Press reviews
Z.E.N. Trio open Classical Concert Series from Cambridge Corn Exchange
PUBLISHED: 03 October 2017, Jude Clarke
"With a musical chemistry that was, at times, almost more like alchemy or extra-sensory perception, each of the three is a bold, imaginative and inspiring performer: never eclipsing their colleagues but each frequently , at points throughout the programme, dazzling in their own right."
Brahms Piano Trio in B; Hungarian Dance N°6 (arr. L Ries) Dvorak Piano Trio 'Dumky'
PUBLISHED: February 2018, BBC Music Magazine
"Here's the auspicious debut from a trio of BBC New Generation Artists. Z.E.N. stands for the musicians' initials - and their philosophy. Vivid Playing. (RF) ★★★★ "
Chamberfest preview: Z.E.N. and the art of forming a supergroup trio
PUBLISHED: July 24, 2018 PETER HUM
"The talent scouts at BBC Radio 3 were onto something a few years ago when they came up with the bright idea that pianist Zhang Zuo, violinist Esther Yoo and cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan should join forces. "
Seen and Heard (Vancouver)
PUBLISHED: October 29, 2019 Geoffrey Newman
“…they play gorgeously, really think with one mind and provide readings of striking thoughtfulness and sensitivity.”
“I can think of few finer young piano trios. The Z.E.N. has remarkable sensitivity and intelligence for an ensemble of this age, and the artists collaborate so knowingly while maintaining their own personal voices.”
South Florida Classical Review (Miami)
PUBLISHED: October 31, 2019 Lawrence Budmen
“…the players exhibited the musical intelligence and finely blended timbres of the best chamber groups.”
“For sheer edge-of-the-seat velocity and inner turmoil, the Z.E.N. Trio’s performance would be hard to surpass.”
Present Arts
PUBLISHED: Mar 10, 2021
“…It is appropriate, in a way, that a disc which has music full of hidden or clouded meanings should have a title and be by artists with a name that is mildly baffling.”
The Telegraph
PUBLISHED: By Ivan Hewett, Classical Music Critic15 March 2021
“The best classical CDs and DVDs of 2021 so far, from Simon Rattle to Clare Hammond.”