The Lake Trio Concert

First Presbyterian Church in downtown Durham is proud to present an evening of chamber music with The Lake Trio, a dynamic young piano trio performing an exciting program of classical and contemporary works. The concert will feature piano trios by Joseph Haydn and Anton Arensky, along with short favorites by Gabriel Fauré, Astor Piazzolla, and more.

The Lake Trio—Philipp Elssner (violin), Ben Maxwell (cello), and Jacob Wang (piano)—are longtime friends who first met while attending high school at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Though their careers have taken them across the country and around the world, the trio continues to reunite for special performances, bringing artistry, deep musical connection, and an infectious enthusiasm that makes each performance uniquely engaging.

Philipp Elssner is a violinist of Maine’s acclaimed DaPonte String Quartet and the founder and artistic director of Belfast (ME) Chamber Music. He has performed extensively across the United States and Canada and at festivals such as Encore Chamber Music, Bowdoin International Music Festival, and the Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival.

Ben Maxwell, a Durham native, is the Principal Cellist of the Ann Arbor Symphony and performs regularly with the Detroit Opera, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and other regional ensembles. He holds degrees from the New England Conservatory of Music and the University of Michigan, and was a two-time fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center, where he performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Jacob Wang has appeared in solo and chamber recitals throughout Michigan, North Carolina, Iowa, Maine, New York, Perugia (Italy), and Germany. He is a prizewinner in numerous competitions, including the RSO, Haeberle, Huntoon, Ronald Sachs, and International Paderewski Competitions. As a concerto soloist, he has performed with the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra, UNCSA Symphony Orchestra, Central Iowa Symphony, and the Fort Dodge Area Symphony.Wang currently serves as a faculty member and Resident Musician at the Music Haven school in New Haven, Connecticut.

This concert promises an evening of expressive and inspiring music, performed by three exceptional musicians whose friendship and shared history enrich every note. The program features Haydn’s vibrant “Gypsy” Piano Trio, famous for its high-energy finale inspired by a Hungarian folk dance—a crowd-pleaser that bursts with rhythmic flair and charm. Listeners will also experience Arensky’s lush and deeply emotional Piano Trio in D minor, a piece filled with sweeping melodies and dramatic contrasts, written as a heartfelt tribute to a lost friend. Whether you're a classical aficionado or simply love music that moves you, this concert offers an unforgettable journey through joy, passion, and human connection.

First Presbyterian is honored to present this performance made possible through the generous support of beloved benefactors, Horst and Ruth Mary Meyer. The event will honor their deep love for the arts and our Durham community.

Established in 1871, First Presbyterian Church is the oldest of the ten PCUSA churches in Durham. The congregation has long been centered on concerns and ministries of justice and compassion.