Thomas Mesa & Greg Zelek
Join the Keys Choral Arts on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at Cellist Thomas Mesa and organist Greg Zelek will present a special duo concert showcasing the historic pipe organ at St. Paul’s Episcopal church. Mr. Mesa has established himself as one of the most charismatic, innovative, and engaging performers of his generation, and is the recipient of the Sphinx Organization’s 2023 Medal of Excellence, its highest honor. Mr. Zelek is the Principal Organist of the Madison Symphony Orchestra and Curator of the Overture Concert Organ, where he regularly performs and oversees all the MSO's organ programming.
Simone Porter
Violinist Simone Porter has been recognized as an emerging artist of impassioned energy, interpretive integrity, and vibrant communication. In the past few years, she has debuted with the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Born in 1996, Simone made her professional solo debut at age 10 with the Seattle Symphony and her international debut with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London at age 13.
Dover Quartet
Named one of the greatest string quartets of the last 100 years by BBC Music Magazine, the two-time Grammy nominated Dover Quartet is one of the world’s most in-demand chamber ensembles. The quartet is the Ensemble in Residence at the Curtis Institute of Music and holds additional residencies at Northwestern University and the Walton Arts Center’s Artosphere festival.
Avery Gagliano
Avery Gagliano, pianist, is Impromptu’s 2025 “Rising Star”. Having made her debut at Carnegie Hall at the age of just 20, 22-year-old, Gagliano is an artist with ‘distinctive young talent’. Avery came to international acclaim as the First Prize and Best Concerto Prize winner at the 2020 National Chopin Piano Competition, and as the only American semifinalist at the 18th International Chopin Competition in 2021.
Poulenc Trio
A pioneering oboe, bassoon, and piano ensemble, The Poulenc Trio has garnered international recognition over its 20-year history. With performances in 47 U.S. states and at prestigious music festivals around the world, including the Ravello Festival in Italy, the San Miguel de Allende Festival in Mexico, and the White Nights Festival in Russia, they have firmly established themselves as one of the most active and sought-after touring piano-wind ensembles in the country.
Catherine Lan and Tao Lin (Duo Beaux Arts)
International competition winning ensemble Duo Beaux Arts was formed in 2008 by world renowned husband and wife concert pianists and recording artists Catherine Lan and Tao Lin. Known for their adrenalized performances, this dynamic Duo has performed across Europe, the US, and China, to critical and audience acclaim.