Performing classical pieces with a touch of humour is a staple of the Joe Trio.
“We like to take the stuffiness out of classical music and make the music accessible for everybody,” said member Cameron Wilson.
The humour isn’t slapstick or physical. It’s a more muted humour that runs throughout the show. The performance has a mix of genres adapted into the classical repertoire. Audience members can expect to hear the three perform pieces on the piano such as the Simpson symphony, which is The Simpsons’ theme song adapted to the stylings of about 11 classical composers. Another humorous addition is classical variations of The Pink Panther theme and the Joe Canada anthem, a rendition of the national anthem with a twist.
“Humour will be prevalent within the show,” said Wilson.
He said the trio doesn’t add humour because they want to make fun of classical music. They add humour because they love classical music.
“It’s about presenting classical music in a different way,” said Wilson.
Amongst the humour, people can still expect to hear some traditional classical pieces.
The trio formed in 1989, and was comprised of a classically trained violinist, cellist and pianist. Wilson said the group keeps losing its cellist because they keep going onto other jobs. The group regularly performs in its hometown of Vancouver with the Little Chamber Music Series That Could Society, according to the group’s biography. The Joe Trio has performed throughout Canada and the U.S.
In 1997, the trio released its first album, A Cup of Joe and followed it up with Set ’em up, Joe, which was nominated for Best Classical Performance at the West Coast Music Awards. The group worked with writer Stuart McLean to create the music for McLean’s History of Canada.
The Joe Trio performs with the Vancouver Island Symphony during the Music and Humour show April 2, 7:30 p.m. at the Port Theatre.
“I think it is going to be a terrific show and I encourage people to come out to it,” said Wilson.
Tickets range in price from $38 to $67.50 depending on seating locations or $18 for students. For tickets please call 250-754-8550 or go to www.porttheatre.com.
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