Audience Meets Artist

In this episode, Tamara shares her background in the arts and provides insights into the upcoming Stratus Concert. She will be featured as a soloist, performing the "Flute Concerto" by Kevin Puts.

Percussionist Kurt Ochsner will perform Sejourne's "Concerto for Marimba and Strings" with Stratus Chamber Orchestra on February 25, 2023. Tickets available at AugustanaArts.org.  Enjoy this interview with Kurt as we hear how he practices challenging works plus keeping tempo and time as a postal worker.

Mercedes is a teacher for our Music Encounters program and brings life-transforming violin experiences to children at the Colfax Community Network and Godsman Elementary School in Denver.  In this episode, Mercedes gives a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and the joys of teaching violin to children in both locations.    

Lindsay Kesselman will perform John Mackey's "Songs from the End of the World" with the Stratus Chamber Orchestra on November 12-13, 2022 in Denver.  Enjoy this conversation with Lindsay as she shares her musical background and insights about her upcoming performance with Stratus.

Diego Florez is a poet, artist, and musician.  He painted a music stand for the 2022 ArtiStandza Project.  In this episode, we hear about Diego's journey as an artist and the passion for art that he brings to our community and beyond. 

Kelcey Howell is our featured cello soloist for Stratus Chamber Orchestra as they perform Haydn's Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major on Saturday, April 23 at Augustana Lutheran Church.    Kelcey earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of Denver and is currently a graduate student at The Julliard School.

Stephanie Cheng is Assistant Professor of Piano and Chair of the Keyboard Department at the Lamont School of Music, University of Denver.  She is a Taiwanese-American pianist who has performed at major music centers across the world to critical acclaim.  Dr. Cheng will perform Clara Schumann's Piano Concerto in A minor, OP.54 with the Stratus Chamber Orchestra on Saturday, February 26, 2022.  Tickets are available at www.AugustanaArts.org

Our rising artist conductor for the upcoming Stratus Chamber Orchestra concert on October 1 and 2nd is our featured guest on this episode of "Audience Meets Artist."  Hear about Sheila's journey in the world of music from starting out in the front row at church to watch her mom sing as a soloist to her busy schedule as a graduate student in Conducting at the DU Lamont School of Music.    

Meet Julia, a violinist, teacher with City Strings, and Graduate student at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill.  Her insights and stories as musician, researcher, and student reflect the depth of knowledge and wisdom she has acquired over the years as explorer through the worlds of music, folklore, and art.

Arlette has been Concertmaster of Stratus Chamber Orchestra for 20 years and brings an inspiring passion and enthusiasm to her art and presence on stage.  Arlette shares delightful stories of her musical upbringing and behind-the-scenes look at her role as Concertmaster.  Learn more about Arlette and her violin studio at http://www.dtedenver.com/arlette-aslanian-townsend-bio.html.   

Neil Bridge is a legendary Jazz Piano player, composer, arranger, band-leader, musical director and former DPS music educator.  Neil's wife and music vocalist of 27 years, Karen Lee, started her performance career as professional ballroom dancer, teacher, and choreographer.  Together they have five different Neil Bridge Bands for their various performances.  In this podcast, we hear about the inspirations, challenges, and joys of their successful career in the arts.  Learn more at www.Neilbridgemusic.com.

Peter Krasinski is a conductor, organist, and music educator who specializes in silent movie accompaniment.  In this podcast, Peter shares his early upbringing in music and how it evolved to bring pure joy and passion to his life and to so many others who enjoy listening to his music performances and improvisations.  Visit www.krasinski.org to learn more about Peter and his wonderful work in the arts.

Adam Riggs, principal cellist with the Stratus Chamber Orchestra, and Jessica Riggs, Founder and Executive Director of Life/Art Dance Ensemble share their early interest and involvement in the arts, their passion for performance, and current challenges during these COVID times.