The student-formed Fine Arts Trio at Hope College will preview its forthcoming tour of Romania with a series of concerts in Michigan, including on-campus on Thursday, May 16.

The Fine Arts Trio consists of violinist Titus Munteanu of Brasov, Romania, who is completing his sophomore year at Hope; cellist Nicholas Toben of Troy, who is completing his junior year; and pianist Susan DeKam of Caledonia, a member of the graduating senior class of 2002. The trio will present five chamber music concerts in Michigan in May, and eight concerts in Romania in June.

In Michigan, the trio will appear in Holland, Grand Rapids and Troy. In Romania, the trio will appear in the cities of Brasov, Timisoara, Constanta, Targu Mures, Cluj and Bucharest, including live performances on two radio broadcasts in Cluj and Bucharest.

The Fine Arts Trio will perform at Hope on Thursday, May 16, at 8 p.m. in Wichers Auditorium of Nykerk Hall of Music.

The public is invited. Admission is free.

Munteanu, Toben and DeKam are all music majors at Hope. They study chamber music at Hope with Richard Piippo, professor of cello and chamber music.

Since the trio's inception, the group's performances have drawn high praise for their musical sensitivity, passion and strong sense of ensemble. Piippo noted that the three performers are all accomplished musicians in their own right, already performing with orchestra, solo recital and chamber music, which brings a wealth of musical maturity, knowledge and insight to their performances.

In addition to the May 16 concert at Hope, the trio's Michigan itinerary includes the Troy Public Library on Sunday, May 19, at 4 p.m.; Covenant Christian Church in Grand Rapids on Monday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m.; St. Thomas More Church in Troy on Friday, May 24, at 8 p.m.; and Christ Memorial Reformed Church in Holland on Tuesday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m.