Biographies—Piano
Wendy Caldwell
Staff Accompanist
Wendy Caldwell, a native of Canada, graduated with her Bachelor in Music in Piano Performance from Acadia University in Nova Scotia, receiving the Birks Medal in Music as the top graduate. She went on to study at the University of Toronto where she obtained her Artist Diploma and performed on tour, as soloist, with the University Symphony. She has performed as both soloist and accompanist on Canadian radio and television. Ms. Caldwell has coached and taught at Acadia University, University of Illinois at Chicago, California State University at Long Beach, California Institute of Technology, and Pasadena City College. A very busy freelance accompanist in the Los Angeles area, she performs regularly in recital with both students and young professionals, and has also accompanied esteemed artists such as Timofei Dokshizer and Robert Langevin.
Rose Chen
Staff Accompanist
Taiwanese pianist Rose Chen has recently earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of Southern California in 2009. Rose was the pianist of the award-winning Blue Rose Trio, capturing top prizes in the Coleman, MTNA, and Peninsula chamber music competitions. Rose's musical journey has taken her to concert venues all over the world: including Austria, Canada, Brazil, China, France, Israel, and within the U.S. Her recent projects include recording an all Villa-Lobos album and playing in a Tango band called Haberdashery Ensemble in Los Angeles.
Trudy Harris
Staff Accompanist
Currently free-lancing as an accompanist for university music students in eastern Washington, Trudy Harris is also a popular music director with local theatre. As a pianist and teacher she collaborates with solo musicians, playing also for festivals and educational events. Former music faculty at UAF, Trudy is an experienced performer supporting choral groups and students in recital and competition.
Shari Raynor
Piano
Critics rave that “Shari Raynor is a sensation!” “A concert pianist's pianist!” “Plays with intensity, conviction and impressive virtuosity!” Winner of the Presidential Medallion in the Arts, Raynor was chosen to represent the U.S. in the prestigious Van Cliburn Piano Competition. She performs internationally.
