About Us
Our mission is to bring together Knoxville’s exceptional musicians with dedicated audience members to create inspirational chamber music experiences.
Meet the November 14th Artists
Trio Appalachia
Trio Appalachia brings together three distinguished musicians whose careers span classical performance, contemporary music, chamber music, and cross-genre collaboration. Based in the Appalachian region, pianist Peter Ryan, cellist Dave Eggar, and violinist Sean Claire combine their individual artistic perspectives in a collaborative approach to chamber music that embraces both established repertoire and new musical voices.
Peter Ryan is Associate Professor of Music at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, where he coordinates the Piano and Music Theory programs. An active performer, educator, and researcher, he has appeared internationally as a soloist and chamber musician, with particular interests in underperformed repertoire and underrepresented composers. Dave Eggar, a five-time Grammy nominee, is an internationally recognized cellist and composer whose performances span Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and collaborations with artists including Paul Simon, John Legend, Norah Jones, and Lewis Capaldi. A graduate of Harvard University and the Juilliard School, he is also a faculty member at UVA Wise. Violinist Sean Claire has been a member of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra since 1990 and serves as Concertmaster of the Symphony of the Mountains. An active chamber and studio musician, he has collaborated extensively with contemporary composers and internationally recognized artists, and received the League of American Orchestras’ 2021 Ford Musician Award for Excellence in Community Service.
The Trio Appalachia is committed to connecting the region's musical traditions and creative voices with the broader contemporary chamber music landscape. Its upcoming appearance at Carnegie Hall in 2027 will feature three new works by Appalachian-area composers alongside standard chamber repertoire, highlighting the trio's commitment to collaboration, regional artistic identity, and the ongoing development of chamber music.