2019-2020 SEASON
October 20, 2019 • Trio 826
November 10, 2019 • The Mirandola Ensemble
January 19, 2020 • John Krebs/Philip Wharton
February 9, 2020 • The Boston Trio
“Whenever this trio plays, drop everything and go hear them!” hailed the Boston Globe on the occasion of The Boston Trio’s Tanglewood debut at Ozawa Hall. Since their formation in 1997,the trio has quickly become one of today’s most exciting chamber ensembles. Acclaimed fortheir superb sense of ensemble and wondrous balance, these virtuosic and profound musicians are committed to creating exceptional and daring performances of standard and contemporary repertoire.
Violinist Irina Muresanu, cellist Jonah Ellsworth, and pianist Heng-Jin Park each have distinguished careers as soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, and have appeared with major orchestras and premier chamber music festivals throughout the United States and Europe. Cellist Mr. Ellsworth has performed as soloist with the Boston Symphony, Akron Symphony, Boston Philharmonic, Jacksonville Symphony, Johnstown Symphony, Symphony by the Sea and New Bedford Symphony. Additionally, Ellsworth attended the Marlboro Music Festival from 2014- 2016. Ms. Muresanu, who has appeared as soloist with the Boston Philharmonic, the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, and other top international orchestras, is the recipient of top prizes at the Montreal International Competition and the Queen Elizabeth Violin Competition. Ms. Park, who made her solo debut with the Boston Pops at the age of 15, is the founding member of the Boston Trio and founder and artistic director of Halcyon Music Festival.
Highlights for the 17-18 season include the trio's second performance at Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall, a tour of Florida featuring a performance at the Flagler Museum and a return to the Sanibel Music Festival, and tours from California to Maryland to upstate New York. Recent highlights for the Boston Trio include performances at UCLA, Detroit Pro Musica, University of Arkansas, Maui Classical Music Festival, Rockport Chamber Music Festival, Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival, Virtuosi Concerts in Winnipeg, and performances of Beethoven's Triple Concerto with the Boston Philharmonic.
The Boston Trio has been invited to perform on numerous prestigious music series including the Bank of America Celebrity Series, Seiji Ozawa Hall in Tanglewood, Sanibel Chamber Music Festival, Chamber Music Society of Utica, Gualala Arts Chamber Music Series, 'First Monday' series at NEC, Bay Chamber Concerts in Rockport, Maine, Harvard Musical Association, Concerts at the Point, Brigham Young University, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Howland Chamber Music Circle, Carnegie Hall's Weill Hall, Merkin Hall, performances of Beethoven's Triple Concerto with the Boston Classical Orchestra, and nationally televised performance at Belgrade Music Festival at Kolarac Foundation Hall in Serbia.The Boston Trio has collaborated with such artists as the Borromeo Quartet and Bill T. Jones Dance Company and has beenfrequent guests on Boston’s WGBH Radio and NPR.
March 15, 2020 • Artaria Quartet
The Mirandola Ensemble, established in 2011, is a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based professional choral ensemble dedicated to promoting the highest standards of choral music, the idea of choral music as ‘high art’ in the Western tradition, and the aesthetics of the Renaissance. The ensemble is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization, and has served multiple years as a Class Notes Artist-in-Residence for Classical Minnesota Public Radio. The group’s studio albums "Unquiet Thoughts: The Lute Songs of John Dowland" and “Nymphs & Angels” are now available via iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and other streaming music services. The Mirandola Ensemble is led by Artistic Director and tenor Nick Chalmers.
January 19, 2020 • John Krebs/Philip Wharton
John Krebs
A native of Iowa, Krebs holds degrees in piano performance from Northwestern University, the University of Illinois and the University of Maryland. Krebs has been at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas for the past 20 years. At Hendrix, he has taught music theory, music history and literature, an opera survey course, jazz history and studio piano. He has also served as chair of both the Hendrix music department and humanities area.
