From The Strand’s Larry McNamara:

"Since 1970 violist Louise Schulman has been widely recognized as one of New York’s most dedicated, versatile and gifted instrumentalists. She is a founding member (1974) and principal viola of the St. Lukes Chamber Ensemble and Orchestra of St. Lukes, performing in virtually all of the group’s acclaimed concerts and recordings.

Ms. Schulman also has a major affinity for early music, performing on a variety of stringed instruments including baroque viola and violin, Vielle, cittern, viola d’amore and viols.

Some of the groups she has performed and recorded with include the Waverly Consort, Philomel, Long Island Baroque Ensemble, Folger Consort, Breve, Clarion Concerts, New England Bach Festival, Ensemble for Early Music, and the Alba Consort and Bacchinalia.

Her solo recordings of Telemann and Vivaldi concerti (Music Masters and Essay labels) have won much praise from critics. In the field of contemporary music Ms. Schulman has also made her mark. Since 1975 she has been on the performing and coaching staff of the Composers Conference, performing and recording numerous chamber works of gifted young composers, and is now the staff representative on the conference board of directors. Her recording of “Interviews” for viola and piano by Eleanor Cory is on CRI records. Ms. Schulman gives frequent duo recitals with guitarist Bill Zito. Their CD “An Italian in Vienna,” duos by Mauro Giuliani (1781-1829) is a world-wide release on the Dorian Sono Luminus label. Ms. Schulman also gives frequent solo recitals with piano, and concerto appearances. She also performs with the Strathmere Ensemble and Armstrong Chamber Concerts.

Reviews:

“… lovely playing, filled with a wealth of expression and a lush tone.” Strad Magazine

“…a gifted soloist … an unusually cultivated musicianof no outward pretensions.” Newsday

Bill Zito

BILL ZITO, a native New Yorker, began studying guitar at the age of twelve. He studied early music with Rodrigo DeZayas, guitar with Stan Solow and Rey de la Torre, and composition with Julian Orbon. His formal debut came in Alice Tully Hall where he received critical acclaim. Soon after, he was chosen by Hi Fidelity Magazine as one of the Young Artists of the year. Mr. Zito was an Artist International Competition prize winner.

Called “First rate throughout the entire afternoon” by the N.Y. Times, Mr. Zito has received praise for both his solo and ensemble work. He has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe. This versatile performer is equally at home on lute as he is on the guitar. On one evening with Philharmonia Virtuoso he performed back-to-back concerto’s on mandolin, lute, and guitar. Mr. Zito is no stranger to working with voice. He has performed and toured with Orpheus and Andreas Scholl and Carnegie Hall with St. Luke’s Orchestra with David Daniels and Roger Norrington. In a memorial concert for Peter Pears, the NY Times said, “One admired (his) easy assurance with this music, the runs and flourishes dispatched with fluent virtuosity”.

Along with opera and dance scores and music for the stage, he has premiered many new works. He is currently a member of the Strathmere Ensemble and Long Island Baroque and has performed with Philharmonia Virtuosi, the Da-Capo Chamber Players, Orpheus, St. Lukes and the New England Bach Festival at Marlboro. Mr. Zito’s most recent recording, the music of Judith Shatin is titled Dream Tigers.

Mr. Zito is currently on the faculty of Nassau Community College, Adelphi University, Hofstra University, and Queens College.

Reviews:

“Mr. Zito was first rate throughout the entire afternoon.” N.Y. Times

“One admired (his) easy assurance with this music, the runs and flourishes dispatched with fluent virtuosity” N. Y. Times

“A gem in an evening of jewels” Falmouth Tribune