In the Mirror is an exquisite collection of works by contemporary women composers, masterfully interpreted by cellist Heather Tuach and pianist Yoko Misumi, both members of the celebrated Greenwich Trio. This album is not just a recording – it is an emotional journey born of reflection, healing, and hope. The title piece, composed by Liz Dilnot Johnson, was commissioned specifically for this project, setting the tone for an album steeped in introspection and serenity.

The repertoire features original works and new arrangements by renowned composers including Dobrinka Tabakova and Jessie Montgomery, whose contributions enhance the album’s contemplative spirit. Each piece carries its own story, from Jocelyn Morlock’s bird-inspired Halcyon to Jennifer Higdon’s nocturnal reverie Nocturne. These works are tied together by a shared exploration of human resilience and the quiet strength found in moments of introspection.

The project began during the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic and became deeply personal for pianist Yoko Misumi, who underwent successful cancer treatment during its recording. Returning to the piano after her recovery, Misumi found solace and renewal in these compositions, describing the experience as “an emotional and musical healing.”

Highlights include:

-  Liz Dilnot Johnson’s In the Mirror, a poignant four-movement work dedicated to personal loss and renewal.

-  Jessie Montgomery’s Peace, composed during the pandemic and adapted for cello and piano with the composer’s blessing.

- Dobrinka Tabakova’s Whispered Lullaby, an evocative piece inspired by Goethe’s Faust.

-  Margaret Hubicki’s lyrical Lonely Mere, a tribute to the serene landscapes of the Malvern Hills.

The album is both a celebration of female creativity and a testament to music’s power to comfort and inspire. Listening to In the Mirror is an opportunity to pause, reflect and take in moments of profound calm amidst life’s turbulence.

This is a must for admirers of contemporary chamber music, fans of women composers, and anyone seeking solace and beauty in music.