An avid collaborative pianist, Krebs has performed in Canada, Germany, Scotland, Slovenia and Thailand. He has been an active member of Music Teachers National Association at the local, state and national levels, and in 2011 he was named an MTNA Foundation Fellow. Previously he taught at Central Missouri State University and Prince George's Community College, and was professor of music at Luther from 1989-92.
Philip Wharton
Few artists enjoy such high praise for both of their disciplines as composer/violinist Philip Wharton. Of his playing, The New York Timesproclaimed, “a rousing performance!” and The Waterloo Courier wrote, “a golden tone with breathtaking execution.” His compositions, heralded from coast to coast, are described by the New York Concert Review as, “…decidedly contemporary…both engaging and accessible.” Writing from symphony to song, past seasons saw the Santa Fe Opera’s remounting of Two Saintes Caught in the Same Act as part of their apprentice scenes program, the Grammy-nominated Borealis Wind Quintet perform his Quintet on their concert tours, his chamber symphony, Passing Season performed by regional orchestras, premiere of his Symphony, his tribute to Shakespeare’s 450th birthday, a song cycle entitled Fools, and concerts with Grammy-nominated soprano, Caroline Worra. Other projects include collaborations with author Janet Burroway and illustrator John Vernon Lord to create musical settings of their books for children: The Giant Jam Sandwich, The Truck on the Track, and a vocal-monodrama, The Perfect Pig.Recent recordings include Albany Records’ release of his Flute Sonata—performed by flutist, Katherine Fink, and pianist Rose Grace, Crescent Phase Records’ release of his Woodwind Quintet—performed by the Madera Woodwind Quintet, and Kenneth Thompkins’ (principal Detroit Symphony Orchestra) recording of his Alto-Trombone Sonata. Expect to see the release of a CD by Elizabeth Sombart with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in the coming year.
A native of Iowa, Krebs holds degrees in piano performance from Northwestern University, the University of Illinois and the University of Maryland. Krebs has been at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas for the past 20 years. At Hendrix, he has taught music theory, music history and literature, an opera survey course, jazz history and studio piano. He has also served as chair of both the Hendrix music department and humanities area.
An avid collaborative pianist, Krebs has performed in Canada, Germany, Scotland, Slovenia and Thailand. He has been an active member of Music Teachers National Association at the local, state and national levels, and in 2011 he was named an MTNA Foundation Fellow. Previously he taught at Central Missouri State University and Prince George's Community College, and was professor of music at Luther from 1989-92.
Philip Wharton
Few artists enjoy such high praise for both of their disciplines as composer/violinist Philip Wharton. Of his playing, The New York Timesproclaimed, “a rousing performance!” and The Waterloo Courier wrote, “a golden tone with breathtaking execution.” His compositions, heralded from coast to coast, are described by the New York Concert Review as, “…decidedly contemporary…both engaging and accessible.” Writing from symphony to song, past seasons saw the Santa Fe Opera’s remounting of Two Saintes Caught in the Same Act as part of their apprentice scenes program, the Grammy-nominated Borealis Wind Quintet perform his Quintet on their concert tours, his chamber symphony, Passing Season performed by regional orchestras, premiere of his Symphony, his tribute to Shakespeare’s 450th birthday, a song cycle entitled Fools, and concerts with Grammy-nominated soprano, Caroline Worra. Other projects include collaborations with author Janet Burroway and illustrator John Vernon Lord to create musical settings of their books for children: The Giant Jam Sandwich, The Truck on the Track, and a vocal-monodrama, The Perfect Pig.Recent recordings include Albany Records’ release of his Flute Sonata—performed by flutist, Katherine Fink, and pianist Rose Grace, Crescent Phase Records’ release of his Woodwind Quintet—performed by the Madera Woodwind Quintet, and Kenneth Thompkins’ (principal Detroit Symphony Orchestra) recording of his Alto-Trombone Sonata. Expect to see the release of a CD by Elizabeth Sombart with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in the coming year.
