and intense at the same time. The work is full of contrasts—moments of incredible delicacy that suddenly give way to bursts of energy and colour using the sonority of the piano trio in such a daring way. 

Having a piece written specifically for us has been a wonderful journey, being so invested in the learning process as it is an incredibly demanding piece. We have had the chance to perform it several times, and it has given us the opportunity to expand and experience its dramatic scope. It’s a thrill to perform it alongside two of our most loved trios, and we are thoroughly excited to bring it to Australian audiences.

Now you have amassed a strong touring and performance record as an ensemble, what’s next on your bucket list to play and explore further together?

Despite having played most of the trio repertoire, there are still some glorious pieces to learn and naturally revisit with new ears some of our old favourites. We really just look forward to continuing to create compelling and varied programs, showing our curiosity and love for all these different musical languages.

Trio Isimziz first stop will be in Perth on 30 September, at the Regal Theatre.