Chamber Music ~ Improvisation ~ Performing
STAFF 2026
STERLING ELLIOT
Acclaimed for his stellar stage presence and joyous musicianship, cellist Sterling Elliott is a 2021 Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient and the winner of the Senior Division of the 2019 National Sphinx Competition. Still in his mid-twenties, Elliott has appeared with orchestras including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Detroit Symphony and the Dallas Symphony, working with noted conductors including Yannick Nezet-Seguin, Thomas Wilkins, Jeffrey Kahane, and Mei Ann Chen, among others.
In 2025/2026 Sterling Elliott debuts with the Phoenix Symphony, the Buffalo Philharmonic, the BBC Scottish Symphony, and at the BBC Proms with Edwin Outwater. As featured soloist with the Sphinx Virtuosi, he takes part in a mutli-city tour with performances at Carnegie Hall, Shriver Concert Series, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, the Gardner Museum, and Schubert Club and more. As a chamber musician, he continues his residency in the Bowers Program of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, appearing with CMLSC at Alice Tully Hall and on tour throughout the United States, as well as in trio performances with Anthony McGill and Gloria Chien.
Chicago-born cellist Dr. Kevin Flynn enjoys an active career as a teacher and performing artist, firmly believing that each informs the other. Flynn is Visiting Assistant Professor at the Michael and Anne Greenwood School of Music at Oklahoma State University, Assistant Principal Cello in the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, and Acting Principal Cello in the Oklahoma Baroque Orchestra. He has served as Principal Cellist of the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra, the Drs. Dale and Linda Guse Principal Cellist of the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, and the Sajo and Chiqui Fellow of the International Chamber Orchestra of Puerto Rico. He is cellist in the groundbreaking historically-informed chamber ensemble Tonos del Sur and the prize-winning Cercis String Quartet. |
Recent highlights include debut performances with the Atlanta, San Francisco, New Jersey, Columbus, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids Symphonies, the Minnesota Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Reno Philharmonic. Elliott has also made returns to Carnegie Hall with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s led by Louis Langrée, and performed the Beethoven Triple Concerto with Madison Symphony alongside Gil Shaham and Orli Shaham. He premiered a new orchestral version of John Corigliano’s Phantasmagoria, commissioned for him by a consortium of orchestras, led by the Orlando Philharmonic and music director Eric Jacobsen.
As the Robey Artist with the London-based Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT) in partnership with Music Masters, Elliott regularly performs throughout the UK and Europe including at Wigmore Hall, Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, as well as on tour in New Zealand. In 2024, Elliott was named a BBC New Generation Artist. Sterling’s long association with the Sphinx Organization began when he won the 2014 Junior Division Competition. The following year he went on to tour with the Sphinx Virtuosi before being awarded the Organization’s Isaac Stern Award in 2016. He became the first alumnus from the Sphinx Performance Academy to win the Sphinx Competition (in 2019). Sterling received the Sphinx Medal of Excellence in 2024, the highest honor bestowed by the Sphinx Organization. Born into a musical household, Sterling initially wanted to play the violin like his older brother and sister. After a bit of encouragement, he completed The Elliott Family String Quartet, an ensemble that enjoyed personalized arrangements of genres such as bluegrass, gospel, and funk music. He is an ambassador of the Young Strings of America, a string sponsorship operated by Shar Music. He performs on a 1741 Gennaro Gagliano cello on loan through the Robert F. Smith Fine String Patron Program, in partnership with the Sphinx Organization. September 4, 2025. Please discard previously dated materials and contact [email protected] before making any alterations or ___________________________________________________________________ Highlights of Flynn’s 2024-25 season include a featured solo performance of Dvorak’s Silent Woods and Rondo at OSU’s Presidents Masterworks Concert; concerts with the Brightmusic Summer Music Festival; a tour of the Midwest with the Cercis String Quartet; BEMI & BLEMF2025 with Tonos del Sur; recitals with violinist Jeff Myers of the Calidore String Quartet, pianist Dr. Tomomi Sato, and clarinetist Wendy Bickford; and the successful defense of his dissertation, “A Study of Adrien-François Servais’ Pedagogical Works and Stylistic Traits: Towards an Understanding of the Belgian Cello School.”