October 20, 2019
Trio 826 was created in 2011 by three friends to explore ideas for innovation in the performance of classical music. The members of the trio have vast experience as orchestral and chamber musicians, soloists, and educators. The mission of Trio 826 is to be an agent of change in the classical arena. We hope to be curious about our audience, take on risk in new presentations, and bring classical music to life. We perform new and standard repertoire works in a variety of venues, from formal concerts to shows in intimate, informal, and unusual settings. We are committed to expanding the repertoire for string trio through the commission and performance of new works. For 2012, the trio commissioned a work entitled "Soneando" by UNI Faculty Composer Robert Washut, and we look forward to premiering more such new and exciting works in future seasons. We love to collaborate with institutions, other musicians and artists of all disciplines.
November 10, 2019
The Mirandola Ensemble, established in 2011, is a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based professional choral ensemble dedicated to promoting the highest standards of choral music, the idea of choral music as ‘high art’ in the Western tradition, and the aesthetics of the Renaissance. The ensemble is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization, and has served multiple years as a Class Notes Artist-in-Residence for Classical Minnesota Public Radio. The group’s studio albums "Unquiet Thoughts: The Lute Songs of John Dowland" and “Nymphs & Angels” are now available via iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and other streaming music services. The Mirandola Ensemble is led by Artistic Director and tenor Nick Chalmers.
2018-2019 SEASON
October 7, 2018
KÄTHE JARKA An active recitalist and sought-after chamber musician, Käthe Jarka has performed throughout the United States and abroad. A former member of the Shanghai String Quartet, she has collaborated with the Juilliard Quartet, Yo Yo Ma, Grant Johannesen, Donald Weilerstein, Ruth Laredo, David Krakauer, Mark Steinberg, and Gil Shaham. She has appeared on numerous occasions with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Ms. Jarka is a graduate of the Juilliard School, where she studied with Leonard Rose, she also was the recipient of a Fulbright Grant for study with William Pleeth in London.
ANNA CLIFT
As founder and executive director of the International Cello Institute, Anna Clift collaborates with teachers and students from around the world and is passionate about
teaching and educating young musicians. Ms. Clift is considered one of the most influential and consulted cello teachers in the Twin Cities, as well as mentor to many
young cellists around the country. During the school year she divides her teaching between St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota and Augsburg University in
Minneapolis. She has taught and participated in music schools and summer programs across the United States, including the Artaria Chamber Music School, Stringwood Chamber Music Camp, Banff School of Fine Arts, Spoleto Festival, Washington Island Music Festival, Britt Music Festival, Taos International School of Music, and Madeline Island Music Camp.
LAURA SEWELL
Cellist Laura Sewell enjoys an active and varied musical career. From 2007-2016, she was a member of the esteemed Artaria String Quartet. Earlier in her career, Ms. Sewell was the founding cellist of the award-winning Lark Quartet. During her tenure in that ensemble the quartet won the bronze medal at the Banff International String Quartet Competition, served as the graduate string quartet-in-residence at the Juilliard School, and had a teaching residency at San Diego State University. Her chamber music teachers have included members of the Juilliard, American, Tokyo, Guarneri and Budapest quartets, as well as master teachers Felix Galimir, Josef Gingold, and William Pleeth. Ms. Sewell received her Bachelor’s Degree from the Juilliard School where she was a student of Leonard Rose, and her Master’s Degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music where she studied with Alan Harris.
ANNA CLIFT
As founder and executive director of the International Cello Institute, Anna Clift collaborates with teachers and students from around the world and is passionate about
teaching and educating young musicians. Ms. Clift is considered one of the most influential and consulted cello teachers in the Twin Cities, as well as mentor to many
young cellists around the country. During the school year she divides her teaching between St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota and Augsburg University in
Minneapolis. She has taught and participated in music schools and summer programs across the United States, including the Artaria Chamber Music School, Stringwood Chamber Music Camp, Banff School of Fine Arts, Spoleto Festival, Washington Island Music Festival, Britt Music Festival, Taos International School of Music, and Madeline Island Music Camp.
