St. Michael Concert Series Presents an Afternoon of Piano Trios
The 2026-27 season of the St. Michael Concert Series opens on Sunday, November 8 at 4:30 PM with an outstanding trio of Chicago-area musicians: violinist Eleanor Bartsch, cellist David Cunliffe, and pianist Michael Finlay.
The program brings together three distinctive works for piano trio: Beethoven’s majestic “Archduke” Trio, Dvořák’s beloved and richly expressive “Dumky” Trio, and Soir et Matin by French composer Mel Bonis, a luminous turn-of-the-century work whose two movements evoke the contrasting moods of evening and morning.
Violinist Eleanor Bartsch is a member of the Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra and Professor of Violin and Head of Strings at Elmhurst University. A former first violinist of the Kontras Quartet, she has appeared as soloist with ensembles including the Chicago Philharmonic, Elgin Symphony, and Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra.
Cellist David Cunliffe is a founding member of the Grammy-nominated Lincoln Trio, with performances at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Ravinia, and concert halls throughout Europe, Asia, and South America. He has also performed with the BBC Philharmonic, BBC Scottish Symphony, and Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
Pianist Michael Finlay served as Associate Music Director at St. Michael’s for nearly a decade and founded the St. Michael Concert Series four years ago. A recipient of The American Prize Ernst Bacon Memorial Award, he maintains an active career as a soloist and chamber musician, with recent performances across the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Join us for an afternoon of intimate, passionate chamber music featuring three musicians whose careers span some of Chicago’s leading musical institutions and concert stages around the world.
FREE WILL DONATIONS WELCOME!
Our concert series is dependent on free will donations. To continue to bring these talented artists to our community, sponsors and private donations are needed and welcome. Please contact St. Michael Music Director Gary Patin at gpatin@saintmike.com if you can assist our endeavor, or you can donate online by using the button/form below! – Thank you for your support.