Soprano Kimberly Eileen Jones is an alum of the Ryan Opera Center with the prestigious Lyric Opera of Chicago. Her performances there include the slave girl, Margru, in the world premiere of Anthony Davis' Amistad, which was released nationally on the New World recording label. She also portrayed the feisty Olga in Fedora, Princess Xenia in Boris Godunov, and the spitfire Despina in Cosi Fan Tutte student matinee performances. With the Ryan Opera Center, she portrayed Laetitia in Menotti's Old Maid and the Thief. Additionally, she made her Grant Park Festival debut as Zerlina (Don Giovanni) and Adele (Die Fledermaus) the following season.
Kimberly performed in Houston Grand Opera's colorful production of the Magic Flute (Papagena), and reprised her role of Xenia in Boris Godunov. Also with Houston, she participated in their production of Porgy and Bess, as Clara. This tour graced the international stages of La Scala in Milan, the Bastille in Paris, and the Bunkamura in Tokyo, Japan. For her portrayal of Clara, she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress by the NAACP Awards.
She captivated audiences in her Alice Tully Hall debut with the Little Orchestra Society, in an evening of Vivaldi arias. She received rave reviews as the Composer in Mozart's Jewel Box with the Chicago Opera Theater, as well as Mahler's Second Symphony with the Madison Symphony. She has also appeared in concert with the Ravinia Festival (Bourgeois Gentilhomme), Richmond Symphony (Knoxville: Summer of 1915), and with Madison Symphony (Messiah and Christmas Pops) . Her first Carmina Burana and Haydn Creation were performed with the Rockford Symphony. She was showcased in an afternoon of arias and duets during the opening weekend of Jay Pritzker Pavilion of Millennium Park in Chicago.
She was selected by Maestro Bruno Bartoletti, Lyric Opera's former Artistic Director, to appear with the Orchestra della Toscana in Florence, La Spezia and Piombino. She was one of four opera center artists showcased in a series of concerts at the Chatelet in Paris, France.
She has received a George London grant, Sullivan grant, and a Licia Albanese Encouragement grant. She has been nominated for the Richard Tucker grant, received three grants from the MacAllister Awards competition, and was awarded the Richard Gold Career Grant from the Lyric Opera of Chicago. She is a Union League Civic and Arts Foundation (now Luminarts) prize winner . At the recommendation from Ardis Krainik, she was presented in Opera's Now magazine's "Who's Hot in Opera".
She has performed the Philip Glass Symphony #5 at the Gewandhaus in Leipzig, Germany, and with the Stuttgart and Danish Radio Symphonies in Germany and Copenhagen. She has performed four times at the Chicago Cultural Center in Preston Bradley Hall, including a WFMT radio broadcast of the Dame Myra Hess concert, and a Negro Spirituals concert with award winning actress, Irma P. Hall.
She made her Connecticut Opera debut as Fiordigili in Cosi Fan Tutte. With Lyric Opera in the Neighborhoods, she has portrayed the title role of Cenerentola, and twice the role of Rosina (Barber of Seville). She has performed a Christmas Pops concert with DuPage Symphony and Messiahs with New Buffalo and Michigan City Symphonies. With Ryan Center of Lyric Opera of Chicago, she has been featured three times in Meet the Artist, presenting a musical program to Chicago area schools, sharing her life as an operatic artist.
Kimberly returned to Mandel Hall singing Vaughn Williams' Sea Symphony under the baton of Barbara Schubert, which was followed by her first Mendelssohn's Psalm 42 in Glenview and Haydn Lord Nelson Mass excerpts. She has participated in several Lyric Opera Chapters concerts around the Chicago and suburban areas. She made her Grand Rapids Symphony debut with Maestro David Lockington in Handel's Messiah, as well as with the North Shore Choral Society. In the Brahms Requiem she was the soprano soloist at Mandel Hall, which was followed by a pops concert in Park Ridge . She repeated her performances of Mozart's Exultate Jubilate, Requiem and Regina Coeli with the Elmhurst Chorale.
She is recurring artist with the Michigan City Chamber Music Festival. She performed with international bass, Andrea Silvestrelli, in Barrington Hills. She returned to Rockefeller Chapel presenting more Bach selections and has been a recurring soprano soloist in Handel's Messiah . She was the soprano soloist in Bruckner's Mass with Elmhurst Choral Union. She returned to Elmhurst Choral Union, singing arias and duets. With South Bend Symphony, she performed in her first Britten War Requiem. Shortly after she sang the soprano solos in her first Verdi Requiem with Chicago Community Chorus.
She was very excited to debut in Singapore with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra in an evening of Porgy and Bess excerpts and spirituals, and a video. She has recently joined with fellow sopranos Leila Bowie and Marisa Buchheit, forming the soprano trio group, called simply, "Tres Belle".
Recent engagements include Carmina Burana with the Chicago Sinfonietta, Beethoven Mass in C with the DePaul Community Chorus. She was showcased in Andrew Previn's masterpiece Honey and Rue at South Shore Opera. She was in the ensemble of Chicago Opera Theater's production of Coffin in Egypt, with legendary mezzo Frederique Von Stade.
She has been a returning guest with Yachatz Festival in Yachatz, Oregon. She performed Porgy and Bess excerpts with the Northwest Indiana Symphony and that concert was repeated this fall. Last winter she returned to Elmhust Choral singing the Respighi's Holy Nativity solos, and was showcased in the Christmas Pops concerts with South Bend Symphony for Maestro Tsung Yeh's retiring season.
She performed with DePaul again in their spring concert, singing several music theatre and Purcell favorites. One of Kimberly's favorite past times is periodically singing the National Anthem for the fabulous Chicago Bulls and was chosen to perform the Anthem for the opening night game for the Chicago Sky WNBA team. Other recent engagements include a Porgy and Bess concert with the New Philharmonic and the title role of The Fairy Queen with Chicago Opera Theater, repeated with Long Beach Opera this past January.
Upcoming engagements include the world premiere of Stewart Copeland's Invention of Morel with Chicago Opera Theater as Dora, Dvorak Symphony with Fox Valley Symphony, and Midsummer Nights' Dream with Fort Wayne Symphony.
Miss Jones is on the voice faculty at Columbia College and Merit School of Music.
Oak Park-based tenor Bradley Schuller is known around town as being the founder and Artistic Director for Verismo Opera Theater, which from 2010-2014 produced many critically acclaimed operas such as La Boheme, Magic Flute, and La Traviata. Verismo Opera Theater also produced other well-attended concerts and performances in different locations around Oak Park. As a producer, Bradley had an entire page review in the March 2011 edition of Time Out Chicago magazine, and was also featured in The Huffington Post, as well as other local publications.
As a performer, Mr. Schuller has sung over 3 dozen operatic tenor roles - across the Midwest, in Colorado, in Germany and Italy. Favorites include leading roles in Puccini’s La Boheme, Madama Butterfly, Verdi’s La Traviata, Rigoletto, as well as other popular operas such as Carmen, I Pagliacci, The Magic Flute, Tales of Hoffmann, Elixir of Love, Die Fledermaus among others. In addition to operas, Bradley has soloed in over a dozen Oratorio and Orchestral works such as Beethoven’s 9th symphony, Rossini’s Stabat Mater, Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde, Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem, and also in 2016 singing his first Verdi Requiem here in Oak Park.
As a performer, Mr. Schuller has sung over 3 dozen operatic tenor roles - across the Midwest, in Colorado, in Germany and Italy. Favorites include leading roles in Puccini’s La Boheme, Madama Butterfly, Verdi’s La Traviata, Rigoletto, as well as other popular operas such as Carmen, I Pagliacci, The Magic Flute, Tales of Hoffmann, Elixir of Love, Die Fledermaus among others. In addition to operas, Bradley has soloed in over a dozen Oratorio and Orchestral works such as Beethoven’s 9th symphony, Rossini’s Stabat Mater, Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde, Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem, and also in 2016 singing his first Verdi Requiem here in Oak Park.
Timothy Archbold, a talented Australian cellist, performs with with his wife Karen Archbold, a mezzo-soprano and flutist.They perform classical repertoire with a special emphasis on contemporary and indigenous Australian music.
Timothy Archbold is a freelance cellist in the Chicago area. He currently performs with several area orchestras including the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and as assistant principle cellist in the Northwest Indiana Symphony. He is adjunct cello professor at Bradley University. Timothy grew up in Regional Australia. He received his bachelors degree from University of Melbourne. He then went on to complete an Artists Diploma at the Hochschule fur Kunste in Bremen, Germany and his masters degree at Wichita State University.
