Violinist Ionel Manciu and cellist Leo Popplewell have played in the trio since its founding in 2017
The Mithras Trio has announced the upcoming departure of two of its members, violinist Ionel Manciu and cellist Leo Popplewell, stating that they will be focusing instead on their orchestral careers. Pianist Dominic Degavino remains, with a new violinist and cellist to be announced soon.
The Mithras Trio was established in 2017 while its members were studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. In 2019, the trio rose to prominence when it won the first prizes at the Trondheim International Chamber Music Competition, the Royal Over-Seas League Music Competition, and the Cavatina Intercollegiate Chamber Music Competition, as well as receiving the Royal Philharmonic Society Henderson Award.
The trio was named as Kirckman Concert Society Young Artists for the 2019–2020 season, as Countess of Munster Trust Recital Scheme Artists for 2020–2023, as BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists for 2021 –2023, and as Borletti-Buitoni Trust award winners in 2024.
Manciu and Popplewell will continue to play with the trio until later in the year, with concerts scheduled around the release of the Mithras Trio’s second album in May.
The trio announced the change on social media:
‘After nearly nine wonderful years playing together, Ionel and Leo will both be leaving the Mithras Trio later this year to focus on their orchestral careers. It’s been an incredible journey together so far – a huge thanks to everyone who has supported us over the years!’
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