In this issue:

Saint Mike in the News

Playing for Passion
Palo Alto Weekly
March 1, 2017

Did you miss Saint Mike’s 10th anniversary gala? Videographer Ken Allen captured the proceeding, which is now available on YouTube.

DANIEL CHER DEPARTS SAINT MIKE

New musical horizons for multi-talented violinist

Daniel Cher, violinist with the Saint Michael Trio since its inception, has announced his departure from the ensemble. An accomplished performer on multiple instruments, he plans to develop other areas of his life and focus his musical energy on the accordion.

Cher, a medical doctor and advisor to medical device companies, spoke reflectively about a decade with Saint Mike. “I treasure the music we have made, and the privilege of performing for such receptive audiences. Rusty and Michel are superb collaborators and it’s difficult stepping away.”

“Danny has been my mentor as well as my collaborator,” observed pianist Russell Hancock. “He helped me grow enormously as a musician.”

“We’re not saying goodbye, because our friendship runs deep,” said cellist Michel Flexer.

Mr. Cher is slated to appear as guest violist with Saint Mike in spring 2018, joining the Trio for two performances of the Mendelssohn F minor piano quartet.

NEW VIOLINIST: ROBIN SHARP

Celebrated Stanford artist slated for September 8 "audition"

Bay Area favorite Robin Sharp is the new violinist of the Saint Michael Trio. A member of the Stanford music faculty, her worldwide appearances include Carnegie Hall, Vienna’s Musikverein and the Concertgebow in Amsterdam.

Beloved for her sparkling musical demeanor and praised for her virtuosity, Ms. Sharp is also concertmaster of the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra and a frequent guest with the San Francisco Symphony.

“I’m honored and excited to join the Saint Michael Trio, and to make their mission my own” enthused Ms. Sharp. “I’ve long admired their approach, their panache, and their passion for making music accessible.”

Ms. Sharp will make her Saint Mike debut on Friday September 8, in a concert being billed as her final "audition." With the audience acting as jury, she will be asked to play in a wide range of styles (everything from Bach to rock), to determine whether she has the stuff to be named a permanent member of Saint Mike.

The concert takes place at the Menlo-Atherton Center for the Performing Arts. Get tickets ($10) now.

SAINT MIKE’S FOURTH ALBUM CLIMBING THE CHARTS

“Music of the Americas” winning high praise from critics

Saint Mike’s tenth anniversary gala also featured the release of their fourth album, Music of the Americas. The recording showcases music from North, Central and South America, including music commissioned by the Saint Michael Trio.

“Only a few trios out there can undertake such music as this,” raved two-time Emmy winner composer Glen Roven in his liner notes. “But Saint Mike has swallowed it whole. They have an old-school name, but this is a disruptively hip combo.”

The album is available on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, Spotify and other national channels where music is sold.