Past Tense FLORESTAN TRIO ENRICHES PSU In 1974 violinist Carol Sindell, cellist Hamilton Cheifetz, and pianist Harold Gray won the competition to become Portland State University Music Department’s first (and only) artists-in-residence ensemble—and the Florestan Trio came into being. These artists were hired not only to provide music students with rehearsal and performance techniques and opportunities, but also to provide the University and Portland-area audiences with the very finest performances of the piano trio literature. Concerts were performed on campus and throughout greater Portland as well as on state tours. The Florestan Trio (named after a character in Beethoven’s only opera, Fidelio)was only half of the trio’s appointment. The other half of the trio’s members’ time was to be spent in teaching their respective instruments to PSU students. As a result, chamber music became a vital part of Portland State students’ music education. The trio also toured Japan and performed for several summers in educational programs and festivals in France. While most other major universities were able to keep their residence ensemble programs, with a series of severe budget cuts over the years at Portland State, the post of artist-in-residence was abolished. The members of the trio then became regular members of the Music Department faculty. Upon Harold Gray’s retirement, Janet Guggenheim (although not connected with the PSU Music Department) became the trio’s pianist. The Florestan Trio has joined the Friends of Chamber Music, the Piano Series, and the Guitar Festival as having once been under the auspices of the PSU Music Department. Each of these ensembles has continued to provide a rich and varied musical culture to the Portland area and the entire state. —Gordon Solie Carol Sindell, Hamilton Cheifetz, Harold Gray
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