Karen Archbold studied classical voice at the Hochshchule fur Kunste in Bremen, Germany. While there she performed Beethoven Ninth's Symphony with the Bremerhaven Orchestra, Lili Boulanger's Psalm 130, and Rutter's Magnificat with the Hochschule's Orchestra. Other solo performances include Verdi's Reqiuem with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and Mid-Kansas Symphony and Mahler's Kindertotenlieder with the MasterWorks Festival Orchestra London. Karen was a member of the Wichita Grand Opera's Young Artist Program. She has sung the roles of Berthe from Barber of Seville and Buttercup from HMS Pinafore.
Connor Cornelius is a company dancer and choreographer for Cerqua Rivera Dance Theater and also a dancer with Project Bound. This spring, Connor was selected as one of four choreographers for Dance Chance Redux: 6.0. This winter, she was selected as one of ten finalists for Met Dance’s Emerging Choreographer competition. This fall, Connor was selected as one of four Chicago-based choreographers for DanceWorks Chicago’s DanceMoves choreography competition. Connor's work has also been commissioned for MOMENTA, BRAVO-the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, OPRF Orchesis, Trinity Choir and among others.
Timothy Archbold is a freelance cellist in the Chicago area. He currently performs with several area orchestras including the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and as assistant principle cellist in the Northwest Indiana Symphony. He is adjunct cello professor at Bradley University. Timothy grew up in Regional Australia. He received his bachelors degree from University of Melbourne. He then went on to complete an Artists Diploma at the Hochschule fur Kunste in Bremen, Germany and his masters degree at Wichita State University.
Karen Archbold studied classical voice at the Hochshchule fur Kunste in Bremen, Germany. While there she performed Beethoven Ninth's Symphony with the Bremerhaven Orchestra, Lili Boulanger's Psalm 130, and Rutter's Magnificat with the Hochschule's Orchestra. Other solo performances include Verdi's Reqiuem with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and Mid-Kansas Symphony and Mahler's Kindertotenlieder with the MasterWorks Festival Orchestra London. Karen was a member of the Wichita Grand Opera's Young Artist Program. She has sung the roles of Berthe from Barber of Seville and Buttercup from HMS Pinafore.
Connor Cornelius is a company dancer and choreographer for Cerqua Rivera Dance Theater and also a dancer with Project Bound. This spring, Connor was selected as one of four choreographers for Dance Chance Redux: 6.0. This winter, she was selected as one of ten finalists for Met Dance’s Emerging Choreographer competition. This fall, Connor was selected as one of four Chicago-based choreographers for DanceWorks Chicago’s DanceMoves choreography competition. Connor's work has also been commissioned for MOMENTA, BRAVO-the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, OPRF Orchesis, Trinity Choir and among others.
Hailed by Sérgio Assad as “…an expressive guitarist with a great sense of rhythm and tone colors,” Matthew Fish is an accomplished soloist, chamber musician, and teacher. He has participated in numerous competitions throughout the United States and earned top prizes, including First Prize at the Sierra Nevada International Guitar Competition.
Matthew has performed throughout the United States, playing at such venues as the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, the Davis Arts Center, and the Firehouse Arts Center, and has been a featured artist for the South Bay Guitar Society, Walnut Creek Guitar Series, Sierra Nevada Guitar Festival, the Classical Guitar Project, Hot Air Music Festival, and the Guitar Foundation of America Regional Symposium in San Francisco.
Matthew's debut recording, From Her Source to the Sea, features numerous world premieres of the music of Swedish guitarist and composer Johannes Möller.
Matthew received his Bachelor’s of Music Degree from CSU, Chico where he studied with guitarist Tobin Roye. He later went on to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music to study with Latin Grammy award-winning guitarist/composer Sérgio Assad, where he received his Master’s of Music Degree in 2012.
Matthew plays a Kenny Hill Signature Model guitar.
Matthew has performed throughout the United States, playing at such venues as the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, the Davis Arts Center, and the Firehouse Arts Center, and has been a featured artist for the South Bay Guitar Society, Walnut Creek Guitar Series, Sierra Nevada Guitar Festival, the Classical Guitar Project, Hot Air Music Festival, and the Guitar Foundation of America Regional Symposium in San Francisco.
Matthew's debut recording, From Her Source to the Sea, features numerous world premieres of the music of Swedish guitarist and composer Johannes Möller.
Matthew received his Bachelor’s of Music Degree from CSU, Chico where he studied with guitarist Tobin Roye. He later went on to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music to study with Latin Grammy award-winning guitarist/composer Sérgio Assad, where he received his Master’s of Music Degree in 2012.
Matthew plays a Kenny Hill Signature Model guitar.
The Living Room Players are a chamber music collective dedicated to making great chamber music available to broad audiences in unconventional settings. Bassoonist Damian Antipa of Oak Park has performed extensively with orchestras in California, Connecticut, and Illinois and in collaboration with three colleagues at the Hartt School, won the school’s 2014 Concerto Competition performing Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante. Mr. Antipa has most recently been a member of the Chicago Composer’s Orchestra and Chicago Symphonic Winds. Juliet Dawson is a Chicago-based violist/violinist who has been passionate about string music ever since she was tricked into playing the viola at age 11. As a soloist, Juliet debuted with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra in 2007. More recently she performed with the Hartt Symphony Orchestra as a winner of the 2012 Paranov Concerto Competition, performing the first viola concerto in over a decade of the competition's history. She has played with many regional orchestras in Michigan, Connecticut, and Illinois, such as the Midland Orchestra, Jackson Symphony Orchestra, Grand Rapids Chamber Orchestra, Battle Creek Orchestra, Dearborn Symphony Orchestra, Wallingford Orchestra, Waterford Orchestra, and the Nutmeg Orchestra. She is currently a member of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra.
Violinist Daniela Bisenius
Daniela Bisenius was born in in Bucharest, Romania. Her parents, both professional pianists, started her on violin at the age of five. She attended Music School George Enescu where she began studying with Dinu Cristea and later with Valeriu Rogacev. She performed with her father and brother in Germany as a teen with major symphony orchestras and major opera houses. At 19, she won the position with the Staatsphilharmonie Ludwigshafen making her the youngest person ever to win a position with that orchestra.She performed with Frankfurter Opera, Munick Philharmonic, Bayerisches Rundfunk and RTL Luxembourg. She continued her studies at the Musikhochschule Saarbrucken where she studied with Russian teacher Valerie Gradov. She also attended Violin Master Classes in Nice, France with Henrick Szering and Gerarld Poulet. In 1988 she came to US, where she was awarded full scholarship to University of Iowa and studied with Prof. Leopold La Fosse. Here she appeared in a televised Master Class with Issac Stern. She then performed as an orchestra member with many professional orchestras including Naples Philharmonic, Phoenix Symphony, Lyrics Opera of Chicago.
Daniela has shared the stage with many great stars over the years such as Natalie Cole, Luther Vandross, Smoky Robinson and Kurt Elling. In 2010 Daniela played fiddle in the sold out musical Always Patsy Cline, one of the four-piece band members known as “The Bodacious Bobcats”
She lives and teaches in Naperville, Ill.
Website: http://www.diarteentertainment.com
Don Stille, jazz pianist and accordionist recently celebrated his 70th birthday. Born in St. Louis, Missouri Don began formal music instruction at the age of 5. Soon after, he expanded his musical palette by including studies in piano performance and composition. Since then he has gone on to perform throughout the country with a long list of nationally and internationally acclaimed jazz artists, among them: Clark Terry, Red Holloway, Roy Hargrove, Doc Severinsen, Lew Soloff, Harry Connick Jr., The New York Voices, Peter Erskine, Claudio Roditi, , Dr. Billy Taylor, Marian McPartland, Taj Mahal and Chuck Berry.
Some achievements include: being proclaimed the Mainstream Jazz Pianist of the Year by the Twin Cities Jazz Society in Minnesota; house pianist and accordionist and often-featured jazz artist on National Public Radio’s “First House on the Right" (broadcast weekly across the country. Don is currently a member of the Artist-Ensemble-in-Residence at the University of Chicago.
Some achievements include: being proclaimed the Mainstream Jazz Pianist of the Year by the Twin Cities Jazz Society in Minnesota; house pianist and accordionist and often-featured jazz artist on National Public Radio’s “First House on the Right" (broadcast weekly across the country. Don is currently a member of the Artist-Ensemble-in-Residence at the University of Chicago.
