The Schumann Trio was conceived in 2008 by violist Michael Tree, clarinetist Anthony McGill, and pianist Anna Polonsky. These three artists made their initial musical connection at the Curtis Institute, and the Marlboro Music Festival. After many years of performing together in different combinations, crossing paths at music festivals, and collaborating with the Guarneri String Quartet (of which Mr. Tree is a founding member), the three musicians decided to come together to explore the rich, and somewhat under-represented, repertoire for clarinet, piano, and viola or violin.