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Jonathan Schakel HARPSICHORD Jonathan Schakel is a native of Holland, Michigan, where he began playing music at an early age.  He studied piano with Thomas Gouwens and guitar with Paul Vondiziano, and later also took voice lessons with Drew Minter and Sally Sanford. After an undergraduate degree from Hope College (Holland, MI), he began organ studies in Boston with German organist Peter Kranefoed.  He earned a master’s degree in organ and early music from Longy School of Music (Cambridge, MA), studying organ and harpsichord with Peter Sykes and continuo with Frances Conover Fitch, and a DMA in performance practice from Cornell University (Ithaca, NY), where he studied with David Yearsley and Annette Richards.  He has pursued further studies with Lorenzo Ghielmi, Luigi Ferdinando Tagliavini, and Olivier Latry, and has participated in the summer organ academies in Smarano, Italy; Haarlem, the Netherlands; and at McGill University in Montreal. Jonathan has given organ recitals in many of the United States, Scotland, the Netherlands, and Germany, including performances at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival; Harvard University; Princeton University; Trinity Church, Boston; the Ludgerikirche, Norden, Germany; and St. Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh.  He also performs frequently in chamber concerts on harpsichord, fortepiano, and organ, often with his wife, soprano Megan Sharp.  He is currently organist and music director at Grace Episcopal Church in Keswick, Virginia.  His editions of Renaissance vocal music have been performed in the US, England and Germany, and he serves as artistic director of the early music vocal ensemble, Zephyrus.  JOIN OUR MAILING LIST * indicates required Email Address * /* real people should not fill this in and expect good things – do not remove this or risk form bot signups */ CONTACT US (804) 304-6312 CMSCVA PO Box 8526 Richmond, VA 23226 FOLLOW US Facebook-f Instagram SUPPORT US CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY…

Alexander Davis BASSOON Alexander Davis is a New York City-based bassoonist who has been known for his ability to play “with poise and élan”- Cleveland Classical. He is a musician whose artistic intentions center on space-making, connection, and community-building within classical music. An advocate of creating equity in the arts, Alexander is the founder and Artistic Director of the Sugar Hill Salon, a chamber music series showcasing black and brown wind artistry based in the culturally robust community of Harlem, NY, and on the stolen traditional territory of the Lenape Nation (www.sugarhillsalon.com). Bridging classical and modern musical landscapes, Alexander has worked to foster a larger appreciation for the bassoon while advocating for a more inclusive and diverse musical environment. His drive to perform works by living composers and his passion for uplifting diverse voices in the music community has led him to become a sought-after artist and member of the International Contemporary Ensemble and Quintet of the Americas.  In April of 2022, Alexander performed in the first all-black orchestra to ever hold a concert in the history of Carnegie Hall’s existence with the Gateway Festival Orchestra. He has played with the American Composer Orchestra, St Paul Chamber Orchestra, The Knights, Fort Worth Symphony, Harlem Chamber Players, Tertulia Chamber Music, Alarm Will Sound, American Modern Opera Company, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and more. Alexander has been featured as a soloist with orchestras performing works such as Phenomenal Women alongside Valerie Coleman with the National Symphony Orchestra led by Jeri Lynne Johnson and Carl Maria von Weber’s Andante e Rondo with the Fredonia Chamber Orchestra. Apart from playing in orchestras, he has been heard on Broadway playing in the pits for Phantom of the Opera, Sweeney Todd, and Lincoln Center’s production of Camelot.  Alexander has performed in summer festivals such as Tanglewood, Ensemble…