Flynn earned Doctor of Music and Master of Music degrees in Violoncello Performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he was the Eva Heinitz Memorial Fellow. He earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Music and in Philosophy from Grand Valley State University. Flynn’s primary teachers include Emilio Colón, Pablo Mahave-Veglia, Joanna Blendulf, Helga Winold, Stanley Ritchie, and Edward Kelsey Moore. He has participated in masterclasses with Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi, Uri Vardi, and Steve Doane. |
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ETHAN YOUNG
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He is a cellist in Lexington, Kentucky, where he is a section cellist in the Lexington Philharmonic, a cello instructor for the University of Kentucky String Project, as well as a teaching artist for the Lexington Philharmonic and for the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra’s MusicWorks program. He has recently played as a substitute cellist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Louisville Orchestra, the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.
From 2015-2019 he was the cellist of the Rockefeller String Quartet and a member of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, giving concerts and educational demos throughout the state of Arkansas. While there he held teaching positions as the cello instructor for the ASO’s Sturgis Music Academy, and was the Adjunct Cello Instructor at Hendrix University and Henderson State University. He has served as principal cellist of the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra, the Schleswig-Holstein Festival Orchestra, the Kent Blossom Chamber Orchestra, and the Indiana University Baroque Orchestra where he has studied baroque cello under renowned early music specialist Stanley Ritchie. Other orchestral positions have been with the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra, and as a substitute with the New World Symphony. He has played chamber music at the Tanglewood Music Center and Schleswig- Holstein festivals, and has performed on numerous chamber concerts including at the University of Kentucky, the University of Central Arkansas, University of Arkansas Little Rock, and at Ionian University in Corfu, Greece Ethan holds a Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Michigan where he studied with Anthony Elliott, and a Master’s Degree from Indiana University under Peter Stumpf. If you find yourself stuck with Ethan for a day, you can make him happy by taking him for a forest walk and giving him coffee and something written by Faulkner or George Saunders. If the weather is particularly unpleasant he will be content eating curry and watching history films and basketball. |
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Jason Gong
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Mr. Gong is an international pianist and cellist
from Michigan. He received his Masters of Piano Performance at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, UK studying under Prof. Noriko Ogawa and Prof. Paul Roberts and his Bachelors of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Michigan studying under Dr. Louis Nagel. Although his foundations are in classical music, Jason loves to explore the connections between all creative disciplines. Within music, how do things like genres relate to each other and socially how might things such as politics, traditions, and cultures inform those relations? As musicians, can our work elucidate something about ourselves? Outside of music, how can other mediums of expression such as movement or visual arts relate and connect with sound? In times of crisis, or when physical needs are in jeopardy, what is the role of art? These questions drive his love for improvisation and passion for collaboration, both with other musicians as well as other disciplines. Currently, Jason is based in Ypsilanti, Michigan where he performs around SE Michigan, arranges chamber music, and maintains a teaching studio for both piano and cello. Jason is very excited to be returning to CelloChanWoods. He greatly values the environment that the retreat fosters--one of intense focus, unbridled joy, and nourishing support. CelloChanWoods is a place where real growth happens and “unlikely connections” are commonly found. In his spare time, Jason enjoys cooking for others, listening to podcasts, and swing dancing! |
PAST STAFF
Dr. Sonja Kraus, a native of Germany, is an internationally acclaimed cellist, teacher, and music scholar, whose concertizing and teaching career has taken her through Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the United States. Currently, Kraus holds the position of Assistant Professor of Cello/Bass at the University of South Dakota and is the cellist in the renowned Rawlins Piano Trio. Prior to joining the faculty at the University of South Dakota, Kraus was the Cello Professor at the Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo as well as the principal cellist of the Orquesta Filarmónica Municipal de Guayaqul in Ecuador. Kraus holds her bachelor’s in Cello Performance and Pedagogy from the State University of Music and Performing Arts in Stuttgart (Germany) as well as a master’s and doctoral degree from the Jacobs School of Music – Indiana University Bloomington where she studied with Prof. Emilio Colón, the 2017 Artist of the year by the New York Classical Music Society. Kraus is a sought-out performer, clinician, and instructor of masterclasses throughout the US, Latin America, and Germany with invitations to the Colegio Universitario San Gerónimo de La Habana (Cuba), Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico, Jacobs School of Music – Indiana University (IN), Chapman University (CA), and University of Lincoln (NE). Kraus participated in several music festivals around the world including Habana Clásica, the International Chamber Orchestra of Puerto Rico, and the Fresno Summer Orchestra Academy. As a researcher, Kraus focuses on broadening the cello repertoire by identifying manuscripts and creating editions of unpublished cello works from the classical era, currently focusing on three Cello Concertos by Franz Anton Hoffmeister.
