Melissa Waterhouse

Melissa Waterhouse

by | Nov 4, 2019

Melissa Waterhouse

Melissa Waterhouse

VIOLIN

Melissa Waterhouse studied violin with Dr. Laura Mount of the Juilliard School, and performed for several years with the New York Youth Symphony in Carnegie Hall. She received her B.A. at the University of New Hampshire and was Concertmaster of the UNH Symphony. In addition to the Artful Noise String Quartet, she performs regularly as a freelance musician and as a member of the French and Celtic trio La Madeleine. Through her freelance work, Melissa has recorded for many local songwriters and for Peter Mayer, with whom she has toured nationally. She is an active member of the NH Chapter of the American String Teachers Association and teaches at Berwick Academy, Childlight Montessori School, and at her home studio in Dover.

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Sylvia DiCrescentis

Sylvia DiCrescentis

by | Jun 7, 2019

Sylvia_DiCrescentis

Sylvia DiCrescentis

VIOLIN | VIOLA | PIANO

Sylvia DiCrescentis began playing violin at the tender age of 4. Soon after, she added both viola and piano to her growing list of instruments played. Later in life, her passion for music took her to Roberts Wesleyan College, where she received her Bachelors of Science in Music Education. After graduation, she continued to study with renowned musicians Gerri Fogg, Tammy Kaye, Monica Vanderbaan, and Marc Anderson. Since then, she’s been teaching her own private students at her studio, Vivo Strings in Grafton, MA.

Sylvia has decades of experience performing all genres of music, as well as writing and arranging her own pieces. In addition to spending 3 years with the Reading Symphony Orchestra as the principal violist, she has also spent over 10 years freelancing and playing at countless parties, fundraisers, concerts, and other events all over New England. Some of her favorite and most memorable events include performances with the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, Worcester Chorus, Andover Choral Society, and the WPI Orchestra. She also founded her own quartet in 2016, which has allowed her the opportunity to perform and arrange music for hundreds of weddings. Sylvia loves helping couples create unique musical visions for their weddings!

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Past Reviews

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“We hired Sylvia for our wedding ceremony and we are so thankful we did! Sylvia is very professional and an amazing violinist! Her pricing is extremely reasonable, as well. Our guests could not stop talking about how beautiful she plays! We would recommend her a million times! Thank you so much, Sylvia!”

– Kellie

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“Sylvia was really responsive and flexible with song choices. She was willing to accommodate a lot of off list song requests. Ceremony was simple, sweet, and lovely. Thanks, Sylvia!”

– Alanna

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“Sylvia played the violin at my wedding on January 1st. On short notice, I hired Sylvia and she was so efficient. The whole process was so smooth. I sent her a list of songs that I wanted to hear at my ceremony and she far exceeded my expectations. All of my guests said how beautiful she played and how it made the ceremony so magical. Thank you, Sylvia!”

– Jill M.

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Sara Wilkins

Sara Wilkins

by | Jun 7, 2019

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Sara Wilkins

CELLO

Sara Wilkins has established herself as a versatile and energetic cellist in the Boston area. An active performer, she has toured and given master classes with the Tarab Cello Ensemble and performed with the American Chamber Opera in Chicago. Her performance with Time’s Arrow New Music Ensemble was called, “remarkable for its sensitivity, ensemble responsiveness, and intelligibility.” She’s also led the Boston University Cello Choir and has collaborated with renowned composers, including Richard Wernick, Augusta Read Thomas, David Rakowski, and Lyle Davidson.

An experienced teacher, Dr. Wilkins is currently on faculty at All Newton Music School, Sharon Music Academy, and Beaver Country Day School. Her cello students have won auditions for the SEMSBA and MMEA District Festival Orchestras, and prizes in the Crescendo Competition.

Dr. Wilkins is a member of the American String Teachers Association, the Suzuki Association of the Americas, and the College Music Society. She completed her doctorate at Boston University after earning her master’s degree at Roosevelt University. Before studying at Roosevelt, Sara graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Florida, where she received the Music Teachers National Association Student Achievement Award and was on the Dean’s List.

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Robert Bekkers

Robert Bekkers

by | Jun 7, 2019

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Robert Bekkers

GUITAR

Studying under Eliot Fisk, Dr. Robert Bekkers earned his Doctorate in Musical Arts (DMA) in Classical Guitar at the renowned New England Conservatory. While earning his degree, he remained active in the community as the conductor of the Boston Guitar Orchestra and as a guitar instructor at Gordon College South Shore Conservatory, and Yamaha Music School. He also continued his run as a resident artist at the Walter Baker Artist Lofts in Dorchester’s Historic Lower Mills.

Born near Eindhoven, Netherlands, Dr. Bekkers first earned his performing and teaching degrees (Bachelor and Master of Music) at the Conservatory of Maastricht. During his seven years there, he was awarded a scholarship to study contemporary music with Angelo Gilardino in Italy. In addition to this honor, Dr. Bekkers also continued performing in master classes for internationally-known guitarists, such as David Russell and Pepe Romero.

After completing his education, he developed his career as a soloist and chamber musician, playing with orchestras, choirs, and giving solo recitals. He still does this today, while maintaining an active schedule, performing at many weddings, functions, and private events.

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Past Reviews

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“Mr. Bekkers has a deep understanding of the breadth and sweep of the classical guitar and its five centuries of repertoire. While earning a DMA with me at the New England Conservatory, he was involved in a great number of artistic projects across the entire continuum of the guitar’s possibilities, from baroque era masterpieces to the intricate music of today.”

