All material found in the Press Releases section is provided by parties entirely independent of Musical America, which is not responsible for content.
Press Releases
Zodiac Trio Releases New Album “The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise” Featuring Gershwin, Shickele, Márquez & a Tribute to Benny Goodman
The Zodiac Trio is excited to announce the release of their third album with the Blue Griffin label, The World is Waiting for the Sunrise (Blue Griffin Label - Catalogue No. BGR679), which was released worldwide on February 28, 2025. This lively and engaging collection celebrates the diversity and spirit of American music, featuring works by iconic composers George Gershwin, Peter Schickele, Arturo Márquez, and an exclusive tribute to the King of Swing, Benny Goodman.
This new album is a celebration of the Americas’ musical richness, capturing the joy and energy that define the Zodiac Trio’s performances. As the trio continues to cement their place among the world’s foremost clarinet-violin-piano trios, The World is Waiting for the Sunrise blends classical, jazz, and contemporary influences into an uplifting listening experience.
Album Highlights:
- George Gershwin – An American in Paris (World Premiere Recording): This vibrant American classic gets a fresh perspective with an original arrangement by the Zodiac Trio’s pianist Riko Higuma.
- Peter Schickele – Serenade for Three: A witty and charming work filled with playful interplay and lyrical beauty, complete with a Copland-esque second movement and a rollicking cowboy-style finale.
- The Benny Goodman Project (World Premiere Recordings): A unique homage to the jazz legend Benny Goodman, featuring jazz standards like Night and Day by Cole Porter, Sentimental Mood by Duke Ellington, and many others, masterfully arranged for the trio by Jean-Marc Brisson.
- Arturo Márquez – Danzón No. 2 (World Premiere Recording): Riko Higuma’s arrangement of Márquez’s iconic piece brings new energy to this beloved Latin dance.
The Benny Goodman Project carries a special meaning for the Zodiac Trio. The ensemble’s clarinetist Kliment Krylovskiy explains: “for nearly 20 years, we have been performing Bela Bartok’s legendary “Contrasts”, even recording it back in 2012. It has been an essential staple of our repertoire, as it is a pillar for this instrumentation. The thing is, the work was commissioned by Benny Goodman, and so we felt it was time to tip the hat the Goodman’s most known side as a legendary jazz clarinetist with these wonderful arrangements.”
The album was recorded at the Blue Griffin Studios in Lansing, MI with award-winning producer and pianist Sergei Kvitko, marking their third collaboration.
The Zodiac Trio’s discography has earned critical acclaim and garnered numerous accolades, including CBC Radio’s Disc of the Week and the prestigious Ring Award from French Classique Info. Their previous albums have been praised for their “rhythmic verve” and “tight-knit ensemble coordination” by Sequenza21, with Audiophile Audition noting about their debut album for the Blue Griffin label, “If this CD is an indication, the Zodiac Trio is destined for a long and interesting performing career.”
The CD is available for streaming and purchase on the following platforms:
About the Zodiac Trio:
The Zodiac Trio – Kliment Krylovsky, clarinet; Vanessa Mollard, violin; and Riko Higuma, piano – has performed, recorded, and garnered accolades across three continents for almost two decades, gaining attention for inventive programs and remarkable virtuosity, delivered with infectious energy and enthusiasm. From their early days appearing in WQXR’s Young Artist Showcase at Merkin Concert Hall in New York City, to being the first American group (and first group with a wind instrument) to be accepted into the Ysaÿe Quartet’s renowned chamber music program at the Paris Conservatory, they have followed a meteoric career trajectory. Prizes from the Cziffra Foundation, the FNAPEC Chamber Music Competition, the Yellow Springs Chamber Music Competition, and many others confirmed their place as a true rising star in the world of chamber ensembles.
Since then, the Zodiac Trio has given over 500 concerts, performing in nearly 40 states, as well as Canada, Sweden, Scotland, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, and notably in over 30 different cities in China over the span of 4 extensive tours, sealing its reputation as one of the foremost clarinet-violin-piano ensembles performing today. The trio’s live performances have been broadcast by France 3 Television, Radio Classique, Beijing’s CCTV News, Canada’s CBC Radio and Television, NBC, New York’s WXQR and WNYC, Chicago’s WFMT, Boston’s WGBH, Italy’s RAI, and Radio France in Paris.
The Zodiac Trio has carried the torch for new music since its debut concert, which featured a world premiere of a work written for the then newly-formed group. Since, the Zodiac Trio has commissioned over three dozen new works, including from Grammy-award-winning composer Richard Danielpour, and has had over 100 works written via call-for-score.
In 2013, the Zodiac Trio founded an international summer chamber music academy in the South of France – the Zodiac Music Academy & Festival.
Critical Acclaim
“Impeccable technique” – Fanfare Magazine
"Remarkable musicality of rare intensity" – La Tribune (France)
“Truly exceptional and sublime talent” – Nice-Matin (France)
“One of the best chamber ensembles of its generation...” – La Marseillaise
Contact:
For more information, or to request a review copy, please contact Anton Zorin, (917) 730-2170, pr@zodiactrio.com.
More Information about the Zodiac Trio can be found at www.zodiactrio.com
FEATURED JOBS
RENT A PHOTO
