Quercus Trio
Carla Blackwood, Horn; Elizabeth Sellars, Violin; Rhodri Clarke, piano
"For whatever reason the term ‘supergroup’ was not used in classical music circles but today I declare I have come across one from Melbourne, QUERCUS TRIO, made up of stars from other ensembles." - Classikon
"The archetype for musicianship standards in this talent pool is not only exceptionally stunning, but imbued with a remarkably genuine deep passion and astonishing commitment to excellence." - Classikon
About
Quercus Trio are a Melbourne-based horn trio dedicated to performing the finest chamber music. The distinctive combination of violin, horn, and piano offers a wide palette of colours and musical possibilities, which the trio explores with imagination and depth. Quercus is committed to championing new music, especially Australian works written for this rare and vibrant instrumentation.
All three members have established international reputations, performing with leading ensembles and in major concert halls worldwide. Each player brings a unique artistic voice, shaping the trio’s expressive range and collaborative energy. Quercus aims to expand the horn‑trio repertoire through new commissions and by bringing renewed attention to underperformed works. At its heart, the trio is a joyful partnership: Rhodri, Liz, and Carla share a deep affection for one another and for the art of making music together.
Quercus is an odd word, explain your name?
Our name comes from Quercus, the Latin word for oak, a genus of around 600 species from the beech family. The name was inspired when a composer described Carla’s sound as “like an oak tree,” reflecting the connection between the horn’s resonance and the natural materials of the violin and piano. The symbolism of the oak—timeless, grounded, rooted in place yet reaching across time—resonates strongly with the trio. Like an acorn growing deep roots in Australian soil while remaining connected to its European origins, western classical music in Australia is shaped by its heritage yet becomes something wholly of the place where it takes root.
Listen!
Australian Horn Trios
Our debut album, Australian Horn Trios was released through ABC Classic in 2023, to critical acclaim. Click the image below to find links to stream and/or purchase the album through all major streaming services.
Reviews
“Anyone who suspects that a whole disc of Australian horn trios might be a) niche or b) dull better think again… Quercus Trio… has picked a sextet of composers with a diverse range of tonal languages and melded them into a satisfyingly varied whole.”
“All three instruments are perfectly balanced and the playing is immaculate.”
“An important and enthralling addition to the Australian recorded music catalogue, and the horn trio repertoire in general.”
“The high quality of the compositions included…makes it a delight to review… The musical glue is provided by the members of the Quercus
Trio. It is hard to fault the coherence of their ensemble, rich tonal pallete, or sense of musical architecture.”
“The horn trio is relatively rare as a chamber music assembly. With this recording, Quercus has moved it into the mainstream whilst reminding
us yet again of the richness of our musical heritage.”
“Superb! Absolutely mesmerising.”
"For whatever reason the term 'supergroup' was not used in classical music circles but today I declare I have come across one from Melbourne, Quercus Trio, made up of stars from other ensembles."
"…. Are all virtuosi in their own right and with years of performing in different ensembles behind them they bring to this group such an awesome knowledge. Blackwood can produce heroic music one second before enchanting with an ethereal music from the heavans. Sellars weaves such a sweet tone and can also turn on the power when required and Clarke is the pianist i am sure every composer wants to interpret their music."
“From the otherwordly opening of Smalley's Trio for Violin, Horn and Piano through to the last moments of the trio by Don Banks the playing is, like the rock band Cream was to me as a teenager, sensational."