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Leslie Welan
As a cello performance major at Ithaca College, Leslie studied with Nicola Heinrich, Elizabeth Simkin, and Heidi Hoffman. Upon completing her MM at the University of WI., in 2009, Leslie moved to Charlottesville, VA. While in Charlottesville, she met Suzuki Teacher Trainer Beth Cantrell, who inspired her to pursue further pedagogical studies. Over the course of two years, Leslie completed training courses for Cello Books 1-10, Suzuki Principles in Action, and Teaching Cello Group Classes. She studied with Ronda Cole, Tanya Carey, Beth Cantrell, Pamela Devenport, Carol Tarr, and Carey Beth Hockett. While in Virginia, Leslie spent two years as principal cellist for the Ash Lawn Opera, and played with the Roanoke Symphony, Richmond Symphony, Opera on the James, Virginia Consortand the Oratorio Society of Virginia. As a member of the Afton String Quartet, she performed recitals at Mary Baldwin College, Christ Episcopal Church’s Bach’s Lunch program, and several assisted living centers. The Afton String Quartet also held a residency at the University of Mary Washington, where they gave masterclasses and a recital. At the college level, Leslie taught at Longwood University in Farmville, VA during the 2013-2014 school year and Grayson College in north Texas from 2015 to 2019; she is currently on faculty at Austin College. Leslie teaches privately in Texoma and performs with the Sherman Symphony Orchestra. As Education Director of the SSO, Leslie oversees all of the orchestra’s educational programming, and she enjoys developing new outreach efforts. She is the founding director of Austin College Summer Music Camp, a program that is operated by the Sherman Symphony Orchestra and hosted by Austin College. In 2024, Leslie was nominated for the Sherman Chamber of Commerce ‘Community Leader of the Year’ award. She is currently on faculty at Austin College. Leslie teaches privately in Texoma and performs with the Sherman Symphony Orchestra. As Education Director of the SSO, Leslie oversees all of the orchestra’s educational programming, and she enjoys developing new outreach efforts. She is the founding director of Austin College Summer Music Camp, a program that is operated by the Sherman Symphony Orchestra and hosted by Austin College. In 2024, Leslie was nominated for the Sherman Chamber of Commerce ‘Community Leader of the Year’ award. While in Virginia, Leslie spent two years as principal cellist for the Ash Lawn Opera, and played with the Roanoke Symphony, Richmond Symphony, Opera on the James, Virginia Consortand the Oratorio Society of Virginia. She was a member of the Afton String Quartet. At the college level, Leslie taught at Longwood University in Farmville, VA during the 2013-2014 school year and Grayson College in north Texas from 2015 to 2019; she is currently on faculty at Austin College. Leslie teaches privately in Texoma and performs with the Sherman Symphony Orchestra. As Education Director of the SSO, Leslie oversees all of the orchestra’s educational programming, and she enjoys developing new outreach efforts. She is the founding director of Austin College Summer Music Camp, a program that is operated by the Sherman Symphony Orchestra and hosted by Austin College. In 2024, Leslie was nominated for the Sherman Chamber of Commerce ‘Community Leader of the Year’ award. |
Joeseph Tatum completed his Bachelor of Music degree at the Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University where he studied with Prof. Emilio Colón. During that time he also had the opportunity of studying with cellists Dr. Helga Winold, and Prof. Marc Coppey. Joseph participated in chamber music master classes led by the Pacifica String Quartet and received coachings from Pacifica's cellist, Brandon Vamos.
In addition to classical playing, Joseph is very passionate about pursuing creative musicianship including improvisation as well as writing and performing original compositions. Joseph currently performs as part of The Eclectic Celli, a cello duet focused on expressing the cello in many diverse musical styles. Another one of Joseph's active projects is composing for and performing with a quartet comprised of cello, electric bass, drums and violin. During his undergrad, Joseph co-founded the band Darwin's Groove, a trio consisting of cello, guitar, and drums. The ensemble performed original compositions centered on harmony and rhythm while transitioning contrasting grooves. In each of these projects, Joseph seeks to explore and innovate the cello's unique capabilities as a non classical performance instrument.
