Program
Ralph Vaughan Williams – Six Studies in English Folk Song
I. Adagio
II. Andante Sostenuto
III. Larghetto
IV. Lento
V. Andante tranquillo
VI. Allegro Vivace
Alexander Borodin - String Quartet No. 2 in D Major
II. Scherzo
III. Notturno
Paul Chihara – Ellington Fantasy
IV. Mood Indigo
II. Sophisticated Lady
Bernard Herrmann – Souvenirs de Voyage
I. Andante pastorale - Allegro
II. Berceuse
III. Andante tranquillo quasi barcarolla
PERFORMERS
Christopher Cullen, clarinetist, appears frequently with the New Jersey Symphony, the American Symphony Orchestra, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and the Harrisburg Symphony. He is principal clarinet of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, and was formerly principal clarinetist with the New York City Opera National Company, the Berkshire Opera Orchestra, and acting principal with the Mississippi Symphony. Other appearances include the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, and the American Ballet Theatre. Mr. Cullen was a member of the orchestra for Lincoln Center’s production of The King and I, and has performed on many other Broadway productions over the past fifteen years. He holds Master’s degrees from the New England Conservatory and Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. Mr. Cullen resides in New Jersey with his wife Lisa and their two daughters.
Masako Yanagita, violinist, has been Concertmaster of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra for over 40 years. Winner of top honors in international competitions, including the Paganini (Genoa), the Carl Flesch (London), and the Munich International, Ms. Yanagita has performed throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. She has been a member, as well as a guest performer, of numerous chamber music groups. Ms. Yanagita began her violin studies in Japan, and came to the United States on Fulbright and J.D Rockefeller III grants to study with William Kroll at the Mannes College of Music. Currently, she serves as Concertmaster of the Queens (NY) Symphony Orchestra, Co-Music Director of the Mohawk Trail Concerts, and a faculty member at Greenwood Music Camp and Chamber Music Conference (formally at Bennington). Ms. Yanagita resides in both New York City and Charlemont, MA.
Miho Matsuno, violinist, has been a member of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra since 1992, and has performed extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad. She has performed at major concert venues in and around New York City, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Merkin Hall, Town Hall, Radio City Music Hall, and Broadway theaters. Ms. Matsuno was a violin instructor and chamber music coach for 20 years at the Kaufman Music Center in New York City. Ms. Matsuno received her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the Juilliard School under the tutelage of Christine Dethier and Joseph Fuchs. She also attended Mount Holyoke College with a focus on English Literature. A native of Yokohama, Japan, Ms. Matsuno resides in the Riverdale section of New York City.
Gregory K. Williams has served as Assistant Principal Viola of the Hudson Valley Symphony Orchestra (previously the Hudson Valley Philharmonic) since 2015. He also served as the Principal Violist of Parlando and Acting Principal Violist of the Washington Heights Chamber Orchestra. He performs with the Golden Williams Duo, the Red Door Chamber Players, as well as several other orchestras, including the American Symphony Orchestra, American Ballet Theatre, and performed as a substitute violist on Broadway for Sweeney Todd and Phantom of the Opera. His debut solo album, Shadows: the Unaccompanied Viola Sonatas of Günter Raphael, was released in 2024 by Affetto Records. Dr. Williams served as a visiting viola faculty member at the Eastman School of Music (2022-23), and at the University of Tennessee Knoxville in Fall 2023. He is Adjunct Assistant Professor of Viola and Chamber Music at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, CUNY.
Chris Santos began his cello studies at the age of five. Chris earned a Bachelor of Music in cello performance studying under Peter Stumpf at Indiana University where he gave multiple recitals and played in numerous chamber groups. As a performer, Chris won the Woodstock Symphony Orchestra’s Concerto Competition performing Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E Minor on January 11, 2020. Chris has also had experience playing chamber music with William Hudgins, the principal clarinetist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. As a teacher, Chris has taught privately for about two years now and has also had some experience teaching group lessons at the Paterson Music Project in New Jersey. He has taught sectionals for New Jersey Youth Symphony as well as being a cello instructor for their summer camp. Chris previously studied with Peter Stumpf, Madeleine Golz and has had numerous lessons/coachings with Julia Lichten, Tommy Mesa, and Mark Holloway of the Pacifica Quartet.
*Reservations are not required or taken. All are welcome on first-come-first-served basis.
There is no required admission cost, however, donations are welcome at the door by cash or check.
($20 per person is suggested to help defray expenses).*