Diana Schmück (Piano, Handbells): Founding Member of Orion. Lauded by Chicago Sun-Times as “one of the finest chamber pianists on the scene.” Heard in major Chicago venues and across U.S. with Orion, Daedalus Duo (clarinet/piano), and Debriana Duo (duo-pianists; recognized in first Murray Dranoff Two-Piano Competition). Faculty: Steans Institute, Ravinia; Northwestern U; Roosevelt U, Bethel C; Csehy Music School. Fellow, Chicago Chamber Musicians. Degrees: D.M., Northwestern University; M.M., DePaul University; B.M., Wheaton College. Diana Schmück (Piano).

Caroline Chin (Violin): Performs as soloist and chamber musician throughout US, Europe and Asia. Is a member of the Hudson Piano Trio, Ensemble Epomeo, and the Artistic Director of Musica Reginae in Queens, NY. This season includes performances at the 2 Rivers Festival in the UK and the Newburyport Chamber Music Festival in MA. Degrees: Indiana University, The Juilliard School.

Michael Duggan (Cello): Performs as soloist and chamber musician at major Chicago venues, including WFMT and Dame Myra Hess. Teaches in Deerfield. Served as principal cellist of Chicago Civic Orchestra and performed with Chicago Sinfonietta, Sarasota and Key West Orchestras. Taught at Lewis and Northeastern Illinois University, Arlington Heights School District. Degrees: B.M. and M.M. from Roosevelt University.

Judith Hanna (Bass, Conductor): Performs with Chataqua Ensemble, Rosewood Trio, Lake Forest Symphony, Illinois Chamber Orchestra. Teaches at Illinois Wesleyan University. Has conducted West Suburban Youth Symphony and served as principal bass in Civic Orchestra under Barenboim, Solti, Mehta, Boulez. Degrees: Ithaca College, Northwestern University. Visit Judith's website.

Carl Johnston (Violin, Viola): Performs with Chicago Sinfonietta, Joffrey Ballet, and Orchestra Nashville. Heard on 26 classical and jazz recordings. Teaches at The Music Connection in Orland Park and his home studio in Tinley Park. Soloed throughout Europe and Asia with the Chicago Chamber Orchestra and taught at DePaul University and Vandercook College. Degrees: B.M. and M.M. from Roosevelt University.

Cathy Kuna (Cello): Active as creative and versatile musican and teacher in Chicagoland: Improviser, composer, arranger for innovative theatre, film, and educational projects. Works as solo, chamber, orchestral, and recording artist in classical, global, American roots, folk, rock, and cross-styles music. Faculty, College of DuPage. Degrees: Wheaton College and Northwestern University.

Kristin Paxinos (Flute): Has appeared as soloist with orchestras in Toronto, Dallas, and Chicago. As award-winning recitalist and chamber musician, performs in Chicago and New York venues, as well as flute festivals. Flute and piccolo orchestral musician with East-Western Divan Orchestra (Barenboim), Civic Orchestra, and IN orchestras. Teaches at Hinsdale Central and her own Da Capo Music Studio in Elburn. Degrees: Indiana University, DePaul University. Visit Kristin's website.

Stephanie Wu (Piano): Has performed as soloist with many midwest orchestras, including Chicago Symphony, Wheaton Symphony, DuPage Symphony. Is a much awarded recitalist and chamber musician, performing on “From the Top,” WFMT, WQVR, major New York and Chicago venues, and in Europe. Faculty, New York Conservatory of Music. Degrees: The Juilliard School.

The Spectrum Trio has performed extensively in the Chicago area. The trio has performed for the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series, broadcast on WFMT, and has toured the Northeastern U.S.
Robert Sacks (Piano) performs as a soloist and accompanist, competition judge, and serves as Piano Coordinator for OPUS Camp. Mr. Sacks teaches and coaches privately in Naperville, has authored articles for Clavier magazine, and taught at Syracuse University. Degrees: Peabody Conservatory, Syracuse University. Visit Robert's website.
Vivienne Venderley (Violin) teaches violin and viola privately in Naperville and serves as the Faculty Coordinator for the OPUS Camp. Ms. Venderley has performed as concertmaster and soloist with Fox Valley Symphony. Degree: Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Visit Vivienne's website.
Ed Moore (Cello) teaches at Elmhurst College. Mr. Moore is the principal cellist, and a founding member of New Black Repertory Ensemble. Mr. Moore performs with Chicago Sinfonietta, Joffrey Ballet, and Ravinia Festival Orchestra. He is also an award-winning author. Degrees: Indiana University, State University of New York, Stony Brook.

Faculty Listed by Instrument

Back to Top