The Mosaic Flute Duo, consisting of Natasha Loomis and Mitzy Nonaka, will perform at The First Presbyterian Church of Stirling on Sunday, February 12, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. A brief reception for the artists will follow.
Dynamic and energetic flutist Mitzy Nonaka enjoys a varied freelance career in New York, bringing enthusiasm to classical and contemporary stages alike. Recent highlights include joining Apotheosis Opera Company’s production of “Tannhauser” in their premier season, participating in the Rubin Museum’s Spiral Music series performing traditional and contemporary Japanese music with the Koto/Shamisen/Vocal artist Sumie Kaneko, backing Monique Mizhari/Honeybird in the “Out Comes Woman” CD release at Nublu, and performances at Symphony Space with Light Opera of New York, culminating in the first professional recording of Victor Herbert’s “The Only Girl” for Albany Records. Originally from Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil, Mitzy was primarily self-taught before beginning her undergraduate studies at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music under Tara Helen O’Connor. She completed graduate work at both New York University and Rutgers University, studying with Kathleen Nester and Bart Feller, and has performed in masterclasses for William Bennett, Karl-Heinz Schutz, Keith Underwood, among others.
Natasha Loomis is a versatile and engaging flutist who is active as a performer, educator, and music administrator. She is equally at home playing music ranging from Baroque to contemporary and is passionate about discovering new music and presenting creative programs for audiences. Natasha teaches privately in New Jersey and runs an active studio for students of all ages and levels. She also teaches at Montclair State University’s Preparatory Division and has spent time as faculty at Hunterdon Academy of the Arts and as co-adjutant chamber music faculty at Rutgers University. She is an avid chamber musician as well as 2nd flutist with the Adelphi Chamber Orchestra since 2012. Past engagements have included performances with the Allegro Chamber Orchestra of Lancaster, Opera Lancaster, Ars Musica, and the Delaware Theatre Company. Performance highlights include the New York Flute Fair “Multiple Breaths” concert in 2011, Weill Recital Hall Chamber and Solo Music Series in New York City in 2012, and (le) poisson rouge with Helix! New Music Ensemble in 2015. In July of 2015 she performed Mozart’s Concerto in G Major with the Vienna International Orchestra at the Palais Auersperg in Vienna, Austria, as well as giving several chamber and solo performances at the Zodiac Festival in southern France. Natasha is currently pursuing a D.M.A. in flute performance at Rutgers University, studying with Bart Feller. Former teachers include Elizabeth Mann and Susan Palma-Nidel, among others. She has played in masterclasses for Jeffrey Khaner, Ransom Wilson, Tara Helen O’Connor, Gary Schocker, Keith Underwood, and the Imani Winds. Honors include being selected as a performer in the Banff 2012 Masterclass for Winds and as a competitor in the National Flute Association’s Young Artist Competition in New Orleans in 2013. She also performed as a soloist with the Franklin and Marshall Orchestra as Concerto Competition winner in 2009.
Admission is free; donations are welcome. For more information go to www.fpcstirling.org/ or call the First Presbyterian Church of Stirling at (908) 647 – 1033.
(above) Natasha Loomis
(above) Mitzy Nonaka
