The three members of the Chiffonade Flute-String Trio recently came to Chicagoland as members of a six piece ensemble called Eighth Blackbird. Hailed as ambassadors of new music, eighth blackbird has a growing reputation for its astounding musical versatility as well as for its dedication to the works of today’s composers. The sextet, currently ensemble-in-residence at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago, was honored in 2000 with the prestigious Naumburg Chamber Music Award and the first BMI/Boudleaux-Bryant Fund Commission.

All the members of the trio have graduated from Oberlin College Conservatory and have a multitude of experience playing together, as well as, playing solo. They have individually competed in the Oberlin Concerto Competition and won awards. They have studied with and been taught by several well- known and accomplished teachers.

Flute player Molly Alicia Barth holds a B.M. in performance from Oberlin and an A.D. in chamber music from Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. She is registered in an Early Childhood Education program as a Music Together teacher. She facilitates classes for children ages 0-5 and their parents.

Mark Albert holds an B.M. in Violin and a B.A. in English from Oberlin and an A.D. in chamber music also from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He recently opened a violin and viola studio at the Lake Forest Symphony Music School.

Nicholas Photinos holds a B.M. in Cello performance form Oberlin. As a soloist, he has given the world premiere of the Cello Concerto in D Minor by Grace Vamos. He is a former bassist and his interest in Jazz has led him to study with members of the Turtle Island String Quartet.

Together, the three musicians, in Chiffonade are available to bring world class talent to any wedding ceremony, reception, cocktail party or corporate event!