The Gryphon Trio arrives on Orcas Island late in the day on Monday, Jan. 29, and goes right to work presenting an evening of violin, cello and piano masterclasses, the first of a flurry of activities planned for its three days as Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival’s musicians-in-residence. This residency is an important educational and musical gift to the island.

Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival Artistic Director Aloysia Friedmann is thrilled that the Gryphon Trio will be available for this winter’s OICMF musicians-in-residence experience. Bringing their artistry and fun personalities back to Orcas Island will be a joy. Violinist Annalee Patipatanakoon, cellist Roman Borys and pianist James Parker have established the Gryphon Trio as one of the world’s preeminent piano trios over the 25 years they’ve performed together.

The Gryphon Trio tours regularly throughout North America and Europe, and their 18 recordings are an encyclopedia of works for piano trio. They have commissioned over 75 new works and regularly collaborate on projects that push the boundaries of chamber music. Gryphon cellist Roman Borys is artistic director of Ottawa’s Chamberfest. Annalee Patipatanakoon and James Parker serve as the festival’s artistic advisors in addition to their responsibilities at the University of Toronto Faculty of Music, where Dr. Parker is the Rupert E. Edwards Chair in Piano Performance and Patipatanakoon is associate professor of violin.

The trio has appeared at Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival events many times over the years, in both the August Festival and at smaller, more intimate Salon Concerts. The Gryphon Trio’s busy OICMF January residency features masterclasses, ensemble coaching, a private dinner, a community concert and an afternoon on Shaw Island.

Deeply committed to the education of the next generation of audiences and performers alike, the trio members frequently conduct masterclasses and workshops at universities and conservatories. The Jan. 29 OICMF masterclasses are open to violinists, cellists, and pianists of all ages and abilities, and observers are welcome. The classes run from 6:30-8 p.m.at the Funhouse and the chapel at Orcas Christian School and attendance is free. The masterclasses have limited space, so please contact the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival office at (360) 376-6636 to register to perform or observe.

The Gryphon Trio will board the inter-island ferry on Tuesday for the short trip to Shaw Island to play a concert for the students of Shaw School, and the whole Shaw community is invited. The concert at the Shaw Community Building begins at 2 p.m. on Jan. 30.

The trio returns to Orcas Tuesday evening for an exclusive dinner concert in a beautiful home. The multi-course meal with wine pairings will be catered by Bill Patterson of William Patterson Foods. Seating for this intimate dining experience is extremely limited. For more information and for reservations, contact the OICMF office at (360) 376-6636 or info@oicmf.org.

On Wednesday, Jan. 31, local instrumental ensembles are invited to coaching sessions with the Gryphon Trio. The sessions run from 1–4 p.m. at the chapel at Orcas Christian School and are available to classical music ensembles of all instrument combinations. Contact the OICMF Festival office at (360) 376-6636 to register for a coaching time during this free event.

The chapel at Orcas Christian School is the setting for the Gryphon Trio’s community concert on Wednesday, Jan. 31. The high arched ceilings give the building wonderful acoustics and the gothic windows make a beautiful backdrop for the performers. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and seating is limited. The concert is free, although a courtesy ticket is required; donations to Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival are always welcome. Concert tickets are available at Darvill’s Bookstore.

Contact Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival at (360) 376-6636 or info@oicmf.org to register for the Jan. 29 masterclasses or the Jan. 31 ensemble coaching sessions, or to reserve a seat at the dinner table.