RSVP: info@ashbyvillage.org or call 510-204-9200
When: NOTE Second Friday of the month, 3:00-4:00 pm
Where: Ashby Village, in the Fellowship Hall, 1953 Hopkins Street, Berkeley
Open to: Ashby Village members, volunteers and guests
Accessibility: use entrance on Hopkins Street
Trio Fortunato in Concert: The Jokesters - Haydn, Copland, Bizet and Bolling
Trio Fortunato is Karen Koide (flute), Sandy Schniewind (bass) and Debbie Carton (piano). We feel fortunate to have met through the Crowden Adult Chamber Music program, and play and perform together regularly. When we realized we kept selecting music with a common thread of humor, we decided to create a light-hearted program that includes solo piano, four hand piano duets, and trios for our unique instrumentation.
Karen Koide’s passion for the flute was rekindled when her daughter began violin lessons in the third grade. Seeing how much she enjoyed playing duets with her daughter, friends and family encouraged Karen to set out on her own musical journey. Soon she began playing in small ensembles and joined an adult chamber music program. Communicating through music and connecting with both old friends and new bring her much joy and laughter. Her wish is for Trio Fortunato to bring that same joy to others.
Sandy Schniewind, Bay Area native, plays bass in Prometheus Symphony Orchestra, Oakland Civic Orchestra, Awesome Orchestra, Orquesta Z (tango) and various chamber ensembles often through the Crowden Adult Chamber Music program. Recently retired after working in Mental Health as the Director of Rehab and a Music Therapist, Sandy is happy to have more time to play music.
Debbie Carton, pianist, is a retired music librarian: it was a wonderful job, especially organizing concert series at the Berkeley Public Library. In retirement, she continues to plan, present and now perform in free community concerts. Chamber music is her special love- musical communication with fellow players is always a thrill. Upcoming performances include French four hand piano music on 3/1/26, and a vocal recital on 5/3/26, both at University Lutheran Chapel’s First Sunday series. To join the email notification list for concerts, please drop her a line at dycarton@yahoo.com.