LAURA SEWELL
Cellist Laura Sewell enjoys an active and varied musical career. From 2007-2016, she was a member of the esteemed Artaria String Quartet. Earlier in her career, Ms. Sewell was the founding cellist of the award-winning Lark Quartet. During her tenure in that ensemble the quartet won the bronze medal at the Banff International String Quartet Competition, served as the graduate string quartet-in-residence at the Juilliard School, and had a teaching residency at San Diego State University. Her chamber music teachers have included members of the Juilliard, American, Tokyo, Guarneri and Budapest quartets, as well as master teachers Felix Galimir, Josef Gingold, and William Pleeth. Ms. Sewell received her Bachelor’s Degree from the Juilliard School where she was a student of Leonard Rose, and her Master’s Degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music where she studied with Alan Harris.
November 11, 2019
Lux String Quarter is a Twin-Cities based ensemble, bringing a dynamic edge to performance and education since 2013. As avid recitalists, Lux maintains an active presence in a wide array of musical spheres, from concert halls and churches, to coffee shops and podcasts. Their concert series, "Lattes with Lux," established an enthusiastic fan base and is currently hosted by several local, independent coffee houses around the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
A wide spectrum of musical backgrounds and tastes contributes to the group's creativity, which is reflected in their collaborative projects with other artists. In addition to presenting classical repertoire, Lux frequently collaborates with other musicians, actors, and composers to perform contemporary works, pushing boundaries of presentation, form, and aesthetic.
Dedicated to music education and instilling a love for their art in the next generation, Lux String Quartet presents at elementary schools and other music education programs. They served as quartet-in-residence at Augsburg University Suzuki Talent Education and are currently the quartet-in-residence for the Oskaloosa Music Festival.
A wide spectrum of musical backgrounds and tastes contributes to the group's creativity, which is reflected in their collaborative projects with other artists. In addition to presenting classical repertoire, Lux frequently collaborates with other musicians, actors, and composers to perform contemporary works, pushing boundaries of presentation, form, and aesthetic.
Dedicated to music education and instilling a love for their art in the next generation, Lux String Quartet presents at elementary schools and other music education programs. They served as quartet-in-residence at Augsburg University Suzuki Talent Education and are currently the quartet-in-residence for the Oskaloosa Music Festival.
January 27, 2019
Minneapolis Guitar Quartet
With profoundly moving performances expressing heart-felt intimacy to dazzling bravado, the Minneapolis Guitar Quartet has captivated audiences throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. From Bachto Piazzolla to Prince, MGQ’s eclectic programs are propelled by virtuosity and synchronization that come from decades of classical training and ensemble experience. The foursome--Joseph Hagedorn, Maja Radovanlija, Ben Kunkel and Wade Oden—build an intimate and comfortable rapport with their audiences through their engaging stage presence and good humor. “More than a guitar quartet, more than superb musicians, and more than a great chamber group,” says composer/performer Daniel Bernard Roumain. “They are ambassadors of sound, style, and substance.”
The Minneapolis Guitar Quartet’s highly varied repertoire includes their own acclaimed arrangements of music by Japanese jazz pianist Hiromi, Finnish folk musician Maria Kalaniemi, and classical composers Joaquin Rodrigo, Alberto Ginastera, and Modest Mussorgsky. Their numerous commissions include Ian Krouse’s StarWaves, an exhilarating fusion of rock and classical music based on a song by British pop/rock musician Nick Drake. MGQ’s diverse and innovative collaborations include their new program for guitar quartet with choir, programs with flamenco dancer Sachiko “La Chayí”, and a program with Chinese pipa master Gao Hong. MGQ has been heard on the nationally syndicated radio program Saint Paul Sunday, and on National Public Radio’s Performance Today and been featured on Twin Cities Public Television’s “Minnesota Original”. They have also garnered unanimous international critical acclaim from its five CDs on the Albany, GSP, and innova labels.
