World renowned musicians perform with Cameron University professor

Lawton is becoming a place where creators from all walks of life can come together and share their craft with others. From local artists and performers to world renowned creators, everyone is in for a treat.

On Oct. 11, Cameron University’s Hyunsoon Whang will join special guest ensemble the Florida Chamber Music Project for a special performance at 7:30 p.m. at the University Theatre, 2800 W. Gore.

The Florida Chamber Music Project is an ensemble comprised of seasoned chamber musicians and members of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, according to a press release. Victoria Stjerna, violin; Susan Pardue, viola; and Laurie Casseday, cello, will represent the Project.

The concert will feature Mozart’s Piano Quartet in G minor and Schumann’s Piano Quartet in E-flat major, the release said. The Mozart quartet, composed in 1785, features three movements: Allegro in G minor, Andante in B-flat major and Rondo (Allegro) in G major. The Schumann piece was composed in 1842 and consists of four movements: Sostenuto assai — Allegro ma non troppo, Scherzo: Molto vivace-Trio I-Trio II, Andante cantabile and Finale: Vivace.

“These two piano quartets are among the most celebrated in the genre of piano quartets,” Whang said. “I’ve pushed for Schumann, since this piece happens to be my favorite chamber music work. In January, I’ll be performing with the Florida Chamber Music Project in Jacksonville in an all-Mozart concert in observance of his birthday, so this is a great opportunity to preview that particular piece here at Cameron.”

Hailing from Sweden, Stjerna has won numerous awards in international competitions in Sweden, Denmark and Hungary, the release said. She is a frequently invited guest concertmaster, leader and chamber musician. As one of the founding members of the European Chamber Orchestra O/Modernt, she frequently tours across Europe.

Stjerna has performed at prestigious halls such as Musikverein Vienna, Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall and with orchestras such as the Stockholm Philharmonic, Swedish Radio Orchestra and the Gothenburg Symphony, the release said. She continues to explore a broad repertoire in her passion for chamber music. She recently released a CD with Andreas Lavotha (cello), Christin Högnabba (soprano) and Stefan Lindgren (piano), performing music by Swedish composer, Laura Netzel.

Pardue is a member of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra who previously played with the New World Symphony in Miami, the release said. From North Carolina, she earned a high school diploma and Bachelor of Music degree from the North Carolina School of the Arts and a Master of Music degree from the Juilliard School. She studied with Sally Peck in North Carolina, William Lincer at Juilliard and Piero Farulli in Italy on a Fulbright scholarship.

Casseday began her studies in Atlanta at 8 years old, first in violin, then in cello in the public schools, the release said. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree with a Performers’ Certificate in Applied Music from Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY and a Master of Music degree in Cello Performance from Georgia State University in Atlanta. She then joined the Jacksonville Symphony cello section in 1986.

Casseday helped found the St. Mark’s Bach Ensemble and Florida Chamber Music Project, the release said. Her tenure with Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra includes nurturing young cellists in the youth orchestra program as a sectional coach and private instructor. She also plays with her husband Kevin, delighting audiences with their cello/double bass duos including a sprinkle of humorous personal reflection.

The performance is sponsored by the CU Lectures and Concerts Series.