Article on new position as String Ensemble Director

http://www.thereddingpilot.com/4473/youth-orchestra-has-new-conductor-this-season/

The Elkins Duo Performs in Westport!

The Elkins Duo Presents:

Afternoon Classics

An interactive musical program for the young, and the young at heart

Sunday October 21^st 2012 2p.m.

Westport, Connecticut

Selections Include:

Prelude from Suite for Cello No. 1                             J.S. Bach

Etude Op.25 No.1                                                      F. Chopin

“Fantasy Pieces” Op.73                                              R. Schumann

“Song Without Words” Op.109                                   F. Mendelssohn

“The Swan” from “Carnival of the Animals”                  C. Saint-Saens

“Allegro Agitato” from Sonata in A minor Op. 36          E. Grieg

Justin Elkins, Cello

Marija Elkins Piano

Trumbull High School names new orchestra director

Justin Elkins, the new orchestra director of Trumbull High School, is a versatile music educator and performer who has been in the area since 2007. Since then, he has been an active performer in the cello section of the Norwalk Symphony and has performed numerous concerts with his wife, Marija, a pianist, as the Elkins Duo, such as at the 9/11 memorial service in Norwalk and at the University of Bridgeport in a concert to raise funds for earthquake relief in Haiti. After receiving his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in cello performance at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, he founded the cello department at the Talent Education Suzuki School in Norwalk in 2007 and remains the department chair of the cello department there. He has also worked extensively as a string educator in the public schools, working in Fairfield with both high school orchestras and in Bridgeport through the K.E.Y.S. program, Kids Empowered by your Support, a non profit organization which provides music lessons to underprivileged elementary students in Bridgeport Public Schools. “I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with the string students of Trumbull High School and am eager to challenge the students to achieve their potential, and encourage other string players who might not already be in the orchestra to join as I would like to create an honors ensemble that will perform in outreach concerts throughout the community in locations such as senior homes, libraries, and other public places, so that we can share our music and our growth. I am also interested in providing opportunities to the students to perform community service through music by coaching and mentoring less fortunate students in Bridgeport through the K.E.Y.S program.”

People of Hope Benefit Concert

Justin and Marija performed at the University of Bridgeport in a benefit concert to raise funds for earthquake relief in Haiti. Other performers included Eddie Pleasant, recognized opera singer, as well as dancers and gospel singers. Although the piano was not in the best of shape, Justin and Marija enjoyed performing the Fantasy Pieces by Schumann for this great cause.

Justin and Marija performed for the 9/11 Memorial service at the Norwalk Concert Hall to honor those from Norwalk lost in the September 11th attacks, performing Mendelssohn's Song Without Words. In attendance were Mayor Dick Moccia, Attorney General, now senator Richard Blumenthal, Congressman Jim Himes and Deputy Governor Michael Fedele.

Program Announced for 2/9 performance in Norwalk!

Fantasy Pieces for Cello and Piano, Op.73 R.Schumann (1810-1856)
I. Zart und mit Ausdruck
II. Lebhaft, Leicht
III. Rasch und mit Feuer

Serenade, Op. 98 G. Faure (1845-1924)
Apres Un Reve, Op. 7 no. 1 Arr. Pablo Casals
Sicilienne, Op. 78
Papillion, Op. 77

Frescobaldi Toccata for Cello and Piano G. Cassado (1897-1966)

Sonata No.2 in g minor for cello and piano Op. 5 No. 2 L.Van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Adagio sostenuto ed espressivo
Allegro molto piu tosto presto
Rondo (Allegro)

Upcoming Performances:

1/17/08 Talmedge Hill Community Church Darien 3p.m.

2/9/08 First United Methodist Church West Ave. Norwalk 5p.m.

5/17/08 First United Methodist Church West Ave. Norwalk 5p.m. with
violinist Gary Cappoziello as SoNo Trio