TRIPLE THREAT: Violinist Isabelle Faust, cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras, and pianist Alexander Melnikov play Beethoven piano trios in the first program of Princeton University Concerts at Richardson Auditorium.

Princeton University Concerts resumes its 2019-2020 season programming on Thursday, February 6, 8 p.m. at Richardson Auditorium, with musicians Isabelle Faust, violin; Jean-Guihen Queyras, cello; and Alexander Melnikov, piano, in a program of Ludwig van Beethoven’s piano trios, in celebration of the composer’s 250th birthday.

The three musicians have each appeared on Princeton University Concerts’ stage separately, quickly becoming fan favorites. Melnikov made a debut in 2016 playing Shostakovich’s complete Preludes & Fugues, returning again last season alongside pianist Andreas Staier. Faust performed a J.S. Bach’s complete violin sonatas and partitas in 2016, surrounded by candlelight, at the Princeton University Chapel. And Queyras made his Princeton debut as part of the Arcanto Quartet in the fall of 2015.

Tickets to the concert are $25-$55 General/$10 Student, available at princetonuniversityconcerts.org, by phone at (609) 258-9220, and in person at the University Ticketing Box Offices. Any remaining tickets can be purchased at the door prior to the concert.

At 7 p.m., Princeton professors Scott Burnham (Department of Music, Emeritus) and Elaine Pagels (Department of Religion) offer a pre-concert Warm Up free to all ticketholders, discussing Beethoven and his impact from a range of perspectives.

There are two free related events to this concert, as part of Princeton University Concerts’ “Beyond the Music” programming. On Saturday, February 1 at 3 p.m. in the Princeton Public Library, families are invited for a screening of the children’s movie Beethoven Lives Upstairs, which was awarded the 1993 Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Program. Cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras will participate in a Live Music Meditation on Thursday, February 6 at 12:30 p.m. at Richardson Auditorium. This is an opportunity for the community to participate in a free meditation guided by Associate Dean Matthew Weiner (Office of Religious Life) during Queyras’ playing. No experience is necessary. Doors open at noon.