“The Trio’s artistry, originality, and inventive arrangements captivated our audience from the first note to the last. Their performance was engaging, polished, and filled with charm, culminating in an encore rendition of Rossini’s Cat Duet that brought the entire room to its feet…If you are looking for a fun, memorable, and impeccably executed performance, I cannot recommend Trio de Chats Noirs highly enough. They bring both excellence and joy to the stage in equal measure.”
Emily Cox, Music Department Manager, Fourth Presbyterian Church - Chicago
We're proud to partner with Hunger Resource Network (HRN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit born right here at Saint Giles Episcopal Church. HRN’s mission is to alleviate hunger across Chicagoland. Since their beginning in 2009, over 5 million pounds of food have been provided to more than 90 food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters at no cost to them. Their Poultry to Pantries program delivers 120,000+ pounds of protein twice a year, the Student Food Pack program provides supplemental bags of ingredients for weekend meals for local students who are eligible for free/reduced lunches, and the senior program helps transport seniors to a local food pantry. Every dollar donated helps provide nutritious food—e.g., $25 can provide 113 protein servings. How You Can Help:
Admission is free, but we encourage a suggested donation of $10–$25 (or whatever feels right) to support HRN's life-changing work.
HRN representatives and volunteers will be on-site at the concert to collect donations securely—all proceeds go directly to them.
Give in advance online: Donate to Hunger Resource Network (tax-deductible; one-time or monthly options).
Your generosity, combined with this transcendent music, helps feed body, mind, and spirit in our community.
Trio de Chats Noirs is a dynamic and versatile chamber ensemble uniting the talents of Rachel Velvikis on horn and Mark Fry on bass trombone and euphonium. Their performances showcase a broad, ever-evolving repertoire spanning centuries and styles—from the timeless masterpieces of J.S. Bach and Johannes Brahms to the evocative contemporary works of Alec Wilder, Ennio Morricone, and beyond.
Celebrated for their artistic versatility and innovative approach, the trio excels in imaginative transcriptions that infuse fresh energy into both traditional and modern compositions. Frequent collaborations with world-class pianists and organists—including the acclaimed Liang-yu Wang and organist Christopher Powell—add profound emotional depth, rich sonic textures, and striking variety to their sound.
Currently in the midst of an exciting recording project featuring organ, Trio de Chats Noirs continues to push the boundaries of brass chamber music. Their performances range from intimate noonday recitals and historic church venues to radio broadcasts, educational outreach at institutions like Northern Illinois University, and captivating programs such as Songs and Dances or Transcendent: From Baroque Grace to Romantic Glory (with organ). Each concert delivers an immersive, unforgettable musical journey that blends lyricism, virtuosity, and joy.