Christine Steyer has distinguished herself as artist of great versatility. She was a recent winner of six national awards including The American Prize in Art Song and The Johnny Mercer Award. Steyer has received acclaim for her operatic portrayals of the Marschallin from Der Rosenkavalier, the title role in Madama Butterfly and Violetta in La Traviata. Other roles include Pamina in The Magic Flute and Frasquita in Carmen. She has performed roles with Lyric Opera of Chicago in Street Scene, Sweeney Todd, Cunning Little Vixen and Manon Lescaut. Steyer’s concert engagements include the Poulenc Gloria, the Brahms Requiem, Carmina Burana and Beethoven's 9th. A frequent recitalist, Steyer sang concerts of Russian and American music with pianist Philip Morehead. Steyer is also the Artistic director of Bellissima Opera and is currently heading The Transcendence Triptych project – an operatic celebration of individuals who transcended the racial divide. She has performed for 17,800 schoolchildren with Bellissima Opera Outreach, an organization she founded in 2009. She can be heard on the CD “Caroline Myss' Voices of the Sacred”. A proponent of new vocal works, she has also collaborated on and premiered several new songs for soprano. Her first book Six Songs for Soprano has just been published. Steyer teaches voice in Oak Park. www.christinesteyer.com
Marta Johnson Lettofsky is active as a music director, pianist and vocal coach in the Chicago area. Marta has conducted for Light Opera Works, Chicago Folks Operetta, Chamber Opera Chicago, and Opera Up Close with Governor’s State University and she has been the rehearsal accompanist for Grant Park Festival Chorus and Music of the Baroque. Marta is the Music Director at Emerald City Theatre, the pianist for the Lyric Opera’s OperaKids program, and she spent five years as music director for Chicago Opera Theater for Teens, sponsored by COT and After School Matters. Recently, she has created the Musician’s Mastermind, a program for entrepreneurial exploration, and she teaches workshops on performance anxiety.
David Shenton is a NYC-based pianist, violinist, composer and arranger. As pianist/musical director David has collaborated with leading figures in the music industry including Tony Bennett, Renée Fleming, Vanessa Williams, Zach Levi, Sierra Boggess, Alfie Bøe, Liz Callaway, André Previn, Michael Feinstein, Amanda McBroom, Katie Couric and many others. David is one third of the popular musical group O Sole Trio, which tours extensively. David is a member of the BMI Musical Theater Workshop and has written five musicals as well as hundreds of original compositions. Born in Rotherham, England, David studied violin and piano at The Royal College of Music, graduating with the highest honors. He is composing the three operas of The Transcendence Triptych for Bellissima Opera. www.ShentonMusic.com
Marta Johnson Lettofsky is active as a music director, pianist and vocal coach in the Chicago area. Marta has conducted for Light Opera Works, Chicago Folks Operetta, Chamber Opera Chicago, and Opera Up Close with Governor’s State University and she has been the rehearsal accompanist for Grant Park Festival Chorus and Music of the Baroque. Marta is the Music Director at Emerald City Theatre, the pianist for the Lyric Opera’s OperaKids program, and she spent five years as music director for Chicago Opera Theater for Teens, sponsored by COT and After School Matters. Recently, she has created the Musician’s Mastermind, a program for entrepreneurial exploration, and she teaches workshops on performance anxiety.
David Shenton is a NYC-based pianist, violinist, composer and arranger. As pianist/musical director David has collaborated with leading figures in the music industry including Tony Bennett, Renée Fleming, Vanessa Williams, Zach Levi, Sierra Boggess, Alfie Bøe, Liz Callaway, André Previn, Michael Feinstein, Amanda McBroom, Katie Couric and many others. David is one third of the popular musical group O Sole Trio, which tours extensively. David is a member of the BMI Musical Theater Workshop and has written five musicals as well as hundreds of original compositions. Born in Rotherham, England, David studied violin and piano at The Royal College of Music, graduating with the highest honors. He is composing the three operas of The Transcendence Triptych for Bellissima Opera. www.ShentonMusic.com
Bobby Schiff
Pianist, Arranger, Composer, Conductor, Producer
On the Chicago and Los Angeles music scenes for over 45 years, Bobby Schiff has led orchestras and bands, performed on piano and keyboards, directed, composed and arranged for and with the best. Mel Torme, Peggy Lee, Johnny Hartman, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank D’Rone, Barbara McNair, The Arbors and Bobby Rydell and Wayne Newton are just a few of the premiere entertainers and musicians he's worked with in the U.S. and internationally.
Bobby Schiff has been playing piano and keyboards professionally since he was in high school. His classical training in piano performance and composition began at age five. As a youngster, he worked several years at Universal Recording Studios in Chicago, honing his skills in the music production and publishing business. Throughout the 70's, his award winning commercial music business served such clients as Kimberly-Clark, Sesame Street, McDonald's, John Deere, Sears, Kraft and Hallmark. Several years in Los Angeles provided feature film and television opportunities in composing and arranging. Playing in L.A. record studio recording sessions with such greats as Marvin Hamlisch and Jerry Goldsmith, kept up his performance "chops".
A true music professional, Bobby has served for many years as a National Trustee and National Vice-President of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (The Grammy's). He is currently serving as Vice President of the Association of Professional Orchestra Leaders. He also maintains his memberships in ASCAP and ASMA.
For the past three years Bobby has been Music Director for the Women of Southport Jazz Festival in Chicago. He leads several of his own successful events bands; Phoenix, The Bobby Schiff Band and the Bobby Schiff Jazz Trio.
Bobby is also a recent recipient of the Dal Segno Award, a recognition from his colleagues and peers for his contributions to the field of music, music production and being an inspiration in all the areas of his endeavors.
Pianist, Arranger, Composer, Conductor, Producer
On the Chicago and Los Angeles music scenes for over 45 years, Bobby Schiff has led orchestras and bands, performed on piano and keyboards, directed, composed and arranged for and with the best. Mel Torme, Peggy Lee, Johnny Hartman, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank D’Rone, Barbara McNair, The Arbors and Bobby Rydell and Wayne Newton are just a few of the premiere entertainers and musicians he's worked with in the U.S. and internationally.
Bobby Schiff has been playing piano and keyboards professionally since he was in high school. His classical training in piano performance and composition began at age five. As a youngster, he worked several years at Universal Recording Studios in Chicago, honing his skills in the music production and publishing business. Throughout the 70's, his award winning commercial music business served such clients as Kimberly-Clark, Sesame Street, McDonald's, John Deere, Sears, Kraft and Hallmark. Several years in Los Angeles provided feature film and television opportunities in composing and arranging. Playing in L.A. record studio recording sessions with such greats as Marvin Hamlisch and Jerry Goldsmith, kept up his performance "chops".
A true music professional, Bobby has served for many years as a National Trustee and National Vice-President of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (The Grammy's). He is currently serving as Vice President of the Association of Professional Orchestra Leaders. He also maintains his memberships in ASCAP and ASMA.
For the past three years Bobby has been Music Director for the Women of Southport Jazz Festival in Chicago. He leads several of his own successful events bands; Phoenix, The Bobby Schiff Band and the Bobby Schiff Jazz Trio.
Bobby is also a recent recipient of the Dal Segno Award, a recognition from his colleagues and peers for his contributions to the field of music, music production and being an inspiration in all the areas of his endeavors.
Soprano Erica Schuller Praised for her lively personality, abundant charm, and luscious vocalism (Chicago Tribune), soprano Erica Schuller is a versatile performer, bringing committed artistry to a broad musical repertory. Her particular affinity for Baroque repertoire has brought her increasing attention from some of the country's best Early Music ensembles. Upcoming engagements include roles with The Haymarket Opera Company, Opera Siam and Skylight Music Theatre, and concert appearances with Bella Voce Ensemble and Great Lakes Baroque.In addition to her work on the opera stage, Ms. Schuller has performed as a soloist with the San Francisco Bach Choir, The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, Second City Musick Baroque Ensemble and Ensemble Musical Offering. Additional operatic highlights include Arminda in Handel’s Rinaldo, Pamina in Mozart’s Magic Flute, Belinda in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, and Amor in Cavalli’s L’Egisto, Noémie in Massenet’s Cendrillon, Euridice in Rossi’s L’Orfeo, Axinia in Boris Goudenow by Johann Mattheson, and Lazuli in Chabrier’s L’Étoile. She can be heard as Marte in Duron’s Salir el Amor del Mundo, recorded with Richard Savino and El Mundo, and on The Boston Early Music Festival's Grammy-nominated recording of Lully’s opera Psyché.
Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Ms. Schuller received her Master of Music Degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and her Bachelor of Music Degree from the Eastman School of Music. She currently lives and teaches in Chicago.
Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Ms. Schuller received her Master of Music Degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and her Bachelor of Music Degree from the Eastman School of Music. She currently lives and teaches in Chicago.
Brandon J. Acker is a highly sought out soloist, collaborator and lecturer on the classical guitar and renaissance lute. Notable achievements include: 1st Prize in the 2010 Society of American Musician’s competition; Performance degrees from both DePaul and Northwestern; An England tour with Chamber Opera Chicago; Premiering works and arrangements on WDRT 91.9FM; and a recently finished debut classical CD. “Franz Schubert: A Wanderer’s Guitar” is a recording collaboration with baritone Ryan de Ryke exploring the once common practice in 19th century Viennese culture of performing Schubert lieder with guitar instead of piano. Brandon’s passion for opera has also led him to the study of continuo on the Baroque guitar and has performed with opera theaters as well as the Bach and Beethoven Ensemble and the Amadeus Consort. Internationally acclaimed guitarist Jason Vieaux referred to his playing as possessing a “Beautiful sound and a really nice touch on the instrument.”
Steve Vazquez began his classical guitar studies under Steve Suvada at William Rainey Harper College. He went on for further study with Mark Maxwell at DePaul University (B.M. ‘91) and Anne Waller at Northwestern University (M.M. ‘94). These great study opportunities and hard work allowed him to play in Master classes for Sergio and Odair Assad, Oscar Ghiglia, Stepan Rak, Paul O’Dette, David Starobin, Dusan Bogdanovic and more.Fresh out of grad school, Steve was a Chicago Artists International Program award recipient. This allowed him to study with the groundbreaking, great Czech guitarist/composer, Stepan Rak in Prague. Steve has since performed throughout the Midwest and Chicago area with The Chicago Guitar Quartet, Chicago Guitar Camerata, Ensemble Español, and in duo with Chicago virtuoso guitarist, Brian Torosian, plus many other solo and chamber performances. His diverse classical repertoire spans from music of the Renaissance to modern works, including his own compositions. Steve is also currently rocking with his indie/underground band Blue Eyed Jesus and has played with Woolworthy, Thing 3, and more.
Samuel "Savoirfaire" Williams is a Living Chicago Urban Legend { Classically trained professional – Occupation -( Jazz Violinist ) Jazz is an American Musical Art form based on Chord progressions derived from Early 20th Century American Popular music , specifically the period between 1915 – 1950 . At the age of 5 years old as part of a special group of Suzuki Violin child prodigies of Betty Haag . Samuel performed for the first time at Chicago ’s Orchestra Hall . This performance was part of a Public Television Broadcast . This became an Annual event that has span over 35 yrs ,of which Samuel performed with this group for five years . Samuel continued study of the Violin attending The Merit Music School participating in various curriculum offerings Music theory , Youth Orchestras ( CYS, CYSO , Protégé ,All City , All State ) and Private Violin instruction from Joseph Williams in the Traditional Method .Having exhibited a high level of proficiency on the Violin and strong leadership skills Samuel was invited by Conductor Frank Winkler to lead the principal desk for the Viola Section for the City Youth String ensemble at the age of 16 . Samuel went on to receive the Merit Music Grant to study Classical Viola with Edward Adelson for a Summer at Interlochen Music Camp . It was at Interlochen that Samuel sat in with Milt Jackson at a Jazz Workshop and after speaking with Mr. Jackson changed his musical focus to Jazz Violin. After several years of struggling to find his voice in Jazz . Samuel met Wynton Marsalis while working as an Andy Fran at Symphony Center and after performing for him and mentioning his desire to become a Professional Jazz Violinist , Mr. Marsalis instructed him to study with Jazz Violin Legend Johnny Frigo .Mr. Frigo was not interested in Teaching but mentored Samuel in the Jazz Tradition of allowing Samuel to sit in with him at his local performances.During this period Samuel began Classical Violin study with Violinist and Composer Harold Geller who was a Violin pupil of Ivan Galamian .Samuel continued his Classical training with Richard Ferrin Principal Violist for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra . To pay for his lessons Samuel " Busked " on the streets of Chicago and while busking Legendary Jazz Guitar Great Kenny Burrell invited Samuel to work on a Professional Bebop Performance at the Jazz Showcase with Willie Pickens and Larry Grey . In the year 2000 Samuel was voted into the Chicago Chapter of the elite jazz organization AACM for exhibiting an exemplary musical flexibility leading to Samuel being referred to as Savoirfaire . After releasing three independent Albums of Live recordings , Savoirfaire was discovered by Bob Koester owner of Delmark Records and has received critical acclaim internationally for his album “Running Out Of Time"(Delmark 562) . Savoirfaire continues to perform with his group Savoirfaire Jazz Quartet and has been invited to record for numerous albums and International Jazz Festivals worldwide most notably as a session string player for Otis Clay , R Kelly . In 2005 Samuel was personally invited to play an extra role as principal violinist with his quartet "Renascent Strings" in the movie "Proof " (05)with Gwenyth Paltrow and Anthony Hopkins a first in the history of American film making .Savoirfaire continues to trail blaze as a composer , producer and arranger breaking down industry barriers by integrating contemporary Jazz with other forms of music such as Hip Hop , Rock , and World Music.
Marcus Dunleavy has performed professionally as a solo and ensemble guitarist for the past 20 years. He has been a featured artist the Chicago Latino
Music Festival and at many venues throughout Chicago and abroad including The Chicago Cultural Center, Old Town School of Folk Music, the Auditorium
Theater, the Skokie Center for the Performing Arts, the and SGI’s Ikeda Auditorium. As a session player, Dunleavy’s guitar is featured on the debut
album of 2010’s American Idol winner Lee Dewyze.
In December 2006, Dunleavy self-produced and released his third CD Emerge, which features his original compositions as well those of his mentors Sergio
Assad and Leo Brouwer. In January 2011, Emerge was featured on Chicago’s classical music station WFMT and has drawn praise from legendary Jazz Fusion
pioneer Larry Coryell:
“The young master’s sound is advanced beyond his years…..With beautiful technique and a deep and spiritual heart, Marcus shows us the way of
the new generation of classical guitarists—a way of romance, of technique in service of the musical message, and in an artistic bent that is at once
sentimental and proud.”
In August 2011, Dunleavy played along side of Grammy winning Bandoneon legend Raul Juarena for the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs summer opera
production of Piazzolla’s Maria de Buenos Aires.
In July 2008 Dunleavy was the recipient of a Fulbright grant which supported his invitation by the National School of the Arts in San Salvador and the
U.S. Embassy to Headline the school’s guitar festival.
As a result of his residency at the National School of the Arts, Dunleavy received an Honorary Professorship from the school.
At that 2008 festival Dunleavy released his fourth self-produced CD Two To Tango, which features himself and Cuban violinist Cristian Blanco performing
the music of Astor Piazzolla.
While pursuing his Bachelor of Classical Guitar Studies at Chicago College of the Performing Arts, Dunleavy studied guitar under local classical guitar
master Paul Henry. During that time, he also attended the master classes of many of today’s leading guitar figures including Oscar Ghiglia, Sharon
Isbin, and William Kanengiser. While studying in Cordoba, Spain, Dunleavy has participated in master classes with Jazz fusion guitarist Larry Coryell
as well as classical guitar greats Manual Barrueco, David Russell, Pepe Romero, Odair Assad and composer Leo Brouwer.
Music Festival and at many venues throughout Chicago and abroad including The Chicago Cultural Center, Old Town School of Folk Music, the Auditorium
Theater, the Skokie Center for the Performing Arts, the and SGI’s Ikeda Auditorium. As a session player, Dunleavy’s guitar is featured on the debut
album of 2010’s American Idol winner Lee Dewyze.
In December 2006, Dunleavy self-produced and released his third CD Emerge, which features his original compositions as well those of his mentors Sergio
Assad and Leo Brouwer. In January 2011, Emerge was featured on Chicago’s classical music station WFMT and has drawn praise from legendary Jazz Fusion
pioneer Larry Coryell:
“The young master’s sound is advanced beyond his years…..With beautiful technique and a deep and spiritual heart, Marcus shows us the way of
the new generation of classical guitarists—a way of romance, of technique in service of the musical message, and in an artistic bent that is at once
sentimental and proud.”
