Luzerne Music Center Faculty String Quartet

About this event

In addition to the performance featuring an engaging variety of repertoire, we invite the audience members to ask the musicians any questions, offering insights into the music, instruments, their lives as professional musicians, and more. This program is a wonderful opportunity for audiences of all ages to enjoy live chamber music and connect with professional musicians in an intimate setting. Join us, and unearth your love of music! No registration needed. Musician biographies: Michael Casimir, a renowned violist, graces the stage of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, following a standout year as Principal Violist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 2022. He's no stranger to accolades, having secured second place in the prestigious 2015 Sphinx Competition and clinched the grand prize at the esteemed 2013 Hudson Valley String Competition. His musical odyssey began at The Juilliard School, mentored by Heidi Castleman and Misha Amory, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He further honed his craft at the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music under the guidance of luminaries like Roberto Díaz, Hsin-Yun Huang, and Ed Gazouleas. Beyond academia, Michael graced the stages of renowned ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra during his tenure at Curtis. A dedicated advocate for musical education, Michael has mentored high school students in Philadelphia and conducted the String Ensemble at Normandy High School in St. Louis. In 2021, he assumed the esteemed position of Orchestra Director at Lindenwood University, further cementing his commitment to fostering young talent. In 2023, he expanded his musical horizons, serving as a faculty member at the Heifetz Institute, performing as a guest artist at the Greenwood Music Camp, and taking on the role of principal viola in the Mainly Mozart Orchestra during the summer. Michael's recording credits include Disney's 2019 "The Lion King" soundtrack and the captivating "Space Jam: A New Legacy." He's equally passionate about solo and chamber music projects, embracing the art of playing, recording, filming, and editing. In his harmonious blend of talent and commitment, Michael embodies the essence of a consummate artist, a guardian of classical tradition, and an innovator in the world of music. His journey, adorned with accolades and unwavering dedication, continues to inspire the realm of classical music and beyond. Michael Casimir joined the LMC faculty in 2025. A native of Romania, violinist Tudor Dornescu earned a Bachelor’s of Music in Violin Performance from National University of Music in Bucharest, Romania, during which time he was an Erasmus International Exchange student at Cork School of Music in Ireland. He received a Master’s degree in Violin Performance from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music and, in 2013, received a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Violin Performance from Boston University’s College of Fine Arts. Tudor has performed as a soloist, recitalist and orchestral musician across the United States, Asia and Europe in venues such as Shanghai City Theater in China, Kennedy Center in Washington, Jordan Hall and Symphony Hall in Boston, Zilkha Hall in Houston, Texas, Concertgebouw Amsterdam in Holland, National Concert Hall in Ireland, Romanian Athenaeum and National Radio Hall in Romania. Since 2007, Tudor has been actively teaching and performing in the Boston area, performing regularly with ensembles such as Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Boston University Marsh Chapel Collegium, Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra and Harvard Radcliffe Choral Society, to name a few. As a chamber musician, Tudor performs regularly with his wife, violinist Aleksandra Labinska, as a member of Mirage Violin Duo. Tudor performs on a Johann Basta violin from the beginning of the past century. Tudor Dornescu joined the LMC faculty in 2018. Kayla Herrmann serves as Program Director at Silver Music in New York City. She has performed in many international chamber music festivals, including Ravinia in Highland Park, Illinois, Ameropa in the Czech Republic, Lake Lugano in Switzerland and Dark Music Days in Iceland. She has studied and collaborated with members of Vermeer Quartet, Martinů Quartet and Czech Philharmonic String Quartet. Ms. Herrmann earned a Bachelor’s degree in music from University of North Carolina School of the Arts, a Master’s degree in music from The Hartt School, where she was the recipient of a full scholarship as a member of the 20/20 Chamber Ensemble, was awarded the prestigious Kenan Fellowship at the Lincoln Center in New York City and completed the two-year Suzuki method training with Nancy Hair. She lives in New York City with her husband and pianist, Marko Stuparevic, with whom she performs regularly. Kayla Herrmann joined the LMC faculty in 2020. Aleksandra Labinska holds a Doctorate in Violin Performance from Boston University, College of Fine Arts, under the tutelage of Professor Yuri Mazurkevich. She has performed extensively in Canada, France, Netherlands, China, Germany, Poland, Belgium, Austria, Japan and the United States. Aleksandra serves a Violin Faculty at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester as well as on the violin faculty of chamber music at Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra. Her previous appointments include teaching at Boston University Tanglewood Institute’s Violin Workshop and South Shore Conservatory. She is a member of Virtuoso Soloists of New York with a residency at The Cabot and performs regularly with Voyage Piano Trio. She toured China with Mirage Violin Duo and has received numerous awards, including Ronald P. Matheson Violin Award (Banff Centre for the Arts), Felix Galimir Chamber Music Award from University of Toronto and Russian Music Festival Award for outstanding contribution to music education. Aleksandra has participated in festivals including Banff Centre Music Festival, Toronto Summer Music Academy and Festival, International Bach Festival with Helmuth Rilling at University of Toronto, Zenon Brzewski International Music Courses in Lancut, Poland, St. Lawrence String Quartet Chamber Music Seminar at Stanford University, Castleton Festival in Virginia under the direction of Maestro Lorin Maazel and American Institute of Musical Studies festival in Graz, Austria. She performs and records with the Grammy-winning Albany Symphony Orchestra, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Vermont Symphony Orchestra and Symphony New Hampshire, among other Boston-based ensembles. She appeared as a soloist with Mooredale Concerto Players in Toronto and Ostinato International Chamber Orchestra in Poland. Aleksandra Labinska joined the LMC faculty in 2018.

What to Expect

• The program features live music.
• Time may be reserved at the end for questions and discussion, but participation is optional.
• You are welcome to listen quietly without participating.
• You may arrive late or leave early if needed.

Sensory Information

• The program takes place in a shared indoor event space.
• Seating is library-style (chairs in rows or semi-circles).
• Lighting is standard indoor lighting; lights may be dimmed or off during slides or videos.
• String instruments will be played. Volume may be loud.
• Audience noise is typically low, with occasional applause or questions.

Sensory Supports

• Listening without speaking or asking questions is always welcome.
• You may step out, take breaks, or move seating as needed.
• Fidget tools, notebooks, or quiet sensory items are welcome.
• Additional accessibility support may be available—please ask library staff.

Saratoga Springs Public Library aims to make all programs welcoming and accessible. If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact the library at 518-584-7860 in advance.

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