In the year in which ArtLink celebrates 20 years since founding, after the Women ArtLinks Forum that was organized in Madlena Palace in October, there is another event in December – concert of American ensemble Black Oak Trio, that will be presented on December 11 and 12 in Belgrade and Zagreb.
Praised by the Chicago Tribune for its “flamboyant vitality” and “expert performances,” the Black Oak Ensemble is establishing itself as a one of the premier chamber ensembles in the United States. At its core is a string trio comprising violinist Desirée Ruhstrat and cellist David Cunliffe (members of the Grammy-nominated Lincoln Trio) and violist Aurélien Fort Pederzoli.
The Black Oak Ensemble has performed throughout the United States and Europe, including appearances at the Ravinia Festival, Chicago Cultural Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Latino Music Festival, Mayne Stage, WFMT, Grand Rapids Museum of Art, Communauté Juive de Nancy, and Le Festival du film Juif de Paris, and has held residencies at Eau Claire University, St. John’s School for the Arts (USVI), Arizona State University, and Safford Arizona. The Black Oak Ensemble currently serves as Ensemble-in-Residence at the New Music School in Chicago.
The project-based Black Oak Ensemble is a passionate advocate of undiscovered and new works. It has commissioned and premiered new string trios from renowned composers such as Michael Nyman, David Ludwig, and Conrad Tao; and has collaborated with musicians such as bandoneon player, Evan Orman, guitarists Goran Ivanovic and Jose Ferreira, harpsichordist Jory Vinikour, and the Cavatina Duo.
The ensemble will perform its Silenced voices program throughout Europe, including appearances in Athens, Geneva, Grenoble, Lyon, Paris, Prague, Vittel, and Yverdon, and give a special performance at the Everlasting Hope International Music Festival in Terezin in August 2019.
Dedicated educators, the members of the ensemble have put down roots in the south of France, creating Musique Dans Le Gers, a music festival that provides an opportunity to work with young artists and share their experiences and music with the community.
The ensemble is named for the black oak, a beautiful tree native to its home state of Illinois (one stands in the front yard of Desirée Ruhstrat and David Cunliffe).