In August 2011, Dunleavy played along side of Grammy winning Bandoneon legend Raul Juarena for the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs summer opera
production of Piazzolla’s Maria de Buenos Aires.
In July 2008 Dunleavy was the recipient of a Fulbright grant which supported his invitation by the National School of the Arts in San Salvador and the
U.S. Embassy to Headline the school’s guitar festival.
As a result of his residency at the National School of the Arts, Dunleavy received an Honorary Professorship from the school.
At that 2008 festival Dunleavy released his fourth self-produced CD Two To Tango, which features himself and Cuban violinist Cristian Blanco performing
the music of Astor Piazzolla.
While pursuing his Bachelor of Classical Guitar Studies at Chicago College of the Performing Arts, Dunleavy studied guitar under local classical guitar
master Paul Henry. During that time, he also attended the master classes of many of today’s leading guitar figures including Oscar Ghiglia, Sharon
Isbin, and William Kanengiser. While studying in Cordoba, Spain, Dunleavy has participated in master classes with Jazz fusion guitarist Larry Coryell
as well as classical guitar greats Manual Barrueco, David Russell, Pepe Romero, Odair Assad and composer Leo Brouwer.
Duo Tandem
Necati Emirzade and Mark Anderson
Most musicians would not board an airplane simply to go to a rehearsal, but international travel is just part of everyday life for Duo Tandem. Having already established themselves as virtuoso solo performers, Necati Emirzade and Mark Andersonformed Duo Tandem while studying at the prestigious San Francisco Conservatory of Music. What they discovered working together in San Francisco was a shared artistic vision that was worth continuing to pursue even after Mark moved to Chicago and Necati moved to London.
Music can serve many purposes for Duo Tandem and that is reflected in their diverse repertoire selection. Performances include music ranging from the joyful to the experiential. The bottom line is that the music must be meaningful; Necati and Markseek to delight, excite and intrigue. Having now performed throughout the US, in the UK, and in Cyprus, Duo Tandem has been acclaimed as ‘Magical’ (Marc Teicholz) and praised for their ‘beautiful articulations, rhythm, and timing’ (Larry Ferrara).
Duo Tandem is getting ready to release their first album Sans Paroles in April 2015. Sans Paroles (without words) includes recordings of some tangos and choros (the very music Necati and Mark first played as a duo) as well as music written for them by their friends Grant Ferris and David Gottlieb. Also working towards the future, Duo Tandem is writing and arranging more of their own music as well as preparing to premier a new piece written for them by João Luiz.
Necati Emirzade and Mark Anderson
Most musicians would not board an airplane simply to go to a rehearsal, but international travel is just part of everyday life for Duo Tandem. Having already established themselves as virtuoso solo performers, Necati Emirzade and Mark Andersonformed Duo Tandem while studying at the prestigious San Francisco Conservatory of Music. What they discovered working together in San Francisco was a shared artistic vision that was worth continuing to pursue even after Mark moved to Chicago and Necati moved to London.
Music can serve many purposes for Duo Tandem and that is reflected in their diverse repertoire selection. Performances include music ranging from the joyful to the experiential. The bottom line is that the music must be meaningful; Necati and Markseek to delight, excite and intrigue. Having now performed throughout the US, in the UK, and in Cyprus, Duo Tandem has been acclaimed as ‘Magical’ (Marc Teicholz) and praised for their ‘beautiful articulations, rhythm, and timing’ (Larry Ferrara).
Duo Tandem is getting ready to release their first album Sans Paroles in April 2015. Sans Paroles (without words) includes recordings of some tangos and choros (the very music Necati and Mark first played as a duo) as well as music written for them by their friends Grant Ferris and David Gottlieb. Also working towards the future, Duo Tandem is writing and arranging more of their own music as well as preparing to premier a new piece written for them by João Luiz.
Avanti Guitar TrioThomas Clippert savors the wide variety of music available for the guitar, from the early Renaissance to the present day. He has appeared with a variety of ensembles including L’Opera Piccola, Heartland Voices, CUBE, Northwest Chicago String Quartet, Northwest Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Chicago New Music Ensemble. Tom has performed for noted events such as the Music Institute of Chicago’s George Crumb Project and the Chicago Humanities Festival. Tom has enjoyed several opportunities as an artist in residence, including Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario and Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. Tom is a graduate of the Yale School of Music where he studied with Benjamin Verdery and was awarded the Eliot Fisk Guitar Prize. Tom serves on the faculties of Oakton Community College and the Chicago High School for the Arts.
Jeffrey Gabriel Silva began studying classical guitar at the Merit School of Music and thereafter received a BM degree from DePaul University, majoring in classical guitar and composition with Mark Maxwell and Juan Campoverde, respectively. He is a recent graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music where he studied composition with Mara Helmuth, Michael Fiday, and Joel Hoffman. Mr. Silva has also participated in numerous summer festivals as a classical guitarist and/or composer including the Domaine Forget Summer Academy, Mount Orford Summer Electronic Music Workshop, and June in Buffalo. Jeff is currently a faculty member at Wilbur Wright College and the Chicago High School for the Arts. Website: www.jeffreysilva.com
Julie Goldberg named Guitarist of the year by Classical Guitar Alive, an internationally-broadcast radio program, is the first guitarist to receive a doctorate in music performance from Northwestern University, and also holds degrees from the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University and the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. Julie serves on the faculty of North Park University in Chicago. As Assistant Professor of Guitar at VanderCook college of music since 1997 Dr. Goldberg directs the Chicago Community Classical Guitar Ensemble, and performs regularly as a soloist and chamber musician throughout the U.S. Her debut CD, Dulce, has been released on the Sweet Pickle Music Label and is available at www.cdbaby.com. Website: www.juliegoldberg.com
Jeffrey Gabriel Silva began studying classical guitar at the Merit School of Music and thereafter received a BM degree from DePaul University, majoring in classical guitar and composition with Mark Maxwell and Juan Campoverde, respectively. He is a recent graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music where he studied composition with Mara Helmuth, Michael Fiday, and Joel Hoffman. Mr. Silva has also participated in numerous summer festivals as a classical guitarist and/or composer including the Domaine Forget Summer Academy, Mount Orford Summer Electronic Music Workshop, and June in Buffalo. Jeff is currently a faculty member at Wilbur Wright College and the Chicago High School for the Arts. Website: www.jeffreysilva.com
Julie Goldberg named Guitarist of the year by Classical Guitar Alive, an internationally-broadcast radio program, is the first guitarist to receive a doctorate in music performance from Northwestern University, and also holds degrees from the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University and the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. Julie serves on the faculty of North Park University in Chicago. As Assistant Professor of Guitar at VanderCook college of music since 1997 Dr. Goldberg directs the Chicago Community Classical Guitar Ensemble, and performs regularly as a soloist and chamber musician throughout the U.S. Her debut CD, Dulce, has been released on the Sweet Pickle Music Label and is available at www.cdbaby.com. Website: www.juliegoldberg.com
Bow and Hammer was formed in 2010 when the two met at the Orvieto Music Festival in Italy. Inspired by the timeless collaboration of violin and piano, they hope to transcend some of the customs associated with classical music and help people to discover (or rediscover!) the beauty and joy of the art form.
Elizabeth Newkirk, an Indiana native, made her solo debut with orchestra at the age of 16 with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra. Coming to Chicago for its musical diversity, Elizabeth graduated from Columbia College. She studied with Sebastian Huydts, and Dennis Luxion. Elizabeth performed in the CSO concert series: “Once Upon a Symphony” with Yo-Yo Ma. She is on faculty at Columbia College, the Sherwood Community Music School, and the Merit School.
Kathryn Satoh studied with Edward Kreitman, Thomas Wermuth, and Cornelius Chiu thorough childhood. She continued her studies at U Colorado at Boulder, under the teaching of Lina Bahn (Corigliano Quartet) and Patrick Mason. She performs in the Chicago Civic Orchestra and the Grant Park Festival Chorus.
