Shepherdstown, WV – Friends of Music is kicking off their 2012 season with Grammy nominated, critically acclaimed Eaken Piano Trio on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 8:00 PM. The concert, sponsored by Jefferson Security Bank, will be performed at the Frank Center at Shepherd University.

The Eaken Trio, celebrating a 25th season, has performed extensively throughout America, Canada, Europe and Asia. It has twelve CD’s under the Naxos Classics, Eroica, Catalpa and Con Brio Labels and is heard regularly on classical music radio including National Public Radio’s All Things Considered and Performance Today.

The trio has held university residences at Harvard, Stanford, Dickenson and Maryland, and has performed multiple times at Carnegie Hall.

“The Eaken Trio’s wide experience encompassing twelve recordings and hundreds of performances around the world, speaks to a stellar reputation.” said Dr. Scott Beard, and we are thrilled to welcome this Grammy nominated trio our stage.”

The mission of Friends of Music, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is to support the Shepherd University Department of Music and promote musical excellence throughout the region. The 2011-2012 season has featured the Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra, under the baton of guest conductor Tara Simoncic, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Masterworks and Piffaro have played to sold-out audiences. Mini-series subscriptions for three or five concerts are now being offered.

Concerts of the 2011 -2012 season remaining:

February 14, 2012 – Project

February 24, 2012 – The Friends Fellows Concert

March 3, 2012 – Eastern Regional Jazz Festival

March 10, 2012 – Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra, (spons. Helen & Edward Moore)

March 20, 2012 – The King’s Singers

April 22, 2012 – Masterworks

To purchase Eaken Trio tickets, for mini-series information and to learn more about the Friends of Music, please visit www.sufom.org, or call 304.876.5765.