With profoundly moving performances expressing heart-felt intimacy to dazzling bravado, the Minneapolis Guitar Quartet has captivated audiences throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. From Bachto Piazzolla to Prince, MGQ’s eclectic programs are propelled by virtuosity and synchronization that come from decades of classical training and ensemble experience. The foursome--Joseph Hagedorn, Maja Radovanlija, Ben Kunkel and Wade Oden—build an intimate and comfortable rapport with their audiences through their engaging stage presence and good humor. “More than a guitar quartet, more than superb musicians, and more than a great chamber group,” says composer/performer Daniel Bernard Roumain. “They are ambassadors of sound, style, and substance.”
The Minneapolis Guitar Quartet’s highly varied repertoire includes their own acclaimed arrangements of music by Japanese jazz pianist Hiromi, Finnish folk musician Maria Kalaniemi, and classical composers Joaquin Rodrigo, Alberto Ginastera, and Modest Mussorgsky. Their numerous commissions include Ian Krouse’s StarWaves, an exhilarating fusion of rock and classical music based on a song by British pop/rock musician Nick Drake. MGQ’s diverse and innovative collaborations include their new program for guitar quartet with choir, programs with flamenco dancer Sachiko “La Chayí”, and a program with Chinese pipa master Gao Hong. MGQ has been heard on the nationally syndicated radio program Saint Paul Sunday, and on National Public Radio’s Performance Today and been featured on Twin Cities Public Television’s “Minnesota Original”. They have also garnered unanimous international critical acclaim from its five CDs on the Albany, GSP, and innova labels.
March 24, 2019
Since forming in 2010, Neave Trio – violinist Anna Williams, cellist Mikhail Veselov, and pianist Eri Nakamura – has earned enormous praise for its engaging, cutting-edge performances. WQXR explains, "'Neave' is actually a Gaelic name meaning 'bright' and 'radiant', both of which certainly apply to this trio's music making." The Boston Musical Intelligencer included Neave in its “Best of 2014” and “Best of 2016” roundups, writing, “it is inconceivable that they will not soon be among the busiest chamber ensembles going,” and “their unanimity, communication, variety of touch, and expressive sensibility rate first tier.”
Neave has performed at many esteemed concert series and at festivals worldwide, including Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, 92nd Street Y, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center/La Jolla Music Society, Rockport Chamber Music Festival, Norfolk and Norwich Chamber Music Series (United Kingdom), and the Samoylov and Rimsky Korsakow Museums' Chamber Music Series in St. Petersburg (Russia). The trio has also appeared frequently as soloists for Beethoven's Triple Concerto with orchestras across the country and held residency positions at Brown University, ArtsAhimsa Chamber Music Festival, San Diego State University as the first ever Fisch/Axelrod Trio‑in‑Residence, and the Banff Centre (Canada), among many other institutions. In the fall of 2017, the Trio joined the faculty of the Longy School of Music of Bard College as an Alumni Artists, Faculty Ensemble‑in‑Residence.
Neave Trio strives to champion new works by living composers and reach wider audiences through innovative concert presentations, regularly collaborating with artists of all mediums. These collaborations include performances with the Blythe Barton Dance Company; projection artist Ryan Brady; the interactive concert series “STEIN2.0,” with composer Amanuel Zarzowski; Klee Musings by acclaimed American composer Augusta Read Thomas, which was premiered by Neave; the upcoming premiere of Eric Nathan’s Missing Words V, sponsored by Coretet; and an upcoming short film based on the tango music of Astor Piazzolla.
Neave has performed at many esteemed concert series and at festivals worldwide, including Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, 92nd Street Y, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center/La Jolla Music Society, Rockport Chamber Music Festival, Norfolk and Norwich Chamber Music Series (United Kingdom), and the Samoylov and Rimsky Korsakow Museums' Chamber Music Series in St. Petersburg (Russia). The trio has also appeared frequently as soloists for Beethoven's Triple Concerto with orchestras across the country and held residency positions at Brown University, ArtsAhimsa Chamber Music Festival, San Diego State University as the first ever Fisch/Axelrod Trio‑in‑Residence, and the Banff Centre (Canada), among many other institutions. In the fall of 2017, the Trio joined the faculty of the Longy School of Music of Bard College as an Alumni Artists, Faculty Ensemble‑in‑Residence.