Mike Brozick is a member of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, principal trumpet of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, and recently appointed second trumpet of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. He has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Milwaukee Symphony, and the Grant Park Orchestra and under the batons of Bernard Haitink, Piere Boulez, Michael Tilson Thomas, Manfred Honeck and Sir Andrew Davis. He has recorded Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and has performed in New York's Carnegie Hall and Vienna's Musikverein. At Lyric Opera he was featured on stage as one of the King’s Trumpets in Wagner’s “Lohengrin” and playing the Egyptian trumpet in Verdi’s “Aida.” Mr. Brozick earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Duquesne University and a Master of Music in performance from Rice University and was a Fulbright Fellow studying at the Stätliche Hochschule für Musik in Detmold, Germany. He has been featured frequently as a soloist with the DuPage Symphony Orchestra and the Salt Creek Sinfonietta on both modern and baroque trumpet.
Nichole Luchs is the principal harpist for the Peoria Symphony, DuPage Symphony, and the Illinois Valley Symphony, and she has performed with many orchestras throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. She is an active soloist, chamber musician, and a board member of the Greater Chicago Chapter of the American Harp Society. Also an avid teacher, she is the harp instructor at the Fox River Academy of Music and Art, North Central College, and at Lewis University. She holds degrees from Northern Illinois University and from Northwestern University.
Margie Arito has been principal oboist of the DuPage Symphony Orchestra for over eighteen years. She has performed with the DSO Woodwind Quintet for many educational and service concerts. Margie also performs frequently as a liturgical musician. She has performed in numerous theatre pits including Les Miserable’s, Fiddler on the Roof, King and I, Beauty and the Beast, as well as many others. As a freelance musician, she has performed in other orchestras and chamber ensembles, including the “City Lights Orchestra”, “Park Ridge Symphony” and “Downers Grove Chorale Society.”
Nichole Luchs is the principal harpist for the Peoria Symphony, DuPage Symphony, and the Illinois Valley Symphony, and she has performed with many orchestras throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. She is an active soloist, chamber musician, and a board member of the Greater Chicago Chapter of the American Harp Society. Also an avid teacher, she is the harp instructor at the Fox River Academy of Music and Art, North Central College, and at Lewis University. She holds degrees from Northern Illinois University and from Northwestern University.
Margie Arito has been principal oboist of the DuPage Symphony Orchestra for over eighteen years. She has performed with the DSO Woodwind Quintet for many educational and service concerts. Margie also performs frequently as a liturgical musician. She has performed in numerous theatre pits including Les Miserable’s, Fiddler on the Roof, King and I, Beauty and the Beast, as well as many others. As a freelance musician, she has performed in other orchestras and chamber ensembles, including the “City Lights Orchestra”, “Park Ridge Symphony” and “Downers Grove Chorale Society.”
Flutist Lesley Swanson A
native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Lesley Swanson began her
musical studies at age 11. Early on, she began performing with the West
Michigan Flute Association and appeared as a soloist with the ensemble at age
15. She received her Bachelor of Music degree from Grand Valley State
University as a student of Judith Kemph (Grand Rapids Symphony) and had the
honor of being a two-time winner of the annual GVSU Concerto Competition.
Lesley went on to study with world-renowned flutist Donald Peck (principal
flute emeritus of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra) at the Chicago College of
Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, receiving her Master of Music degree.
Lesley has attended many master classes throughout the United States and Canada
and has had the opportunity to work with such flutists as Denis Bluteau, Michel
Debost, Jennifer Gunn, Susan Hoeppner, Walfrid Kujala, Amy Porter and Nan
Raphael.
Lesley is both an active performer and teacher. She currently serves as principal flute for the Chicago Composers Orchestra, an ensemble dedicated to the performance and advocacy of orchestral music by living composers. Through the CCO, Lesley works with music composition students at Columbia College of Chicago, performing students’ pieces as they are working toward their degree. Lesley has been teaching privately for 15 years and loves working with a wide age range of students. In addition to teaching flute, Lesley also serves as the Music School Director at the Metropolis School of the Performing Arts.
Shaun Flynn Shaun Flynn has happily maintained a busy schedule as a clarinetist, collaborative pianist, and music teacher in Chicago since 2008. He joined the clarinet section of the Chicago Composers Orchestra, one of the few ensembles in the United States performing music by living composers, in 2010. It has been exciting and rewarding to play with the CCO as they have their finger on the pulse of the new music scene.
A strong advocate of music education, Shaun works with many students through private lessons, classes, auditions, and productions. He teaches privately for Piano Lessons In Your Home and is on the Music Faculty at Metropolis School of the Performing Arts.
Shaun earned his Masters Degree in Orchestral Studies at the Chicago College of Performing Arts where he studied with John Yeh of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. At Susquehanna University he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance.
In 2011 Shaun was very lucky to marry his favorite flutist, Lesley Swanson, for whom he enjoys cooking extravagant meals.
Lesley is both an active performer and teacher. She currently serves as principal flute for the Chicago Composers Orchestra, an ensemble dedicated to the performance and advocacy of orchestral music by living composers. Through the CCO, Lesley works with music composition students at Columbia College of Chicago, performing students’ pieces as they are working toward their degree. Lesley has been teaching privately for 15 years and loves working with a wide age range of students. In addition to teaching flute, Lesley also serves as the Music School Director at the Metropolis School of the Performing Arts.
Shaun Flynn Shaun Flynn has happily maintained a busy schedule as a clarinetist, collaborative pianist, and music teacher in Chicago since 2008. He joined the clarinet section of the Chicago Composers Orchestra, one of the few ensembles in the United States performing music by living composers, in 2010. It has been exciting and rewarding to play with the CCO as they have their finger on the pulse of the new music scene.
A strong advocate of music education, Shaun works with many students through private lessons, classes, auditions, and productions. He teaches privately for Piano Lessons In Your Home and is on the Music Faculty at Metropolis School of the Performing Arts.
Shaun earned his Masters Degree in Orchestral Studies at the Chicago College of Performing Arts where he studied with John Yeh of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. At Susquehanna University he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance.
In 2011 Shaun was very lucky to marry his favorite flutist, Lesley Swanson, for whom he enjoys cooking extravagant meals.
Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014
Archbold Duo
Timothy Archbold, Australian cellist, performs with with his wife Karen Archbold, a mezzo-soprano and flutist.They perform classical repertoire with a special emphasis on contemporary and indigenous Australian music.
Timothy Archbold, cellist, was raised in regional Australia in Castlemaine, Central Victoria. He received a Bachelor of Music Performance with Honours from the University of Melbourne in 2002. In December 2007, Timothy completed his studies at the Hochschule für Künste in Bremen, Germany and his Masters in Music Performance from Wichita State University in 2010. He is currently freelancing in the Chicago area and performs as Assistant Principal in Peoria Symphony Orchestra.
Karen Archbold, flutist and mezzo soprano, received her undergraduate in music performance with an emphasis in flute performance. She then moved to Bremen, Germany where she studied voice at the Hochschule für Künste with Thomas Mohr. Karen recently appeared as Miss Jessel in The Turn of the Screw, Berthe in Barber of Seville, and Buttercup in HMS Pinafore. As a flutist she was a recipient of the George B. Tack Award for Excellence.
Poet Ann Gearen is a writer and retired psychotherapist who lives in Oak Park, Ill. Her work has appeared in Primavera, Mobius, After Hours and River Oak Arts, where her poem “Homecoming” was a prizewinner. She holds a doctorate in English literature and a masters in social work. She has enjoyed the support of four residencies at the Ragdale Foundation in Lake Forest, Ill. Her book Homecoming was published in 2007.
Timothy Archbold, Australian cellist, performs with with his wife Karen Archbold, a mezzo-soprano and flutist.They perform classical repertoire with a special emphasis on contemporary and indigenous Australian music.
Timothy Archbold, cellist, was raised in regional Australia in Castlemaine, Central Victoria. He received a Bachelor of Music Performance with Honours from the University of Melbourne in 2002. In December 2007, Timothy completed his studies at the Hochschule für Künste in Bremen, Germany and his Masters in Music Performance from Wichita State University in 2010. He is currently freelancing in the Chicago area and performs as Assistant Principal in Peoria Symphony Orchestra.
Karen Archbold, flutist and mezzo soprano, received her undergraduate in music performance with an emphasis in flute performance. She then moved to Bremen, Germany where she studied voice at the Hochschule für Künste with Thomas Mohr. Karen recently appeared as Miss Jessel in The Turn of the Screw, Berthe in Barber of Seville, and Buttercup in HMS Pinafore. As a flutist she was a recipient of the George B. Tack Award for Excellence.
