Intent on bringing quality chamber music to the Simcoe region and beyond, the Amity Trio is known for its sure ensemble playing and warm, open interpretations. The trio’s members are Michael Adamson (violin), Alyssa Wright (cello) and Olga Lishansky (piano). Each is an accomplished instrumentalist and sought-after soloist in their own right, but their chemistry within the Trio - and affinity for the music created - generate performances of delightful musicality, passion and grace.

From the early classical works of Haydn and Mozart through such romantic and 20th Century composers as Schubert and Dvorák to contemporary works by Arensky and Piazzolla, the Amity Trio selects some of the favourite music written for the piano trio, and enjoys seeking out some of the lesser-known gems. Whether having fun with a salon piece or tackling the angst of Shostakovich, the Trio’s performances are always in service of the music.

Since its inception in 2001, the Amity Trio has concertized extensively throughout the Simcoe region and Greater Toronto Area, including performances in Toronto, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Barrie, Orillia and Midland. Recent highlights include performances at the Colours of Music Festival, the Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Music Society, the New Tecumseth Festival, St. Luke’s Gift of Music concert series, plus repeat performances for Musical Moment Concerts, Midday Music With Shigeru and the Gibson Centre for the Arts.

Last season, the Trio introduced its new configuration at Stouffville’s Lebovic Centre for the Arts, followed by a return to Midday Music with Shigeru. This season includes a return to the Creemore Gift of Music series, and other concerts throughout Simcoe and neighbouring regions.

The Trio recently recorded the music of Haydn, Schubert, Schumann and Piazzolla, and will be releasing this CD in the coming months.

Michael Adamson (violin)

Michael studied violin and chamber music at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and worked with members of the leading quartets: Griller, Tatrai, Kolisch, Hungarian and Amadeus. Returning to Canada after a concert career of several years in Europe, he has continued solo, chamber and orchestral activities, including serving as concertmaster for the York Symphony and artistic director for the Apollo Chamber Orchestra. Currently, he teaches privately and at the Huronia Arts Academy in Barrie.

Alyssa Wright (cello)

Alyssa is a versatile soloist and ensemble cellist who has toured widely, advocating and performing contemporary, jazz and folk, as well as traditional music. Formerly acting principal cellist of the Kingston Symphony and principal cellist of Ensemble Unterwegs, she left the orchestral world, preferring to concentrate on the intricacies of chamber music. She has performed several world premieres, and has been featured on many recordings and stages. Alyssa is a popular studio and session cellist and singer, teaching privately in Orillia. She is artistic director of the Orillia Folk Society, and a founding faculty member of Mariposa ArtsU.

Olga Lishansky (piano)

Olga was born in Russia, started her musical education in Siberia, and graduated from Kiev's Conservatory of Music (Ukraine) with a Master's degree in classical piano performance. Olga emigrated to Israel and then to Canada where she worked as a piano teacher for many years, returning to the performance world in 2007 with the successful "Concerto in the Key of Soul". Since then, Olga has actively performed as a soloist, accompanist and chamber musician. She hosted the radio show "Symphony on the Beach", and delivered numerous presentations and workshops. Olga is teaching privately in Wasaga Beach.