The Wits Trio returns to the National Arts Festival in Makhanda following numerous successful performances in previous years. Their programme includes Beethoven's 'Archduke' trio Opus 97 encompassing Beethoven's musical philosophy of liberty which was so apparent when his music accompanied the fall of the Berlin Wall. This is heard alongside Shostakovich's Piano Trio No. 2 in E minor, Opus 67, written as a commentary on genocide enacted during World War Two. 

This concert explores the themes of liberty, freedom from tyranny and their opposites of war, genocide and oppression. Beethoven’s ‘Archduke’ trio is dedicated to the spirit of nobility embodied by his patron, the Archduke Rudolph of Austria. While paying homage to his supportive patron, Beethoven was also the first composer to forge his career in later years on his own merits and financial underpinning. The overwhelming message in Beethoven’s music, particularly evident in his Ninth Symphony, is one of personal liberty and freedom. The nobility of Beethoven’s aim is clearly discernible in the ‘Archduke’ Trio. In stark contrast to this message, Shostakovich’s Trio is a deeply moving work, written as news of the mass genocide in World War Two was just reaching the composers’ ears. Like his War Symphonies, which exemplify his musical message of the futility and horror of violent conflict, the Trio is an entirely convincing evocation of the terror of death. In the light of present day conflicts Shostakovich’s reaction and disgust at the genocide of the past, resonates strongly in the present.

This project is presented by the Wits Trio, one of South Africa’s foremost chamber ensembles founded in 2012. Since its inception this Trio has performed at numerous concerts and festivals across the country in major concert halls. This concert is drawn from the Trio’s existing repertoire in a unique combination for this concert.

The concert is aimed at the broader music-going public.

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