Refractions

Brazilian violinist Omar Chen Guey has been a soloist with the Brazilian, Campinas, Goiania, Minas Gerais, Claudio Santoro National Theater, Sao Paulo University, Sao Paulo Municipal, State of Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestras, the Amazonas Philharmonic, Petrobras Pro-Musica, Experimental Repertoire, Manhattan School of Music, Stony Brook University Symphony, Maidstone Symphony, Qatar Philharmonic and the Seychelles International Music Festival Orchestras. He performed for the King of Norway, Harald V. He is a prizewinner at both Tibor Varga and Lipizer International Violin Competitions. He has performed chamber music with Lynn Harrell, Ani Kavafian, David Finckel, Lawrence Dutton, and Colin Carr. He received a DMA from Stony Brook University and a Master from Juilliard. His main teachers were Robert Mann, Sylvia Rosenberg, Philip Setzer, Ani Kavafian and Pamela Frank. He is a member of A Far Cry Orchestra and was assistant concertmaster of the Orquesta de la Comunidad Valenciana, in Spain, directed by Lorin Maazel. His premiere of the concerto for violin and orchestra by Jean-Charles Gandrille with the Qatar Philharmonic, conducted by Thomas Kalb, has been released on the French label Paraty.

Violinist Lilit Hartunian performs at the forefront of contemporary music innovation, both as soloist and highly in-demand collaborative artist. First prize winner in the 2021 Black House Collective New Music Soloist Competition, Ms. Hartunian’s “Paganiniesque virtuosity” and “captivating and luxurious tone” (Boston Musical Intelligencer) are frequently on display at the major concert halls of Boston, including multiple solo performances at Jordan Hall and chamber music at Symphony Hall (Boston Symphony Orchestra Insights Series), as well as at leading academic institutions, where she often appears as both soloist and new music specialist. Highlights from the 2023 season include concerts with A Far Cry at The Kennedy Center, Boston Modern Orchestra Project at Carnegie Hall, a performance of Ligeti’s Horn Trio for the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s celebration of Ligeti’s 100th birthday, as well as the release of an album featuring A Far Cry, Roomful of Teeth, and pianist Awadagin Pratt and the launch of a new violin and cimbalom duo, Lamnth. Described as “brilliantly rhapsodic” by the Harvard Crimson, Ms. Hartunian can be heard on New Focus Records, Innova Recording, SEAMUS records, New Amsterdam Records, and on self-released albums by Ludovico Ensemble and Kirsten Volness. As collaborative artist and ensemble musician, Ms. Hartunian regularly performs with Boston Modern Orchestra Project, A Far Cry, Sound Icon, Emmanuel Music, Callithumpian Consort, Guerilla Opera, and Ludovico Ensemble, and recently performed as guest artist with the Lydian Quartet, Arneis Quartet, and The Rhythm Method. For recordings, photos, and news, visit www.lilithartunian.com.

Flutist Tracy Kraus is known for her “supple and riveting” performances, described as “elegant and adroit” with a “dazzling” quality of sound. She has performed extensively in Europe and the US, including at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Her summer festival appearances include the Aspen and Tanglewood Music Festivals. 

Ms. Kraus received her BA from Clark University and her MM from the Boston Conservatory. 

Kraus’ love for the Northern California coast led her to an orchestral position with the Mendocino Music Festival. In 1982, she founded the Abbot Chamber Players, where she discovered her passion for chamber music and organizational management. Her role as the co-founder, flutist, and former Executive Director of the Worcester Chamber Music Society, a highly regarded organization, is a testament to her exceptional leadership and management skills, which have guided the society through a significant period of growth and success.

As the Executive Director of WCMS, she guided the organization through various stages of growth, including its inception, obtaining nonprofit status, establishing a leadership and governance team, managing a roster of exceptional musicians, developing a robust concert series, and creating two outstanding educational programs.

Tracy and violist Peter Sulski co-founded the Worcester Chamber Music Society 20 years ago. Their vision for a thriving and vibrant chamber music organization has grown and evolved over time. This growth is attributed not only to the exceptional musicianship of the chamber players but also, especially, to Tracy’s leadership, vision, dedication, and ability to adapt and learn in her role as Executive Director. Tracy’s innumerable contributions, creativity, insight, and boundless energy during her tenure as Executive Director have been augmented by her skills in strategic planning, relationship building, organizational skills, and tireless work in garnering support within our community, thus enabling WCMS to grow and flourish.  

Tracy’s active involvement with the Worcester Cultural Coalition for many years, including her service as board president from 2020 to 2022, is a testament to her deep commitment to promoting the city’s rich and diverse cultural assets. The coalition, a public-private partnership established in 1999, aims to leverage these assets to promote economic revitalization, encourage active and creative engagement for all, and foster a strong cultural identity for Greater Worcester.

In 2017, Ms. Kraus was honored with the YWCA’s Katherine Erskine Award, which recognizes women who have demonstrated leadership and achieved exceptional levels of success in their professions and communities.