– Eliot Fisk

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“During his performance, I found myself wondering if Robert had an extra set of hands since it was not clear to me how so many notes could be strummed at the same time. This music is a pure joy to listen to and immediately sets you in a romantic frame of mind.”

– Susan B. 

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“One of life’s great pleasures: getting up close and personal with great music, “Concierto de Aranjuez.” Bekkers gave a strong, lyrical and passionate performance. The orchestra matched it. We were moved and inspired; I think everybody was…”

– Bob K.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“Audley Society sponsored Robert Bekkers in Houston and it was so beautiful to hear his sounds reverberate throughout the building. Our guests were so delighted, Robert sold out his CDs!”

– Linda M.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“I have been putting on house concerts for over 15 years. Robert was the first classical guitarist I had hosted. He put on an excellent show. My crowd was delighted.”

– Jeff A.

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Lizary Rodriguez Rios

Lizary Rodriguez Rios

by | Jun 7, 2019

Lizary Rodriguez Rios

HARP

Chamber performer and soloist, Lizary Rodríguez Ríos attended the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico and studied with noted Puerto Rican harpist, Maria Vidal. She earned both masters and doctoral degrees from the University of Arizona, where she studied with world renowned harpist, Dr. Carrol McLaughlin. She also subsequently finished two postgraduate degrees from Madrid’s Royal Conservatory of Music, studying under the tutelage of celebrated harpist, Dr. Maria Rosa Calvo-Manzano.

Dr. Rodríguez Ríos has performed internationally at numerous venues and festivals, including the prestigious Casals Festival in Puerto Rico. In addition to her career as a soloist, she has toured with the Grammy-nominated international harp ensemble, Harp Fusion, performing in the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Spain, and Russia. She has recorded three albums with the group, featuring her as harpist and arranger. Among many exceptional honors, Rodríguez Ríos was the first harpist to receive the Centennial Achievement Award in the history of the University of Arizona.

Dr. Rodríguez Ríos has won prizes in competitions, such as the President’s Concerto Competition at the University of Arizona, the International Tournament of Musicians (TIM) in France, the Cita di Padova International Music Performance Competition in Italy, and the Notes at 9,000’s Emerging Artist Series Competition in Colorado.

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Pachelbel's Cannon

Bridal March

Past Reviews

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“Exceptionally talented, graceful, and elegant are some of the words that describe Dr. Lizary. She played at our wedding and guests were coming up to me asking for her name and asking me to tell her how beautiful her music was. Because I was planning the wedding from overseas and was on a tight schedule, she was very accommodating and let us meet her at her studio on her birthday! She’s just that nice! She has an extensive repertoire of songs, but learned how to play a couple of songs that I requested, and those songs were hard! I walked extra slow down the aisle just to listen to her play. 🙂 She will add a touch of beauty and elegance to any event.”

– Sarah A.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“We cannot say enough amazing things about Lizary. From the moment we met her, we knew she was the perfect harpist for our garden wedding! She is incredibly talented and fun to work with. She has a great list of songs to choose from, from classical to current, and is willing to work with you if you have additional requests. She is responsive to emails and was willing to meet with us more than once. We couldn’t be happier with our decision to hire her. She was the cherry on top of the perfect ceremony!”

– Kendra and Dan

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“Lizary performed during our wedding ceremony, as well as our cocktail hour. She was AMAZING!!! From the first moment that I heard her play, my husband and I were blown away. Not only with her unbelievable talent, but also her knowledge of ANY song we requested. She can play everything from Canon in D to Bruno Mars “Marry You”. The guests LOVED her music and are still talking about her today. Every step of the way, she was the vendor that was most responsible and professional! It was TRULY a pleasure having her as part of our special day!!!”

– Elizabeth

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“Lizary played at my daughter’s outside ceremony at The Grand View. She is simply wonderful. She is easy and professional. It’s amazing how she just knows what songs to pull up. She is patient and she even wore a dress to blend in with the wedding colours. You are great, Lizary!!!!! We loved you!!!”

– Rebecca

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“Lizary was extremely easy to work with. My husband and I were unsure what we wanted for ceremony music and she helped us choose music that we loved. During our ceremony, Lizary played beautiful music. We left our music choices a bit open ended and she knew exactly what to play. The cost for an hour of music (plus a consultation) was highly worth it. I wish I could get married again just to have Lizary play for us again.”

– Beatriz

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“It was a pleasure to have Lizary play the harp at my daughter’s wedding. She has an amazing gift. I have not stopped talking about how beautiful it was. Lizary added a touch of heaven to the day.”

– Cheryl

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“Absolutely fantastic! I hired Lizary for a rehearsal dinner at the last minute. She was amazing! Professional, on time, played beautifully! Her skills are unsurpassed. She made the event over the top great!!!”

– Fran A.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“Lizary was a dream to work with. She played the harp for our wedding ceremony and it was even better than we expected. We were unsure what we wanted and left some of the music up to Lizary to play. Her music selection was perfect and our guests raved about her throughout the night. I would get married again just to have Lizary play for us. 🙂 ”

– Bea M.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“Lizary’s music made our rehearsal dinner over the top perfect!! She is the BEST of the BEST!”

– Scott A.

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Lizary Rodriguez Rios

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