Antonio Garcia COMPOSER Antonio J. García is a Professor Emeritus and former Director of Jazz Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he directed the Jazz Orchestra I; instructed Applied Jazz Trombone, Small Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Pedagogy, Music Industry, and various jazz courses; founded a B.A. Music Business Emphasis (for which he initially served as Coordinator); and directed the Greater Richmond High School Jazz Band. An alumnus of the Eastman School of Music and of Loyola University of the South, he has received commissions for jazz, symphonic, chamber, film, and solo works—instrumental and vocal—including grants from Meet The Composer, The Commission Project, The Thelonious Monk Institute, and regional arts councils. His music has aired internationally and has been performed by such artists as Sheila Jordan, Arturo Sandoval, Jim Pugh, Denis DiBlasio, James Moody, and Nick Brignola. Composition/arrangement honors include IAJE (jazz band), ASCAP (orchestral), and Billboard Magazine (pop songwriting). His works have been published by Kjos Music, Hal Leonard, Kendor Music, Doug Beach Music, ejazzlines, Walrus, UNC Jazz Press, Three-Two Music Publications, Potenza Music, Cherry Classics, and his own garciamusic.com, with five recorded on CDs by Rob Parton’s JazzTech Big Band (Sea Breeze and ROPA JAZZ). His scores for independent films have screened across the U.S. and in Italy, Macedonia, Uganda, Australia, Colombia, India, Germany, Brazil, Hong Kong, Mexico, Israel, Taiwan, South Korea, Spain, and the United Kingdom. His recent commission was performed at Carnegie Hall by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. A Conn Selmer trombone clinician, Mr. García serves as the jazz clinician for The Conn Selmer Institute and is jazz band director for Jazz at the Summit (Colorado). He has freelanced as trombonist, bass trombonist, or pianist with over 70 nationally renowned artists, including Ella Fitzgerald, George Shearing, Mel Tormé, Doc Severinsen, Louie Bellson, Dave Brubeck, and Phil Collins—and has…

Caleb Georges VIOLA Caleb Georges is a renowned violist known for his powerful musicality and captivating charisma, leaving an indelible mark in the world of chamber music. Originating from the picturesque island of St. Lucia, Caleb’s musical journey began at the age of 7 with piano at the St. Lucia School of Music. At the age of 13, his path took a transformative turn as he embraced the viola, a decision that led him to leave his homeland and pursue his musical education in the United States. During his academic pursuits in the United States, Caleb swiftly rose to prominence in both solo and chamber competitions. Notably, in 2015, he clinched first prize at the prestigious Douglas Wayland Chamber Music Competition as a member of the Max Trio. His remarkable talent further shone through as he secured first prizes in the 2018 Dale & Nancy Briggs Chamber Music Competition and the 2019 WDAV Young Chamber Musicians Competition, performing with his former group, the Ivalas Quartet. Caleb’s virtuosity earned him a coveted spot in the spotlight when he took third prize in the 2019 senior division Sphinx Competition, leading him to solo with the esteemed Sphinx Symphony Orchestra at Detroit’s Orchestra Hall, a momentous occasion showcased on live broadcasts by the Violin Channel and Detroit public television. As a highly sought-after chamber musician, Caleb has had the privilege to collaborate with numerous esteemed ensembles and artists across North America. Notably, he joined the conductor-less string chamber ensemble Sphinx Virtuosi, embarking on nationwide tours that featured performances at iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Library of Congress. He has also graced the stage as a soloist and collaborator with prominent artists, including the Calidore String Quartet, Danielle Belen, David Ying, Axel Strauss, Stéphane Lemelin, Patricia Terry-Ross, Imani Winds, Rolston String…

David Lemilen CLARINET A native of Québec, Canada, David Lemelin is currently Principal Clarinetist with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra (RSO), and holds adjunct positions with the University of Richmond and the College of William & Mary. Before joining the RSO, David was 2nd/Eb clarinetist with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, after previously serving a 4-year fellowship with the New World Symphony in Miami Beach where he had the opportunity to work with a wide array of renowned musicians and conductors. In November 2011, David was a winner of the New World Symphony Concerto Competition, appearing as a soloist with the orchestra. In addition, he has played with other orchestras in North America, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, and the Orchestre Symphonique de Sherbrooke. David received his Master of Music in Clarinet Performance from DePaul University in Chicago and his Bachelor of Music from McGill University in Montreal, also in Clarinet Performance. His main teachers have included Larry Combs (formerly of the Chicago Symphony), Robert Crowley (formerly of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal), and Nathalie DeGrâce. JOIN OUR MAILING LIST * indicates required Email Address * /* real people should not fill this in and expect good things – do not remove this or risk form bot signups */ CONTACT US (804) 304-6312 CMSCVA PO Box 8526 Richmond, VA 23226 FOLLOW US Facebook-f Instagram SUPPORT US CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA  |  © 2025 All Rights Reserved  |  Site design KWGraphicsandWeb

