String Area

Overview

The CSU string area seeks to empower students with the knowledge, skills and experience needed for a successful career in music. One-on-one training with artist/scholars, chamber ensemble coaching sessions, rehearsals and concerts with the University Symphony and Sinfonia Orchestras promote the intellectual, creative and artistic growth of each student. We believe that total musicianship involves training the artists of the future to have a breadth of knowledge. Professional musicians today are performers, scholars, educators and active supporters of the cause of music. Our string program guides the aspiring musician towards the fulfillment of these goals.

Guest Artist Series: Michelle Kesler, Cello, and Scott Holden, Piano

April 11, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Michelle Kesler, cello, and Scott Holden, piano perform several 20th-century sonatas for the instruments, including Ethel Smyth’s Sonata for Cello and Piano in A minor op. 5, Eugene Ysaye’s Sonata for Solo Cello in C minor, op. 28, and Benjamin Britten’s Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 65. Dr. Michelle Kesler, associate professor of cello [...]

Virtuoso Series Concert: Faculty Chamber Music

April 22, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Join the CSU Music Faculty for a concert featuring the works of Johannes Brahms, Henri Dutilleux, Melanie Bonis, and Valerie Coleman. The concert includes CSU faculty artists Ron Francois, violin; Margaret Miller, viola; Romina Monsanto, cello; Bryan Wallick, piano; Ysmael Reyes, flute; Cayla Bellamy, bassoon; Megan Lanz, flute; Copper Ferreira, clarinet; Jooyeon Chang, piano; Tiffany [...]

String News

Animaniacs 2018 promotional poster

Animaniacs delighted by the University Symphony Orchestra

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The Animaniacs was originally performed by a Hollywood studio orchestra of 40 musicians; this spring, Rogel’s Emmy-winning songs were presented by Wes Kenny conducting the CSU University Orchestra as part of Animaniacs in Concert. The concert was co-presented by the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at CSU and the Lincoln Center as part of […]

Holiday Spectacular 2017 rehearsal photo

Start the holiday season at the University Center for the Arts

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Kick off the holiday season this week at the University Center for the Arts with the annual Holiday Spectacular and Parade of Lights Preview. The Holiday Spectacular returns on Thursday, Nov. 29, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2, at 4 p.m. in Griffin Concert Hall. The cost of tickets ($10/youth under 18, and $22/adults) […]

Quatra Duo Promotional Photo

CSU music professors perform their first concert as a new duo

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—By Emily Kaiser, UCA Publicity Intern Colorado State University music professors Michelle Stanley and Jeff LaQuatra, also known as the Quatra Duo, are debuting two new pieces at their upcoming Virtuosos Series Concert, Something New: Music for Flute – Stanley on flute, LaQuatra on guitar. The performance takes place on Monday, Oct. 22 at 7:30 […]

Artists-in-Residence

Mendelssohn Trio 2021 Promotional Photo

The Mendelssohn Trio: Formed in 1988, the trio is named for cellist Barbara Thiem's great grandfather, Franz von Mendelssohn, a nephew of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy and an important supporter of artists and musicians in the Berlin of the early 20th century. While performing the standard repertoire of the 18th and 19th centuries the trio has made an effort to introduce its audiences to works by 20th century American and European composers. The members give frequent concerts and work closely with students on chamber music projects.

Duo Francois Promotional Photo

The Duo Francois has been performing at National and International venues since 2008.  This dynamic and versatile duo are known for their interpretations of the classic repertoire and are champions of new compositions in the violin and piano genre.  Several pieces have been composed for the Duo Francois by some of the finest composers of the 21st century.

Their latest CD entitled "Mexico City Blues" featuring three commissioned works earned the Duo a silver medal in both the 'Duo' and 'Emerging Artist' categories at the Global Music Awards and also received regognition by the American Prize in the category of chamber music.

Since 2008, the Duo Francois has also provided masterclasses and lessons, nationally and internationally, to numerous prospective students, and many of these students have pursued graduate work at CSU as a result.

Graduate String Quartet Program

Prerequisites for Admission: Bachelor’s Degree in Music, variety of solo and chamber music repertoire.

Opportunities:

  • Assistance in developing artistic and business-related aspects for a successful quartet career
  • Participation in LEAP courses is encouraged
  • Seminar Topics Include:
    • Outreach Program Development
    • Creative Programming
    • Commissioning New Works
    • Arts Leadership & Administration
    • Chamber Music literature/Pedagogy
    • Supervised Coaching Experience

Students will be Involved in the Following:

  • Daily Rehearsal Time
  • Dedicated ensemble rehearsal space in our new state-of-the-art teaching and performance facility
  • Weekly Coaching

Additional Professional Work Available:

  • Opportunities with four professional symphonies in Northern Colorado
  • Teaching Opportunities
  • Chamber Music Performances

For more information, please contact Margaret Miller.