Gerald Rizzer, pianist, is the founder and artistic director of The Chicago Ensemble. He teaches at De Paul University and The Sherwood Conservatory of Music.
We welcome back Ensemble regulars:
David Jones, clarinet, currently principal clarinet in the Washington's Kennedy Opera Orchestra and returning for his fourth Ensemble season.
Susan Levitin, flute, who plays with the Lyric Opera, teaches at Sherwood Conservatory and is a founding member of the Ensemble.
Julie Zuinsteg, cello, who has been the Ensemble cellist for many seasons.
Returning after successful recent appearances with the Ensemble:
Diane Ragains, soprano, who appears regularly with the Grant Park Symphony and teaches at Northern Illinois University.
David Taylor, violin, associate concert master ot the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
We are happy to reunite with friends from early seasons:
Karen Buranskas, cello, who teaches at Note Dame University.
Elizabeth Cifani, principal harpist with the Lyric Opera Orchestra.
Mihaela Ionescu, violin, a member ot the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Larry Shapiro, violin, who teaches at Butler University in Indianapolis, and was formerly with the Fine Arts Ouartet.
Making their debut with us in 1999 are:
Ricardo Castaneda, oboe, who is principal with the South Bend Symphony and teaches at Sherwood Conservatory.
Elizabeth Norman, soprano, a treouent soloist with the Grant Park Symphony.
Terri Van Valkinburgh, viola, a performer with the Lyric Opera Orchestra.
The Chicago Ensemble is supported in part by grants from the WPWR-Channel 50 Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council, a State agency.