Devin Gossett HORN Devin Gossett joined the Richmond Symphony Orchestra as Second Horn in 2019 and joined the faculty at the College of William and Mary as Horn Instructor in 2022. He performs regularly with chamber groups of the Richmond Symphony and is a member of the Atlantic Chamber Ensemble. Devin has performed with several orchestras across the country, such as the Boston Symphony, Chicago Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. He has toured internationally with the Boston Symphony and Phildelphia Orchestra and has performed with both groups at Carnegie Hall. Additionally, he has played with the Boston Symphony for several summers at Tanglewood. Devin can be heard on various recordings including the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s album Elektra (2019), and the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s albums Shostakovich Symphonies Nos. 2, 3, 12 and 13 (2023), Strauss (2022) and Grammy nominated album Adès Conducts Adès (2020). In past summers, Devin has been a member of the Tanglewood Music Center, Verbier Festival Orchestra, Lucerne Festival Academy, and Spoleto Festival, USA. Devin earned his Master of Music at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music and served as graduate assistant to Professor Gail Williams. During his time in Chicago, he played principal horn on Mahler’s 5th Symphony for Northwestern’s international tour to China and was a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago for two seasons. An Ohio native, Devin earned his Bachelor of Music at The Ohio State University as an Aldridge Scholar and cum laude graduate. His primary teachers include Gail Williams, Jon Boen, and Bruce Henniss. JOIN OUR MAILING LIST * indicates required Email Address * /* real people should not fill this in and expect good things – do not remove this or risk form bot signups */ CONTACT US (804) 304-6312 CMSCVA PO…

ensemble 132 ensemble132 is an American collective of soloists and chamber musicians of the highest caliber, uniting with a shared mission to reimagine the chamber music landscape. The only group of its kind to continually create and premiere new standards in the chamber music repertoire with its artist-crafted arrangements, ensemble132 excites the imagination of audiences across the country with its uniquely genre-defying programs. At every e132 event, audiences can expect a one-of-a-kind chamber music experience characterized by ensemble132’s versatile artistry and limitless programming possibilities. Chamber ballets, transcriptions of symphonies and jazz standards, and orchestrations of solo works comprise just a few of ensemble132’s programming highlights. Each member of ensemble132’s dynamic roster, all with stellar careers and accolades, brings their unique blend of uncompromising individuality and collaborative spirit to traditional masterworks as well as unearthed gems. The group’s arrangements have been praised by critics and renowned musicians alike as “Audacious… liberating… illuminating” (Jon Sobel), “absolutely terrific … a delight … [they] succeed in opening up the sound of the piece in meaningful ways” (Robert McDonald), and “a fresh approach to music that is second to none” (Herbert Greenberg). The artists of ensemble132 have collaborated closely at music festivals such as Marlboro, Ravinia, Music@Menlo, Verbier, and Taos, and they appear regularly with ensembles such as the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Catalyst Quartet, Borromeo String Quartet, and Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. They are prizewinners at major competitions such as the Paganini, Joseph Joachim, Tibor Varga, Sibelius, Primrose, Beethoven Vienna, Vendome Prize, and American Pianists Awards.  Alongside its traditional concerts, ensemble132 takes a uniquely creative approach to community engagement, sharing the joy of musical creation through interactive workshops. At these events, e132 artists guide listeners in real time through the arranging process. ensemble132 also presents cross-disciplinary programs and innovative educational programs. Most recently,…

