Philadelphia Chamber Music Society: Ensemble Connect

• Amir Hoshang Farsi, flute
• Yasmina Spiegelberg, clarinet
• Nicholas Hooks, bassoon
• Cort Roberts, French horn
• Rubén Rengel, violin
• Stephanie Zyzak, violin
• Halam Kim, viola
• Laura Andrade, cello
• Joanne Kang, piano

The talented musicians performing in Ensemble Connect form "one of the strongest ensembles in the city." (New York Classical Review) Over the course of this two-year fellowship program, extraordinary young professionals perform a series of concerts that smartly bridges the history and future of classical music, from timeless Baroque music to new works. This program includes a Philadelphia premiere by Michi Wiancko, commissioned by Carnegie Hall; brilliant quintets by Mozart and R. Schumann; and Dark Wood by Pulitzer Prize winner Jennifer Higdon—a title that refers to the bassoon, used virtuosically throughout the piece.

About Philadelphia Chamber Music Society

https://www.pcmsconcerts.org/

About Ensemble Connect

Ensemble Connect is a program of Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School, and the Weill Music Institute in partnership with the New York City Department of Education. This two-year fellowship program prepares extraordinary young professional classical musicians for careers that combine musical excellence with teaching, community engagement, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Ensemble Connect offers top-quality performance opportunities, intensive professional development, and the opportunity to partner with a New York City public school throughout the fellowship.

About Amir Hoshang Farsi, flute

https://www.amirfarsi.com/

About Yasmina Spiegelberg, clarinet

https://www.yasminaspiegelberg.com/

About Nicholas Hooks, bassoon

Nicholas Hooks is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Bassoon Performance from the New England Conservatory where he studies with Rick Ranti. Nicholas believes in the power that music has in connecting and healing people. Baroque music is very influential in Nicholas’ musical decisions and he hopes to present his music in a very precise and authentic manner. Nicholas enjoys playing in chamber ensembles and sharing the joy of exploring music with others. He has attended various summer music festivals including the Brevard Music Center and the National Orchestral Institute. He has performed in master classes with Benjamin Kamins, John Clouser, Richard Svoboda, and Sue Heineman. His primary teachers have been Rick Ranti, Tom Novak, and Ashley Heintzen.

About Cort Roberts, French horn

https://www.bowdoinfestival.org/artist/cort-roberts/

About Rubén Rengel, violin

https://www.rubenrengel.com/

About Stephanie Zyzak, violin

Violinist Stephanie Zyzak is gaining a reputation as one of the most soulful and profound musicians of her generation. She has performed as a soloist throughout Germany, Russia, Austria, Sweden, Spain, Italy, and France. She is a deeply passionate chamber musician, performing at festivals including the Marlboro Music Festival, Caramoor, Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute, and the Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival. Stephanie has collaborated with renowned artists such as Mitsuko Uchida, Jonathan Biss, Kim Kashkashian, Danny Phillips, Marcy Rosen, and Ida Kavafian.

About Halam Kim, viola

https://www.halamkimviola.com/

About Laura Andrade, cello

Texas native Laura Andrade is a Latina cellist who calls Austin home. She enjoys a diverse musical career as a solo, orchestra, and chamber musician. Laura is a prize-winning laureate of the 2019 Sphinx Competition and has been featured as a soloist with the Austin Civic Orchestra and San Antonio Symphony under the baton of maestro Ken-David Masur.

Laura has a passionate love and curiosity for chamber music. In the past, she has collaborated with members of the Juilliard, Borromeo, and Miró string quartets. She has performed at IMS Prussia Cove Open Chamber Music, Verbier Festival, and Accademia Isola Classica.

In 2019, Laura joined the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra as its inaugural Colton Fellow. She holds a bachelor's degree and performer’s certificate from the Eastman School of Music, and a master's degree from The Juilliard School. Her core cello mentors include Amy Levine-Tsang, Steven Doane, Rosemary Elliott, and Natasha Brofsky. As part of her fellowship with Ensemble Connect, Laura teaches at City College Academy of the Arts in Manhattan.

About Joanne Kang, piano

https://www.joannekang.com/