Neave Trio strives to champion new works by living composers and reach wider audiences through innovative concert presentations, regularly collaborating with artists of all mediums. These collaborations include performances with the Blythe Barton Dance Company; projection artist Ryan Brady; the interactive concert series “STEIN2.0,” with composer Amanuel Zarzowski; Klee Musings by acclaimed American composer Augusta Read Thomas, which was premiered by Neave; the upcoming premiere of Eric Nathan’s Missing Words V, sponsored by Coretet; and an upcoming short film based on the tango music of Astor Piazzolla.
2017-2018 SEASON
October 22, 2017
The members of the UNI Faculty Piano Quartet have vast experience as orchestral and chamber musicians, soloists, and educators. Their mission is to be an agent of change in the classical arena. "We hope to be curious about our audience, take on risk in new presentations, and bring classical music to life. We perform new and standard repertoire works in a variety of venues, from formal concerts to shows in intimate, informal, and unusual settings. We are committed to expanding the repertoire for the quartet through the commission and performance of new works."
November 19, 2017
Lumina is a professional women’s ensemble dedicated to the mystery, beauty, and hope inherent in music. Their programming draws from a rich well of musical sources, including Medieval chants, Renaissance motets, folk song traditions, and works by living and local composers. Their goal is to share the spiritual experience of music through performance, participation, and education.
Based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, they have collaborated with faith communities, schools, and choral organizations to present concerts, special church services, and educational workshops.
February 4, 2018
Unique in the classical music world due to its dedication to works for violin and cello ensemble, Duo-B is quickly earning praise for their passionate musical commitment, creative style, and original programming. Founded in 2009, violinist Hirono Sugimoto Borter and cellist Philip Lawrence Borter met at the Hochschule für Musik-Freiburg (Germany) and have since dedicated their performing careers to promoting the wealth of music for violin, cello duo. As winners of the prestigious Eastman Concerto Competition, they have performed across three continents including landmark performances in Kodak Hall at the Eastman Theater, the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., the Universität der Künste in Berlin, and Minatomirai Hall in Yokohama, Japan.
Since its inception, Duo-B has championed a diverse and broad repertoire representing music from a great variety of genres and cultures. In addition to performing rarely heard masterpieces and lesser-known works, a great emphasis is placed on the communicative power and remarkable intimacy found only in the string duo. In 2011, they gave their first concert tour in the United States, performing extensively in the Southeast and are now found frequently performing across the US and Japan.
Since its inception, Duo-B has championed a diverse and broad repertoire representing music from a great variety of genres and cultures. In addition to performing rarely heard masterpieces and lesser-known works, a great emphasis is placed on the communicative power and remarkable intimacy found only in the string duo. In 2011, they gave their first concert tour in the United States, performing extensively in the Southeast and are now found frequently performing across the US and Japan.
March 4, 2018
The WolfGang performs instrumental chamber music from the era of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Its repertory includes works from the mid 18th century when the sons of J.S. Bach were active up to the music of Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven and their contemporaries. Playing on musical instruments of the type that were used during Mozart’s life and in a style that “fits” that era, The WolfGang has been performing, recording, and touring for over 22 years. We play on classical era flute, strings, and keyboard. Like Mozart, who often played on a Viennese fortepiano by Johann Andreas Stein, Gail Olszewski, keyboardist for The WolfGang, plays a copy of a Stein fortepiano. Our three string players use violin, viola, violoncello and bows which are either from the 18th century or are carefully modeled after 18th century instruments. Flutist Paul Jacobson plays on modern replicas of flutes made by some of the great woodwind makers of the late 18th century.
April 22, 2018
Over the years, the Vogel-Tsachor Violin-Piano duo has performed many unusual and rarely performed programs. The Waverly recital will include, in addition to a Mozart sonata, Brahms’ own Violin/Piano transcription of his E flat Major Clarinet Sonata op. 120/2, as well as Vogel’s transcription of Rachmaninoff’s cello/piano sonata opus 19.