Meet the Players--Seattle

The piano trio for the Crescendo Chamber Music Project of Seattle, consisting of Cherlyn Johnson, violin, Michael Tavani, cello, and Dorothy Sica, piano, will present two works, the Andante from Trio 1 in D minor, Opus 49, by Mendelssohn, and Tango: Por Una Cabeza, Carlos Gardel, arr. Matthew Naughtin. Here are the musicians:

CHERLYN JOHNSON enjoys an active musical career, performing often with artists including Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Phil Keaggy and more, and her own ensemble, Heartdance. Cherlyn’s orchestral work includes positions with the Chicago Civic Orchestra, Belleville Philharmonic, and Federal Way Symphony; she now focuses on collaborating/improvising with other solo artists, arranging, performing, and recording her own music, and small ensemble work. Cherlyn is Instructor of Violin and Viola at Northwest University, Improvisation for Worship/Strings Clinician for Christian Musician Summit conferences and is a Conductor and Coach with the Maple Valley Youth Symphony. A graduate of North Park University and the St. Louis Conservatory, she loves mentoring younger musicians, and has large studios of private students; her students have been featured in performances with The Piano Guys. Cherlyn lives with her husband and son in Maple Valley, is hooked on Banana-grams, loves exploring state parks, laughing with friends, and enjoying the ocean.

Cellist MICHAEL TAVANI, the second oldest of six brothers, began studying cello at the age of six. His broad musical interests have led him to perform around the world, including concerts at venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and the Ryman Auditorium. Currently on faculty at Northwest University in Kirkland, WA, and worship/arts pastor at Shoreline Community Church, Tavani holds degrees in music performance from Cleveland State University and Vanguard University of Southern California; he is also pursuing a DMA in cello performance from the University of Alabama. Michael releases his own music under the moniker Jarus, is a co-founder the Immensity Records label with his brother Daniel Tavani, and works as a performer, teacher, and recording artist throughout the Northwest.

DOROTHY SICA is an active pianist, piano instructor, and church musician in the Seattle area. She started accompanying school choirs and the Hong Kong Children’s Choir when she was in elementary school. She has 30+ years working with many ensembles, musicals, vocalists, and instrumentalists. She studied extensively with Dr. Chow Shu San before continuing her piano studies at the University of Iowa. Aside from collaborating, her current musical focus has been piano pedagogy and teaching in her piano studio, where her students included award winners and other piano teachers.