Poet Ann Gearen is a writer and retired psychotherapist who lives in Oak Park, Ill. Her work has appeared in Primavera, Mobius, After Hours and River Oak Arts, where her poem “Homecoming” was a prizewinner. She holds a doctorate in English literature and a masters in social work. She has enjoyed the support of four residencies at the Ragdale Foundation in Lake Forest, Ill. Her book Homecoming was published in 2007.
Sunday, May 19
Avanti Guitar Trio
Thomas Clippert, Julie Goldberg, Jeffrey Gabriel Silva
The Avanti Guitar Trio is exploring new and historic repertoire, reaching out and
connecting with listeners, and creating beautiful music together. Rooted in the Classical Guitar
Tradition, the Avanti Trio performs an eclectic variety of music including: repertoire from the
Renaissance through Romantic eras, music from Spain and Latin America, arrangements of folk
and pop tunes, and Contemporary compositions.
Based in Chicago, AGT has performed in traditional and some not so traditional concert
venues through-out the Midwest. Their performances in Concert Halls, Clubs, Libraries,
Churches, Historic Homes, College/Universities all receive rave reviews.
Passionate about new music, Avanti Guitar Trio collaborated with members of the
Chicago Composers Consortium and premiered works written for and dedicated to the AGT,
Avanti members have studied and graduated from some of our country’s most prestigious
music conservatories and universities: Yale School of Music, Northwestern University, and
the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. Each has performed as soloists throughout the
country; and all are currently teaching in Chicago area Universities.
Thomas Clippert savors the wide variety of music available for the guitar, from the early
Renaissance to the present day. He has appeared with a variety of ensembles including L’Opera
Piccola, Heartland Voices, CUBE, Northwest Chicago String Quartet, Northwest Chicago
Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Chicago New Music Ensemble. Tom has performed
for noted events such as the Music Institute of Chicago’s George Crumb Project and the Chicago
Humanities Festival. Tom is a graduate of the Yale School of Music where he studied with
Benjamin Verdery and was awarded the Eliot Fisk Guitar Prize. Tom serves on the faculties of
Oakton Community College, and ChiArts The Chicago High School for the Arts.
Named Guitarist of the year by Classical Guitar Alive, internationally-broadcast radio program,
Julie Goldberg is the first guitarist to receive a doctorate in music performance from
Northwestern University, and also holds degrees from the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt
University and College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. Julie serves on
the faculties of North Park University and VanderCook College of Music where she directs the
Chicago Community Classical Guitar Ensemble and facilitates the urban outreach New Young
Guitarist Program. Dr. Goldberg has won numerous awards including the Presser Music Scholar
Award, Farwell Arts Award, WGUC Fine Arts Radio Competition, and the Three Arts Award. A
versatile recitalist, she has performed in concerts throughout the United States, and has been
featured on the internationally known Dame Myra Hess Concert Series in Chicago.
A native of Chicago, Jeffrey Silva began studying classical guitar at the Merit School of Music
and thereafter received a BM degree from DePaul University, majoring in classical guitar and
composition with Mark Maxwell and Juan Campoverde, respectively. He is a recent graduate of
the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music where he studied composition with
Mara Helmuth, Michael Fiday, and Joel Hoffman. Mr. Silva has also participated in numerous
summer festivals as a classical guitarist and/or composer including the Domaine Forget Summer
Academy, Mount Orford Summer Electronic Music Workshop, and June in Buffalo. Jeff is
currently a faculty member a Wilbur Wright College and ChiArts The Chicago High School for the
Arts
Thomas Clippert, Julie Goldberg, Jeffrey Gabriel Silva
The Avanti Guitar Trio is exploring new and historic repertoire, reaching out and
connecting with listeners, and creating beautiful music together. Rooted in the Classical Guitar
Tradition, the Avanti Trio performs an eclectic variety of music including: repertoire from the
Renaissance through Romantic eras, music from Spain and Latin America, arrangements of folk
and pop tunes, and Contemporary compositions.
Based in Chicago, AGT has performed in traditional and some not so traditional concert
venues through-out the Midwest. Their performances in Concert Halls, Clubs, Libraries,
Churches, Historic Homes, College/Universities all receive rave reviews.
Passionate about new music, Avanti Guitar Trio collaborated with members of the
Chicago Composers Consortium and premiered works written for and dedicated to the AGT,
Avanti members have studied and graduated from some of our country’s most prestigious
music conservatories and universities: Yale School of Music, Northwestern University, and
the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. Each has performed as soloists throughout the
country; and all are currently teaching in Chicago area Universities.
Thomas Clippert savors the wide variety of music available for the guitar, from the early
Renaissance to the present day. He has appeared with a variety of ensembles including L’Opera
Piccola, Heartland Voices, CUBE, Northwest Chicago String Quartet, Northwest Chicago
Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Chicago New Music Ensemble. Tom has performed
for noted events such as the Music Institute of Chicago’s George Crumb Project and the Chicago
Humanities Festival. Tom is a graduate of the Yale School of Music where he studied with
Benjamin Verdery and was awarded the Eliot Fisk Guitar Prize. Tom serves on the faculties of
Oakton Community College, and ChiArts The Chicago High School for the Arts.
Named Guitarist of the year by Classical Guitar Alive, internationally-broadcast radio program,
Julie Goldberg is the first guitarist to receive a doctorate in music performance from
Northwestern University, and also holds degrees from the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt
University and College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. Julie serves on
the faculties of North Park University and VanderCook College of Music where she directs the
Chicago Community Classical Guitar Ensemble and facilitates the urban outreach New Young
Guitarist Program. Dr. Goldberg has won numerous awards including the Presser Music Scholar
Award, Farwell Arts Award, WGUC Fine Arts Radio Competition, and the Three Arts Award. A
versatile recitalist, she has performed in concerts throughout the United States, and has been
featured on the internationally known Dame Myra Hess Concert Series in Chicago.
A native of Chicago, Jeffrey Silva began studying classical guitar at the Merit School of Music
and thereafter received a BM degree from DePaul University, majoring in classical guitar and
composition with Mark Maxwell and Juan Campoverde, respectively. He is a recent graduate of
the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music where he studied composition with
Mara Helmuth, Michael Fiday, and Joel Hoffman. Mr. Silva has also participated in numerous
summer festivals as a classical guitarist and/or composer including the Domaine Forget Summer
Academy, Mount Orford Summer Electronic Music Workshop, and June in Buffalo. Jeff is
currently a faculty member a Wilbur Wright College and ChiArts The Chicago High School for the
Arts
Sunday January 27, 2013
Kevin Brown and Jonathan Roth duo
KEVIN BROWN Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Kevin Brown is a classical and jazz guitarist who now resides in the Chicago area. Kevin began his studies of the guitar at age 7 with his uncle Peter Ulrich. Before transferring to Wheaton College in the fall of 2006 he had studied with a top tier of Manitoban guitarists including Larry Roy, David Letkemann, Willie Wiebe and Patrick Lussier. Kevin now holds a B.M. in guitar performance from Wheaton College where he studied with Steve Ramsdell. He later went on to complete a M.M. in Jazz Studies at DePaul University where he studied Jazz Composition. Kevin maintains an active performance career playing everything from standard and modern jazz, to flamenco, to musical theater and to classical guitar. He has performed at Chicago venues such as the Green Mill and the Jazz Showcase. His modern jazz quintet, Mosaik, has released two albums Metrization (2010) and Integral Decomposition (2011). This morning's performance will feature the world premiere of the composition "Three Fantasias for Wendy" composed by the Canadian composer, Kevin's first guitar instructor and uncle, Peter Ulrich. Kevin is on the teaching faculty at the Wheaton College Community School for the Arts. www.kevinbrownguitar.com
JONATHAN ROTH is a guitarist-composer based in the Chicagoland area. A native of Illinois, Roth began his undergraduate work in 2002 at the College of DuPage. He transferred to Pepperdine University a year later to study the guitar with Christopher Parkening. After graduating from Pepperdine in 2006, Roth continued his education at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music where he completed the M.M. and D.M.A. degrees under the instruction of Scott Tennant. Dr. Roth was an adjunct guitar instructor at Pepperdine (2008-11) and now teaches at Indiana University South Bend and Trinity Christian College. He has recorded two albums of original compositions and hymn arrangements (Meditations, 2005; Nostalgia, 2009) and, most recently, was featured in a joint project with Rick Foster (Faith is the Reason, 2011). www.jonathanroth.com
Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012
Rabbit Ears
Carlyn Lloyd, flute
An active performer, Carlyn Lloyd has been heard in performances on radio station WNIB on Karl Haas's program entitled, "Adventures in Good Music" and on station WFMT as part of their "Dame Myra Hess Series" and their "Live from Studio One" program. In 1984 she began working with pianist, Jon Warfel, and the two have performed over 700 concert programs throughout the country. She is a member of the International Opera Theatre Orchestra, and played the premier performance of “Jago” by Carlo Pedini in Città della Pieve, Italy in August 2009. Ms. Lloyd has previously served on the faculty of the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, IL. She owns Tri-L-Co Music, a company which engages classical chamber music ensembles. She is listed in the International Who's Who in Music, the Who's Who in American Music, and the Who's Who in Entertainment. A founding member of the Chicago Flute Club she has also served as General Competitions Coordinator for the National Flute Association.
