Fenton Brown Emerging Artists

As part of its robust outreach program, EWS brings highly accomplished musical artists to schools, senior residences, and community organizations in several Shoreline communities each year.

Following his amazing March 10, 2024, performance with pianist Mika Sasaki, clarinetist Bixby Kennedy provided four days of outreach throughout Middlesex and New London Counties. Praised as one of the most versatile clarinetists of his generation, Bixby did not disappoint. As is true of so many young artists that have graced our stage, he is a true rising star and committed to music in the community as much as EWS. He visited schools and senior communties, touching the lives of nearly 3,000 area individuals of all ages at approximately a dozen facilities. A free, open-to-the-public masterclass at the Essex Library and a joint session with Community Music School’s Horizons Orchestra were highlights.

This overall outreach effort is possible in part with grant funding from the Community Foundation of Middlesex County and the generosity of the Guilford Savings Bank Charitable Fund and St. Luke’s Home Fund; with the support of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency; the Kitchings Family Foundation, Essex Savings Bank through its CIP funding, and the Fenton Brown Circle.

2023: Project: Music Heals Us String Trio: Andre Janss (cello), Stephanie Zyzak (violin), and Brian Hong (violin and viola)

2022: Resurgam Quartet: Harry Kliewe, soprano saxophone; Sean Tanguay, tenor saxophone; Colette Hall, alto saxophone; Michael Raposo, baritone saxophone

2020: LINÜ: Gulli Bjornsson and Jiji, guitarists

2019: Tai Murray, violin

2018: Quodlibet Ensemble

2017: Argus Quartet; Matthew Russo, trombone; Aaron Plourde, trumpet

2016: Tessa Lark, violin

2015: Attacca Quartet

2014: Leelanee Sterrett, horn; Paul Murphy, trumpet; Stephen Dunn, trombone

2013 Romie de Guise-Langlois, clarinet; Carl Oswald, oboe, Adrian Morejon, bassoon

2012: Kelli Kathman, flute; Carl Oswald, oboe; Adrian Morejon, bassoon

2011: Katie Hyun, violin; Wei-Yang Andy Lin, viola; Mihai Marica, cello