He is a multi-genre cellist and composer residing in Reno, Nevada where he performs with a number of diverse ensembles. His primary objective has been to explore and innovate the cello's unique capabilities as a non-classical performance instrument. In June 2016 this goal manifested itself when Joseph teamed up with Ethan Gray to form Darabello, a duo featuring original composition for looped cello and percussion. More recently, Joseph was commissioned by Artown to collaborate with dancer Alex Kaskie for the inaugural Artown Under the Radar performance. In addition to these projects, Joseph performs as a section member of the Reno Philharmonic, as well as with the Desert Rose Ensemble. He also maintains an active interest in teaching, including work with the Reno Philharmonic Youth Orchestra program as well as leading a studio for private cello lessons. Joseph holds a Master of Music degree in cello performance from University of Nevada, Reno and a Bachelor of Music degree in cello performance from Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music.
In addition to classical playing, Joseph is very passionate about pursuing creative musicianship including improvisation as well as writing and performing original compositions. Joseph currently performs as part of The Eclectic Celli, a cello duet focused on expressing the cello in many diverse musical styles. Another one of Joseph's active projects is composing for and performing with a quartet comprised of cello, electric bass, drums and violin. During his undergrad, Joseph co-founded the band Darwin's Groove, a trio consisting of cello, guitar, and drums. The ensemble performed original compositions centered on harmony and rhythm while transitioning contrasting grooves. In each of these projects, Joseph seeks to explore and innovate the cello's unique capabilities as a non classical performance instrument.
He is a multi-genre cellist and composer residing in Reno, Nevada where he performs with a number of diverse ensembles. His primary objective has been to explore and innovate the cello's unique capabilities as a non-classical performance instrument. In June 2016 this goal manifested itself when Joseph teamed up with Ethan Gray to form Darabello, a duo featuring original composition for looped cello and percussion. More recently, Joseph was commissioned by Artown to collaborate with dancer Alex Kaskie for the inaugural Artown Under the Radar performance. In addition to these projects, Joseph performs as a section member of the Reno Philharmonic, as well as with the Desert Rose Ensemble. He also maintains an active interest in teaching, including work with the Reno Philharmonic Youth Orchestra program as well as leading a studio for private cello lessons. Joseph holds a Master of Music degree in cello performance from University of Nevada, Reno and a Bachelor of Music degree in cello performance from Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music.
Gabrielle Jimbo Viteri Originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador, Gabriel began his musical studies at the age of four and started playing cello at the age of six. He received his Bachelor of Music Performance from Indiana University and is currently pursuing his Master of Music at IU under the tutelage of Emilio Colón.
His orchestral career has included being a member of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, the Anderson Symphony Orchestra, and the Guayaquil Symphony Orchestra. As a soloist, he has performed with multiple orchestras in Ecuador, most notably with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ecuador in 2017.
During his studies at Indiana University, Gabriel has worked and received guidance from artists such as Anne Epperson, Lee Phillips, Richard Aaron, Stephen Wyrczynski, and members of the Pacifica Quartet.
A passionate educator, Gabriel aims to return to Ecuador after the culmination of his studies to inspire, guide, and nurture the next generation of musicians – and to foster interest and widen access to classical music throughout his country.
When not playing, Gabriel enjoys reading about economics, jogging, and listening to podcasts about human psychology.
His orchestral career has included being a member of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, the Anderson Symphony Orchestra, and the Guayaquil Symphony Orchestra. As a soloist, he has performed with multiple orchestras in Ecuador, most notably with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ecuador in 2017.
During his studies at Indiana University, Gabriel has worked and received guidance from artists such as Anne Epperson, Lee Phillips, Richard Aaron, Stephen Wyrczynski, and members of the Pacifica Quartet.
A passionate educator, Gabriel aims to return to Ecuador after the culmination of his studies to inspire, guide, and nurture the next generation of musicians – and to foster interest and widen access to classical music throughout his country.
When not playing, Gabriel enjoys reading about economics, jogging, and listening to podcasts about human psychology.
Suzanne Smith
449 Moretown Common Rd., Moretown, VT. 05660
[email protected] ~ 802.496.5273
COPYRIGHT 2003
449 Moretown Common Rd., Moretown, VT. 05660
[email protected] ~ 802.496.5273
COPYRIGHT 2003