Pamela Kimmel, guitar
Pamela Kimmel is an established performer and teacher in the Chicago area. Her performance work has included solo and chamber music recitals throughout the Midwest sponsored by numerous guitar societies, colleges and universities as well as performances on WFMT Radio's "Live From Studio One" program. Ms. Kimmel received her Master of Music degree from Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University where she is now Associate Professor of Guitar. She has served on the board of Directors of the Chicago Classical Guitar Society.
Carlyn Lloyd, flute
An active performer, Carlyn Lloyd has been heard in performances on radio station WNIB on Karl Haas's program entitled, "Adventures in Good Music" and on station WFMT as part of their "Dame Myra Hess Series" and their "Live from Studio One" program. In 1984 she began working with pianist, Jon Warfel, and the two have performed over 700 concert programs throughout the country. She is a member of the International Opera Theatre Orchestra, and played the premier performance of “Jago” by Carlo Pedini in Città della Pieve, Italy in August 2009. Ms. Lloyd has previously served on the faculty of the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, IL. She owns Tri-L-Co Music, a company which engages classical chamber music ensembles. She is listed in the International Who's Who in Music, the Who's Who in American Music, and the Who's Who in Entertainment. A founding member of the Chicago Flute Club she has also served as General Competitions Coordinator for the National Flute Association.
Pamela Kimmel, guitar
Pamela Kimmel is an established performer and teacher in the Chicago area. Her performance work has included solo and chamber music recitals throughout the Midwest sponsored by numerous guitar societies, colleges and universities as well as performances on WFMT Radio's "Live From Studio One" program. Ms. Kimmel received her Master of Music degree from Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University where she is now Associate Professor of Guitar. She has served on the board of Directors of the Chicago Classical Guitar Society.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Grant Street String Quartet
- Jennifer Leckie – violin
- Sharon Chang – violin
- Benjamin Weber – viola
- Timothy Archbold – cello
The Grant Street String Quartet has performed concerts in and around Chicago since its formation in 2010. The four musicians of the quartet bring a wealth of professional solo, chamber music and symphonic experience to the group. Performances range from classical concerts to educational outreach to new music projects. Members of the quartet have performed with the Aquila and Amabile String Quartets, the Milwaukee Symphony, the Elgin Symphony, the Lake Forest Symphony, Ars Viva, the Chicago Philharmonic, the MAVerick Ensemble, the Praxis Piano Quartet, the Orenda Ensemble, and the Berkeley Ensemble.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Erik Liefrinck, piano
Growing up in the Netherlands Erik studied with professor Alexander Warenberg. After
completing his Bachelors in Music he moved to Austria to study Concert Performance with
Wolfgang Glemser.
Feeling the need to expand his horizon, repertoire and skills, Erik moved to London where he
worked with singers and instrumentalists. Focusing on chamber music and vocal coaching Erik
won first prizes in the Elizabeth Potter Competition and the Musica Brittanica Competition. As
a soloist Erik concentrated on interpreting French Impressionist compositions by Debussy and
Ravel under the guidance of professor Paul Roberts.
As a vocal coach he was engaged by the International Opera Studio Netherlands working with
vocalists on launching their careers. In addition to performing widely in Europe, the UK and the
United States Erik held teaching positions at various schools and music institutes.
Erik has performed as a soloist in Oak Park's Handel Week Festival, and plays regularly for other
events, theater productions and live radio broadcasts.
Growing up in the Netherlands Erik studied with professor Alexander Warenberg. After
completing his Bachelors in Music he moved to Austria to study Concert Performance with
Wolfgang Glemser.
Feeling the need to expand his horizon, repertoire and skills, Erik moved to London where he
worked with singers and instrumentalists. Focusing on chamber music and vocal coaching Erik
won first prizes in the Elizabeth Potter Competition and the Musica Brittanica Competition. As
a soloist Erik concentrated on interpreting French Impressionist compositions by Debussy and
Ravel under the guidance of professor Paul Roberts.
As a vocal coach he was engaged by the International Opera Studio Netherlands working with
vocalists on launching their careers. In addition to performing widely in Europe, the UK and the
United States Erik held teaching positions at various schools and music institutes.
Erik has performed as a soloist in Oak Park's Handel Week Festival, and plays regularly for other
events, theater productions and live radio broadcasts.
Sunday August 14, 2011
Margie Arito, oboe, Mike Brozick, trumpet, Mark Lindeblad, piano.
Margie Arito has played with DuPage Symphony for 15 years as Principal Oboe, Mike Broznick, also of DuPage Symphony, has played for seven years as Principal Trumpet. Mark Lindeblad is a bassoonist and pianist working in the Chicago area. As a pianist, Mark has been a recital accompanist and soloist since 1990, including collaborating with Susan Nigro, pioneer contrabassoon soloist on many recitals and 5 cds since 1990. He has produced two solo discs, Bach: My Favorite Keyboard Pieces, and Piano Music for Relaxation, available.
"Our travels through the great stylistic eras of music for trumpet begin in the Baroque period with Johann Wilhelm Hertel, the German court composer who was born in a family of musicians and brought us music in the emotional style of German Baroque. We will journey south to the court of Esterhazy to meet the Austrian composer who defined and perfected the great musical vehicles of Classicism, Franz Joseph Haydn and hear his most popular concerto written for his longtime trumpet playing friend. (Beethoven was a student of Haydn, but moved on to be the bridge from the Classical period to the Romantic period.) The German trumpeter and composer Oskar Böhme brings us a religious lyrical prayer typical of the Romantic period. But less is known of Böhme as his career and life were swallowed up by Stalinist Russia. Our final stop is in 1940 with the Dean of American Music, Aaron Copland who penned the haunting incidental music for a play of the same name, "Quiet City." Join us on a tour of spanning over 200 years of music for trumpet, piano, oboe and English horn."
Margie Arito has played with DuPage Symphony for 15 years as Principal Oboe, Mike Broznick, also of DuPage Symphony, has played for seven years as Principal Trumpet. Mark Lindeblad is a bassoonist and pianist working in the Chicago area. As a pianist, Mark has been a recital accompanist and soloist since 1990, including collaborating with Susan Nigro, pioneer contrabassoon soloist on many recitals and 5 cds since 1990. He has produced two solo discs, Bach: My Favorite Keyboard Pieces, and Piano Music for Relaxation, available.
"Our travels through the great stylistic eras of music for trumpet begin in the Baroque period with Johann Wilhelm Hertel, the German court composer who was born in a family of musicians and brought us music in the emotional style of German Baroque. We will journey south to the court of Esterhazy to meet the Austrian composer who defined and perfected the great musical vehicles of Classicism, Franz Joseph Haydn and hear his most popular concerto written for his longtime trumpet playing friend. (Beethoven was a student of Haydn, but moved on to be the bridge from the Classical period to the Romantic period.) The German trumpeter and composer Oskar Böhme brings us a religious lyrical prayer typical of the Romantic period. But less is known of Böhme as his career and life were swallowed up by Stalinist Russia. Our final stop is in 1940 with the Dean of American Music, Aaron Copland who penned the haunting incidental music for a play of the same name, "Quiet City." Join us on a tour of spanning over 200 years of music for trumpet, piano, oboe and English horn."
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Sunday July 17, 2011
Scott Goldberg Daniel, violin is a classically trained violinist who enjoys playing in a variety of styles, including bluegrass, rock, country, and klezmer. He lives in Oak Park and is a member of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, the OPRFHS Symphony Orchestra, the progressive rock band Lej, and the folk/bluegrass band Snake Oil Salesmen. Scott has recorded with several local musicians and often plays on summer Saturday mornings with the Oak Park Farmer’s Market Band.
