Michael Mermagen, cello, made his debut at age sixteen with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra after receiving the BSO Young Soloist’s Award. He has presented solo appearances with the Juilliard Orchestra and the National Orchestra of New York, where he also held the prestigious Emanuel Feuermann principal cello chair. Recently, he gave concerto performances with the Stockton and Fairfax symphonies. An avid chamber musician, Mr. Mermagen is currently a member of the Aspen String Trio. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Peabody Conservatory and his Master of Music degree from the Juilliard School. He is currently associate professor of cello at The Catholic University of America. He performs on a Nicola Gagliano cello, Naples (1774).
Praised by the critics in the United Kingdom, Spain, Lithuania and the United States for his lyricism , intensity of performance and virtuosity , pianist Martin Labazevitch has appeared on numerous concert stages and festivals in Europe, Israel, Japan, South Korea and the United States. He is a recipient of diplomas and recognitions on many international piano competitions such as the Hilton Head International Piano Competition, Jose Iturbi International Piano Competition in Valencia, Cleveland International Piano Competition as well as numerous prizes and awards such as the Rina Menashe Award in Israel, the Kosciuszko Foundation Award in New York and the Harold Bauer Award for the most promising pianist at the Manhattan School of Music.