KATHRYN MIENKTA FARRUGGIA, Pianist
Note: Kathryn brings her keyboard with her for concerts, there is no need to supply a piano
Kathryn Mientka Farruggia performed internationally to critical acclaim as the pianist in the Mientka Duo, which she and her late husband, Tyme Mientka co-founded in 1983. She has performed extensively in Colorado since moving to Grand Junction with Tyme in 1995. They founded the Western Slope Concert Series and later the Celtic band FEAST. They have been featured twice on PBS. You can read more about Kathryn on the “OUR DIRECTOR” page. Kathryn performs a mix of classical, oldies, and Celtic music on her special “narrow keys” digital piano, which she brings with her for concerts.
ALISHA BEAN, Violin/Viola
Champion fiddler and a brilliant classical Violinist/Violist, Alisha completed her Masters degree in Violin performance at Arizona State University under a full scholarship. She has performed in quartets, ensembles, and orchestras around the USA, Spain, and Italy. She has appeared as a soloist with the Grand Junction High School orchestra, Mesa State College Orchestra and has performed Schindler's List, Fiddler on the Roof and Tango Por Una Cabeza with the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra where she is also co-concertmaster.
When she is not performing classically, she loves to indulge in fiddling and other styles of music. Alisha enjoys her teaching studio and is a very impassioned player who loves the stage and enjoys sharing her music with anyone who will listen. Alisha is blessed to play on a 1770 Klotz school violin gifted by generous donors along with her parents, Ari Bean, Bob Murphy, and the Dawson's.
JAVIER de SANTOS, Guitar
Javier has performed in the U. S. A., Mexico, Spain, and Brazil. He recently performed a program of Spanish Guitar Music at The Blue Sage Concert series; has performed with the Apollo Chamber Players from Houston at the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra Chamber Concert Series. Past performances include playing with Pepe Romero and the Romero’s Guitar Quartet at the Celedonio Romero Guitar Institute in Oklahoma City, an being a soloist with the Grand Junction and Boulder Symphony Orchestras. Javier is founder of Mariachi San Jose, president and artistic director of the Western Colorado Classical Guitar Society and guitar instructor at Independence Academy Charter School in Grand Junction, CO. He currently lives in Grand Junction and teaches guitar privately and teaches guitar and Music Theory at Colorado Mesa University. The music that Javier performs on his guitar ranges from the 1500’s to modern times from around the globe: European, South American, Mexican, American… music and includes popular music arranged for the solo guitar.
THYME FORTIN, Violin
Freshly graduated from CMU with a degree in violin performance, I'm eager to bring my classical and contemporary expertise to new audiences. My passion lies in the rich tradition of classical music, which I strive to share through every performance. I also occasionally play modern Pop Songs and Fiddle Tunes. As a former concertmaster for Symphony in the Valley, I honed my skills in leadership and musical interpretation, and I'm excited to explore new opportunities to collaborate and create beautiful music.
GANDALF EBRECHT, Guitar
A student at Colorado Mesa University, Gandy is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Musical Performance with a focus on classical guitar. Gandy plays classical pieces regularly opening for the Geek Parties Summer Shakespeare series. He is also the guitarist for the grunge/punk band Interval. When not at work as a game room operator, Gandy enjoys drawing, tabletop RPGs, and quiet moments spent feeding his feral cats.
KIRAN CODY CLARK, Double Bass
39 years old and native to Western Colorado, Kiran Cody Clark holds a BM in Double Bass performance and a Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music. Currently, Kiran teaches private lessons and performs for the Grand Junction Symphony as Assistant Principal Bass. Kiran enjoys improvisation, spending time in nature and reading books.
MATHEW CORONADO, singer
is an educator and professional singer living in Grand Junction, Colorado. He is currently in his fifth year as director of vocal music at Central High School in Grand Junction, and was previously was director of choirs at Gunnison Middle and High School in Gunnison, Colorado. Mathew is passionate about music education and performance, and has sung with the Western Colorado Chorale, Vocal Junction, and has been a featured soloist with the Messiah Choral Society and the First Presbyterian Church of Grand Junction. A native of Wyoming, Mathew earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education K-12 and Performance from Colorado Mesa University and a Master of Music Education with an Emphasis in Choral Conducting from CU Boulder.