Chamber ensemble Musicora plays Music in Central Valley

Central Valley - Music in Central Valley presents Musicora, an ensemble featuring soprano Marigene Kettler, guitarist Jonathan Trotta, violinist Maria Conti, cellist Martha Colby, and pianist Melissa Alexander at Central Valley United Methodist Church on Smith Clove Road this Sunday, Feb. 22, beginning at 3 p.m. Their highly varied program includes works by Astor Piazzolla, Grammy-award winner Andrew York, Rebecca Clarks, Joaquin Rodrigo, by ensemble member Martha Colby and songs by Richard Strauss and Manuel de Falla. Kettler has been a featured soloist with the Pro Arte Chorale and the New Jersey Pops. She is currently director of the Rockland Conservatory. Trotta has performed on Boston’s radio De Todo un Poco and was the featured guitarist in the PBS documentary sound track of “The Crucible of Empire.” Maria Conti has performed throughout the United States in both solo and chamber music recitals. She is a member of the Hudson Valley Philharmonic and the Ridgefield Symphony and has appeared at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Merkin Concert Hall, and Weill Recital Hall. Colby divides her time between classical and folk music. She has performed with the Bannerman String Quartet and such musicians as Matt Glaser, Billy Har and Kurt Rosenwinke. She also has received several grants from “Meet the Composer” for her choreographed pieces. Alexander is active as soloist and chamber musician, vocal coach and educator in the Tri-State area. She received degrees from SUNY Albany and from the Hart School of Music. Coordinator of Musicora, currently she is on the faculty of the Rockland Conservatory, Concordia Conservatory and Westchester Community College. The concert is free, with a suggested admission at the door. The church is handicapped accessible. For more information, call the church office at 845-928-6570.