A piano trio inspired by the ‘Golden Age’ of romantic performers, Tristan Trio was founded in 2025 by cellist Tyler Michael James, pianist Aljoša Jurinić, and violinist Thomas Lee Cooper. With performances on the Bar Harbor Music Festival, Fermata Chamber Soloists and Red Door Chamber Music, the trio has stormed onto the music scene, quickly become a soughtafter ensemble and “fully [deserving] approbation,” (Boston Musical Intelligencer).

Tristan Trio takes its name from Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde – a revolutionary opera whose complex and enigmatic harmonies combine to form something transformative. In that same vein, the Tristan Trio strives to bring novel perspectives to the piano trio repertoire, creating passionate interpretations that—while rooted in tradition—use our distinct voice to communicate with our audiences.

Upcoming Events

November 1

Tristan Trio at the Wellfleet Public Library/Wellfleet Public Library

November 2

Tristan Trio at Red Door Chamber Music/Provincetown United Methodist Church

May 17

Tristan Trio at Attacca School of Music/Scandanavian Cultural Center, Waltham

MEET OUR MEMBERS

  • Thomas Lee Cooper

    A violinist having “glimmering silver thread of tone,” (Boston Musical Intelligencer) with “dark grainy power” (The Arts Fuse) Thomas Lee Cooper brings lyrical intensity and refined artistry to every performance.

    A Boston area native, Thomas has performed across North America, Europe, and Asia. A laureate of multiple competitions - including Cremona International Competition and Washington Competition - Thomas is particularly passionate about conductor-less ensemble playing, and has performed with some of the country’s finest chamber orchestras, including the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and A Far Cry.

    Cooper completed his Master’s degree at the New England Conservatory, and he previously completed his undergraduate studies at Oberlin Conservatory.

  • Aljoša Jurinić

    Hailed as “a startlingly subtle and visionary pianist” with “a rare blend of charm and mastery,” Aljoša Jurinić brings poetic depth and electrifying energy to the stage.

    He is a top prizewinner and finalist of the world’s most prestigious piano competitions, including the Chopin Competition, Queen Elizabeth Competition, and the Leeds International Competition. He has performed as a soloist at major venues such as Carnegie Hall, and the Musikverein, Salle Cortot in Paris, Osaka Symphony Hall, and has toured across five continents.

    Also a passionate researcher, Aljoša holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Toronto with a dissertation on piano biomechanics. He is currently conducting research at MIT’s Institute for Medical Engineering and Science

  • Tyler Michael James

    Described as performing “like a gladiator” with a “phenomenal color palette” (Radda Rise), Tyler Michael James brings unmatched energy and tonal nuance to the stage.

    He’s performed with groups like A Far Cry and Castle of Our Skins and appeared at festivals and series including the Rockport Chamber Music Festival, and the Bar Harbor Music Festival.

    A dedicated educator, Tyler teaches at Project STEP and the Boston String Academy and has had the pleasure of teaching at festivals including the Boston University Tanglewood Institute Cello Workshop, Point Counterpoint, and Four Strings Academy. Tyler is also pursuing an MBA at The College of William and Mary exploring how to make music education more accessible.