At 7:30 PM on Sunday, April 7th the McFarland Gaub Violin and Piano Duo will perform three Johann Brahms sonatas at the Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts. On a recent KRUU episode of “The Studio” Nancy and Gene played bits of each sonata and discussed how each one is unique. They also made predictions about the future of classical music.

Gene and Nancy, husband and wife, are both faculty members in Grinnell College’s Music Department. As a pianist, Gene made his New York debut performing Bartok’s First Piano Concerto with the Juilliard Orchestra at Lincoln Center. He’s given solo piano recitals at Carnegie Hall and many other venues. He’s also performed with orchestras in Vienna and Salzburg. A specialist in chamber music, he’s performed with many ensembles throughout the U.S.

Nancy was a member of the first violin section of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra for many years and now performs as soloist with the Grinnell Symphony Orchestra and the Ottumwa Symphony. The recipient of many music awards, Nancy has performed in festivals throughout the U.S. and in Mexico, Canada, Africa, and Europe. She’s also enjoyed recording many styles of music with popular artists and for film scores and commercials in New York City

Together Nancy and Gene founded and are co-artistic directors of Western New York’s critically acclaimed Roycroft Chamber Music Festival, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in June.