Virtual Season 2020-2021
Virtual Season 2020-2021
Virtual Season 2020-2021
Pianist Evren Ozel began his musical studies at age three in his hometown of Minneapolis. The winner of numerous honors and awards including scholarships from the U.S. Chopin Foundation and Young Arts Foundation, he most recently received second prize and special prizes for Best Mazurka and Best Polonaise at the 2020 U.S. National Chopin Competition securing the honor of representing the U.S.A. in the 2021 International Chopin Competition in Warsaw, Poland. An avid chamber musician, Ozel has participated in festival across the United States.




We are thrilled to bring four jaw-dropping performers to the live stage right Hear in Duluth!
From the violin artistry of Geneva Lewis to the virtuosity of pianist Angela Hewitt, our 2022-23 season also features the sweet arias of tenor (and Minnesota native) Jack Swanson and the energetic and eclectic Merz Trio. It’s a stunning mix of sounds and styles that will please anyone who loves classical music.
You can catch these concerts live at beautiful Mitchell Auditorium on the campus of The College of St. Scholastica. All performances are live streamed, with recordings available for rewatching for one week after the concert.
LIVE PERFORMANCES

GENEVA LEWIS violin
Joined by Audrey Vardanega, piano
Since her solo debut at age 11, New Zealand-born Geneva Lewis has forged a reputation as a musician of consummate artistry whose performances speak from and to the heart. Lauded for “remarkable mastery of her instrument” (CVNC) and hailed as “clearly one to watch” (Musical America), Geneva has won an impressive array of individual awards on the national and international stage. She enjoys performing with orchestras and collaborating with fellow musicians. Learn more >

Joined by: Audrey Vardanega, piano
Passionate about providing emerging artists with opportunities to determine their own artistic careers, American pianist and arts entrepreneur Audrey Vardanega has performed as a solo and collaborative pianist across Europe, China, and the United States. Learn more >

ANGELA HEWITT piano
Plays Bach Goldberg Variations: A recital in memory of Dr. LeAnn House
Born into a musical family, Angela Hewitt began her piano studies at age three, performed in public at four and a year later won her first scholarship. In her formative years, she also studied classical ballet, violin, and recorder. Known as one of the world’s leading pianists, Angela appears in recital and as soloist with major orchestras throughout Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Asia. Her interpretations of the music of J.S. Bach have established her as one of the composer’s foremost interpreters of our time. Learn more >


This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. and Brad Snelling.

JACK SWANSON tenor
Joined by Andrew Sun, piano
A Stillwater, Minnesota native, Jack Swanson is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after young tenors in the opera world. His distinctive high lyric voice is known for singing the acrobatic arias of Rossini and the legato melodies of Donizetti. The Opera Critic notes that Swanson possesses, “... that elusive feature that many otherwise good tenors lack, those lusciously, sweet, strong high notes.” Jack continues to conquer demanding roles on opera stages both nationally and internationally. Learn more >

Joined by: Andrew Sun, piano
Minneapolis-based pianist Andrew Sun enjoys a varied career as a performing artist and arts administrator. Currently Executive Manager at Minnesota Opera, he is also an accomplished coach and performer. His impressive list of highlights includes being featured by Carnegie Hall on their Neighborhood Concerts series. Learn more >


This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s general and arts and cultural heritage funds.


MERZ TRIO
ensemble
Hailing from opposite corners of the globe, Merz Trio’s members have been recognized as Winners of the Naumburg, Concert Artists Guild, Fischoff, and Chesapeake Competitions. They have played in living rooms and large halls; galleries and schools; black box theaters and crypts. There are very few places they don’t feel at home. With a style that comes from a “noisy” fusion of numerous artistic interests, including music of all varieties, the Merz Trio believes art happens where people are and invite everyone along for the ride. Learn more >


This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.