Wayne Coniglio Productions

…named after Finnish clarinet virtuoso and composer Bernhard Henrik Crusell is a unique combination of clarinet, violin, viola, and ‘cello. The group performs the original works written for this delightful combination of instruments, and draws it’s repertoire from the works of classical composers (B.H. Crusell,  K. Stamitz,  P. von Winter, Wanhal and many others),  as well as modern works by Kókai, and transcriptions of works by Ravel, Debussy, Sibelius, Grieg  and Donizetti.

Elsie Parker ~ Clarinet

Elsie is a tenured member of the St. Louis Municipal Opera  Orchestra, where she plays  clarinet, flute, saxophone. She also performs frequently with The Fabulous FOX Theatre Orchestra, and is an “extra” clarinet player with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. She has performed as clarinet soloist with The Rome Festival Orchestra in Rome, Italy, and as principal clarinetist of both The Opera Theatre Orchestra of Veracruz, Mexico and The Union Avenue Opera in St. Louis and in modern music ensemble, "Synchronia".  Elsie is clarinetist in Trio d'Anches (2 clarinets & bassoon). Elsie is solo vocalist in her group "The Poor People of Paris", singing songs of legendary French singers Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour. Elsie has been featured vocal soloist singing popular French songs with symphony orchestras at Powell Hall, St. Louis, as well as with symphony orchestras in Illinois and Florida. She has appeared as vocal soloist in clubs in San Francisco,Chicago and St. Louis, and on the French TV program "La Chance Aux Chansons" in Paris, France. With her group, “The Poor People of Paris,” Elsie has recorded three CDs “Elle se souvient”, (“She Remembers”), and “Entre nous” (“Between Us”) and "Je t'aime encore" (I Love You Still).    Elsie's Web site   www.thepoorpeopleofparis.com. 

Alison Rolf ~ Violin

Alison Rolf was born in England and began playing the violin at an early age. While still in her teens, she became a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. After graduating from Cambridge with an Honors degree in music, she was awarded a scholarship to complete a Masters in Violin Performance at the Royal Academy of Music in London, studying with Lydia Mordkovitch. A prize-winning student, she was also the recipient of the DipRAM- the conservatory’s premiere prix for an outstanding final recital. Alison now resides in St Louis and teaches at Dayspring School of the Arts in Maryland Heights.

Tova Braitberg ~ Viola  

Tova Braitberg studied violin and viola at Oberlin Conservatory and Webster University . After a recent preliminary audition, she was invited to New York as candidate for First Violinist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. As winner of the 2007 Webster University Concerto Competion, she performed the Bartok Violin Concerto No. 2 with the Webster Symphony. In 2006-2007, she served as Concertmaster of that orchestra. Soon thereafter, Tova won the Municipal Opera Orchestra of St Louis auditions, becoming its youngest member. She has performed at numerous summer festivals, including the Brevard Music Center, where she was awarded a full scholarship and teaching assistantship. Tova has played in master classes with David Halen andAndres Cardenes. She maintains a teaching studio in violin and viola. Her teachers were Andrew Jennings, Isabel Trautwein, and Manuel Ramos. She is the daughter of Natasha Rubinstein.

We are mourning the passing of our wonderful friend and 'cellist

Natasha Rubinstein. 

Natasha Rubinstein ~ ‘Cello   

For many years, cellist Natasha Rubinstein performed in New York with the Brooklyn Philharmonic, the New Jersey Symphony (Assistant Principal), and with New York Philharmonic Chamber Series. Ms. Rubinstein was solo cellist with the Connecticut Grand Opera and performed the "Rococo Variations" and "Schelomo" on New York cable TV. Last summer she played “Kol Nidre” with the Gateway Orchestra. At present she is a member of the Munipical Opera Orchestra of St. Louis , the Webster University Orchestra, and the Fabulous Fox Theater Orchestra. She is the founder of Elegant Ensembles and the Eden Trio and can be heard frequently in chamber music recitals. She maintains a private studio in St. Louis . Her teachers were Janos Starker, John Sant’Ambrogio,and Jerry Grossman.

For bookings and CD's contact Elsie at her web site: www.thepoorpeopleofparis.com

Youtube links

 for The Crusell Quartet

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1. Live at Christ Church Cathedral St Louis Nov 2009 Crusell Quartet #1 Menuetto and trio

2. Live at Christ Church Cathedral St Louis Nov 2009 Rezo Kokai Quartettino movement 3 &4