Woven Strands

Praised by the Boston Globe as a “committed and dynamic” performer, violist Dr. Samuel Kelder‘s interpretations of contemporary repertoire and virtuosic technique have led him to become a sought after soloist and chamber musician, traveling widely to work with many prominent artists and ensembles of today. Sam is a member of Sound Icon, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Callithumpian Consort, East Coast Contemporary Ensemble, and founding member of Shizuka Viola Duo; and is a frequent guest artist with chamber ensembles across the East Coast.

An equally accomplished orchestral musician, Samuel is principal violist of the Cape Cod Chamber Orchestra, section violist of Portland Symphony, New Bedford Symphony, and the Boston Festival Orchestra.

In 2024 Sam launched Queer Ensemble Project with co-founder and cellist Mina Kim. Their mission is to uplift and celebrate queer artistry; amplifying the voices of queer artists, and creating concert spaces with the intent of building a resilient community around music.

In addition to his faculty appointment at Boston University, he enjoys guiding a large private studio of violin and viola young artists.

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.