Performances + Events
Professional Piano Trio Program
NEC’s Professional Piano Trio program is designed for top-tier musicians seeking a platform to take their artistry and professional careers to new heights.
Under the mentorship of esteemed chamber musician Vivian Hornik Weilerstein, trios gain two years of tuition-free training at the highest level, mentorship in all aspects of musicianship and career development, and unparalleled performance opportunities.
Professional Piano Trio Program
Current Piano Trio in Residence
NEC’s Piano Trio in Residence for 2026-2028 is the Paddington Trio, which includes violinist Tuulia Hero, cellist Patrick Moriarty, and pianist Stephanie Tang. The Paddington Trio succeeds NEC’s 2024-26 Piano Trio in Residence, Trio Eris, which includes violinist K.J. McDonald ’25 GD, cellist Annie Hyung ’25 MM, and pianist Andrew Chen ’24 MM.
Professional Piano Trio Program
About the Program
NEC’s Professional Piano Trio Program is open to advanced piano trios that show the talent and commitment necessary to pursue a concert career. There is one trio-in-residence at a time, typically for a period of two years.
The program offers intensive training and coaching for exceptional trios. Highlights include three hours of ensemble coaching per week, weekly individual studio instruction from NEC string faculty and Vivian Hornik Weilerstein (piano), daily group rehearsals, and training in all aspects of musicianship and career development. Piano trios perform an annual recital in NEC’s world-renowned Jordan Hall and give performances in such venues as the Kennedy Center, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the New School Schneider Concert Series, and the Rhinebeck Chamber Music Society.
Professional Piano Trios at NEC have earned first-prize awards at such prestigious competitions as the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, the Naumburg International Chamber Music Competition, and the Concert Artists Guild Louis and Susan Meisel Competition.
Each member of the ensemble is awarded a full-tuition scholarship plus a $10,000 annual living stipend. We are now accepting applications to enter for fall 2026. For any inquiries, please contact Hornik Weilerstein at vivian.weilerstein@necmusic.edu.
Professional Piano Trio Program
Past NEC Trios
Trio Eris (2024-2026)
K.J. McDonald, violinist; Annie Hyung, cellist; Andrew Chen, pianist
Trio Gaia (2022-2024)
Andrew Barnwell, piano; Grant Houston, violin; Yi-Mei Templeman, cello
Merz Trio (2018-2021)
Lee Dionne, piano; Brigid Coleridge, violin; Julia Yang, cello
Trio Cleonice (2014)
Emely Phelps, piano; Ari Isaacman-Beck, violin; Gwen Krosnick, cello
The New Trio (2010)
Julio Elizalde, piano; Andrew Wan, violin; Gal Nyska, cello
Moët Trio (2009)
Michael Mizrahi, piano; Yuri Namkung, violin; Yves Dharamraj, cello
Trio Cavatina (2007)
Ieva Jokubaviciute, piano; Harumi Rhodes, violin; Priscilla Lee, cello
Tel Aviv Trio (2005)
Jonathan Aner, piano; Matan Givol, violin; Ira Givol, cello