Gwen Grastorf ACTOR Gwen Grastorf is a performer and actor in the DC metro area, and has been working professionally in the non-equity community since 2006.  She is a permanent ensemble company member with Happenstance Theater and creates devised work with them throughout the year.  Gwen has worked around town with Constellation Theatre, Taffety Punk, We Happy Few, Rorschach Theatre, The Hub Theatre, Forum Theater, Faction of Fools, The Tarot Reading, Washington Revels, the Source Festival, Graphic Audio, and the Kennedy Center Page to Stage Festival, among others. Raised in Frederick, MD, Gwen has a strong background in dance and music and is happiest when working on physical, ensemble-based shows. She holds a B.A. in Theatre from the University of Maryland, College Park. JOIN OUR MAILING LIST * indicates required Email Address * /* real people should not fill this in and expect good things – do not remove this or risk form bot signups */ CONTACT US (804) 304-6312 CMSCVA PO Box 8526 Richmond, VA 23226 FOLLOW US Facebook-f Instagram SUPPORT US CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA  |  © 2025 All Rights Reserved  |  Site design KWGraphicsandWeb

James Wilson CELLO AND BAROQUE CELLO For more than thirty years, cellist James Wilson has nurtured and enjoyed an exciting and varied career as performer, educator, and composer, bringing the joy of music to audiences throughout the world, from small towns to the world’s most illustrious venues. Acclaimed for his singing tone, and intelligent and soulful approach to music, the Los Angeles Times described Wilson as a musician “with something to say and a commanding way of saying it.” As soloist, chamber musician, and conductor, he has appeared in many of the world’s most illustrious performing spaces, including America’s Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center, Suntory Hall in Tokyo, the Sydney Opera House, the Basilica of Notre-Dame in Montreal, the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg and the Musikverein in Vienna. He has performed at music festivals around the world such as the Hong Kong Arts Festival, the City of London Festival, the Deutches Mozartfest in Bavaria, the Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival in Finland, the Mostly Mozart Festival in New York, and the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado. The multi-faceted Mr. Wilson is a member and has been the Artistic Coordinator of the Grammy-winning Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and regularly serves as guest principal cellist of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. A lover of period performance practice, Mr. Wilson performs on Baroque cello throughout North America and Europe. His performances have been broadcast on West German Radio and Bavarian Radio in Germany, CBC radio in Canada, BBC Radio in Britain, Finish Radio, and National Public Radio. He is currently on the faculty of the Music Performance Program at Columbia University in New York. Chamber music forms the core of Mr. Wilson’s work. He is a former member of the Shanghai and Chester Quartets, and the DaCapo Chamber Players. In 2004, he founded the…

Kelly Syiad Ali BASS A native New Yorker, Richmond Symphony bassist Kelly Ali was raised in the Bronx and later Queens Village. He was a member of the first graduating class of The Juilliard School’s music advancement program and bookended his New York tutelage in the studio of James VanDemark, earning a Bachelor of Music from the Eastman School of Music. Mr. Ali has participated in music festivals throughout the United States and Europe and earned a Master of Music from the University of Maryland as a student of Curtis Burris. His orchestral experience also extends to ensembles such as the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, National Philharmonic, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Williamsburg Symphonia. Along with orchestral performances and his post as Adjunct Professor of Bass at Virginia Commonwealth University, Mr. Ali has also dedicated performance time to chamber music with colleagues such as the Ying Quartet, members of the Guarneri Quartet and the Chamber Music Society of C JOIN OUR MAILING LIST * indicates required Email Address * /* real people should not fill this in and expect good things – do not remove this or risk form bot signups */ CONTACT US (804) 304-6312 CMSCVA PO Box 8526 Richmond, VA 23226 FOLLOW US Facebook-f Instagram SUPPORT US CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA  |  © 2025 All Rights Reserved  |  Site design KWGraphicsandWeb