What do a Chinese legend, an American composer and a Russian giant have in common? Passion. Trio Oriens will perform three diverse works by three composers chosen especially for their deeply emotional and passionate stories they tell. 

Butterfly Lovers is a musical interpretation of the most beloved Chinese story of star-crossed lovers. What began as a violin concerto composed by Zhan-hao Ho and Kang Chen has become a stunning work for this piano trio through a special arrangement by Olive Chen. In the Wilderness, the Cities, commissioned by Olive Chen for Trio Oriens by Houston composer Joe LoCascio will be a world premiere. Although jazz influenced but definitely not a jazz composition, it's the American style passion that makes this piece so attractive. Trio Élégiaque No. 1 by Rachmaninoff is an outpouring of affection for his most admired friend.