By Dolores Yoke
The Fairmont Chamber Music Society will present “Trio Confero” on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Peter the Fisherman Church on Jackson Street in downtown Fairmont.
The second concert of the fall season, “Trio Confero” features Maksim Shtrykov, cellist Julia Kang and pianist Misuzu Tanaka. “Trio Confero” was founded in 2018 by clarinetist Maksim Shtrykov as a logical continuation of his quest to bring to the larger audience, the superb yet seldom performed chamber music repertoire for clarinet. The journey began in 2012 when, together with his partner Japanese pianist Misuzu Tanaka, they formed the Shtrykov-Tanaka Duo and began touring in the United States garnering an impressive record of instant re-engagements. With the addition of cellist Julia Kang to the Duo, “Trio Confero” is comprised of three exceptionally talented musicians who are prizewinners of many international competitions and graduates of the world’s most prestigious music academies. Confero is a Latin verb that means “to bring together, unite, and contribute”, and this is precisely what “Trio Confero’s” mission statement was set to be when the three musicians met.
With remarkable works written by such giants of the past as Beethoven, Brahms, Bruch, Faure, Glinka as well as stellar composers of the 20th century and beyond such as Nino Rota, Robert Muczynski, John Ireland, Isang Yun and Magnus Lindberg, “Trio Confero” brings outstanding programming to its audiences.
Maksim Shtrykov, clarinetist, and Belarusian-born American is an artist of remarkable charisma and extraordinary musicianship, and has been hailed for “clarity that’s viscerally breathtaking” by Lucid Culture. In a review of his debut album, MusicWeb International wrote “Shtrykov plays with a luscious, liquid tone of which I am sure Brahms would have approved.” A recipient of the Artists International Special Presentation Award, Maksim made his New York recital debut at Carnegie Hall’s intimate Weill Recital Hall in 2007. Maksim Shtrykov began clarinet studies in his native Belarus, becoming the first Belarusian clarinetist to be accepted to The Juilliard School where he was awarded a degree of Master of Music as a scholarship student in the celebrated studio of Charles Neidich.
Julia Kang is an acclaimed cellist celebrated for her vibrant artistry and versatility across a wide spectrum of musical genres. Equally at home in classical music and film music, she has built a multifaceted career performance marked by expressive depth, technical mastery, and a deep connection with audiences. She has performed with renowned ensembles including the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra, and New York Classical Players, and has contributed to numerous film soundtracks. She has performed with orchestras including the Moscow Chamber Orchestra and the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, performing concertos by Dvořák, Elgar, and Haydn to critical acclaim. A passionate chamber musician and recitalist, Julia has toured internationally, with particular success in Japan. Julia holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Stony Brook University, a Master of Music degree from The Juilliard School, and a Bachelor of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music and has been recognized with numerous honors at these institutions.
Misuzu Tanaka, pianist is described as “a very mature, sure performer and is definitely a distinguished artist we’d like to hear again.” Peninsula Reviews (Santa Cruz, CA). Ms. Tanaka has been hailed by the international press as a pianist whose “readings are very convincing” with “exceptionally high technical level.” Misuzu Tanaka has established herself as an artist of remarkable individuality. She has performed in prestigious concert venues throughout the world, Born in London, United Kingdom where she began her piano lessons at age 5, she then continued her studies in Japan and in the United States at The Juilliard School. Her Masters and Doctoral degrees are from University of Michigan where she was a full scholarship recipient, devoting much time to the study and performance of the works of Leoš Janáček, which led to further studies in the Czech Republic.
The public is invited to attend the “Trio Confero” concert in historic St. Peter the Fisherman Church, which is ADA compliant. Tickets are $8.00 seniors and students and $12.00 adults and may be purchased at the door by cash, check or credit card. This concert is being presented, in part, with financial assistance from the West Virginia Department of Tourism, the National Endowment for the Arts, with Approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts. A reception will follow the concert in the church’s social hall where audience members may enjoy refreshments and meet the artists. St. Peter the Fisherman Church is ADA compliant.
For more information about the Fairmont Chamber Music Society, visit www.fairmontchambermusic.org or call 304-366-1768.
