What We Do


The incredible scope of Silver Roots' presentations is made possible by a rare mastery of their instruments and their commitment to inspiring, entertaining and educating audiences.

Silver Roots weaves music, history
and candid commentary into magical performances that leave audiences
and presenters asking for more (see testimonials). Their concert programs provide a cross section of their work
as ambassadors of music, knowledge, cultural understanding and joy.

Their workshops empower professional and amateur musicians with the tools to better perform, and audiences with the confidence to better understand. With their vast performance experience and desire to help, no concept is too complex to tackle, and no problem too tough to solve. For more, read on...

Performances


Spontaneity, virtuosity and flexibility are the hallmarks of Silver Roots' performances. Their rich history as an ensemble has seen them perform classical, folk, world, original, improvised and arranged music for audiences of all ages in surroundings that range from concert halls to homeless shelters and psychiatric wards to cultural centers. A concert can be custom-tailored entirely to match your specific event or you can simply describe your audience/event and leave the rest to them. You'd be surprised to know the musical requests that Silver Roots receives; they are usually more than happy to accommodate!

Beyond raving about the wide range of music Silver Roots presents, audiences and presenters are quick to point out how well they relate to the crowd. Silver Roots' passion for performing is fueled by this exchange: the joy of meeting new people, sharing experiences and laughing together. So go ahead,
why not propose something now? Even if it's in the very near future, don't assume it's too late to book!

Click for Silver Roots' flyer (2-page PDF) or info sheet (4-page PDF).

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Current Programs


Japan Meets World
Flute, Violin & Cello

An exploration of the intersection between Japanese music and the Western World, Japan Meets World showcases classical and traditional music from both hemispheres as well as works by Maria for violin, flute, cello, voice and dance. Highlights include Maria's Tsuru for solo dancing violinist with fabric, Katherine Hoover's Kokopeli for solo flutist and Toshitsugu Ogihara's Trio.

"I enjoyed today's music very, very much! The presentation by these three great musicians so successfully represents Japan today: not only beautiful, refined, exotic but also dynamic, inclusive, powerful and fresh."

- Ambassador Nishida, Japanese Ambassador to Canada

View Japanese Folk Tune Medley by Maria (video 1) or highlights from a performance at the Ana Tzarev Gallery in NYC (video 2). Click to see the program, read audience comments or check out The Day the Crane Flew, a review of the concert.



Echoing Voices: A Musical History of America
Flute, Violin & Cello

Echoing Voices presents music from the homelands of immigrants through their stories and history of coming to America. The music of 10 regions - the Netherlands, England, Ireland, Germany, Russia, Italy, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Egypt and China - is featured alongside interactive activities for audience members of all ages. Echoing Voices' debut run as part of Lincoln Center's 2009/10 Meet the Artist series in New York City sold out so quickly that additional performances had to be booked to accommodate demand! The show returns to Lincoln Center in 2010/11. Click to read a description of the program.

"Your ability to showcase virtuosic performance coupled with a palpable connection to your audience results in an absolutely riveting experience. I personally have learned so much about the cultures whose music you feature and the emotion with which each piece was composed..."

- Hillary McAndrew, Senior Manager, Meet the Artist, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc

Ancient Dances (Coming in 2010/11)
Flute, Violin & Cello

Ancient Dances takes its cue from the dances and traditional music of Europe; up-tempo dance tunes from Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Hungary are presented with classic Silver Roots flair. Solo works by JS Bach introduce Irish traditional tunes of like rhythm and step. Composers from Renaissance England are contrasted with modern American masters Cowell, Harrison and Cage. Shawn's musical arrangements and eclectic tastes pave the way for a mind-bending, sonic adventure!

Notes from a Canadian Life (Coming in 2010/11)
Flute, Violin & Cello

Notes from a Canadian Life is a theatrical extravaganza that takes you on a journey of Canada through musical vignettes. Poetry, storytelling, song and dance accent a full-length program of solo and chamber music works by Maria for flute, violin and cello. Each piece is inspired by a musical genre, folktale, historical figure or event: the Inuit vs. the Vikings, British privateers, lumberjack Jos Montferrand, feminist Nelly McClung, Japanese internment, Cape Breton céilidhs and Plains Tribe pow-wows are but some of the Canadian stories that come to life in vivid, acoustic splendor.

Classical and Folk Music of the Western World
Flute & Violin

An investigation of the ties between folk and classical music from the European and American traditions, including dance rhythms, audience requests, lively sing-alongs, a Q & A session, and historical commentary on each work performed. Program toured throughout New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington DC, Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Minnesota, Illinois and Alberta. To view highlights from a concert, click the play button.



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Testimonials


Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden (New York, NY)

Our audiences love Silver Roots! After a performance, I hear from so many audience members who tell me they had a wonderful evening. They want to know when Silver Roots is coming back!

- Amanda Wheeler, Educational Program Coordinator

Bozeman Public Library (Bozeman, MT)

Silver Roots brought their amazing show, Classical & Folk Music of the Western World, to the Bozeman Public Library and completely wowed the audience with their lively, one-of-a-kind performance. In Bozeman that night, Silver Roots was competing with a free talk by the renowned Dr. Jane Goodall and also the opening night of the high school’s Fiddler on the Roof - its first musical production in 23 years. Despite this, we had a large crowd; some people actually buzzed over after Dr. Goodall’s speech just to catch the ending! Several folks commented that the people who chose the speech over Silver Roots really lost out. The show was that good. We would love to have them back!

- Paula Beswick, Bozeman Public Library Foundation Director

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (New York, NY)

Silver Roots added a delightful element of artistry to our event, and our guests complimented their playing throughout the entire evening. I talked with them beforehand about the look and feel we wanted to accomplish, and their presence and selections were the perfect touch. It would be our pleasure to have them back for any evening; they are accomplished musicians and lovely people, and I highly recommend their work.

- Amanda White, Coordinator of Planning and Development

American Bar Association (Chicago, IL)

Silver Roots performed at a reception we held in New York City for the leaders of bar associations from across the country. We'd engaged them simply as background music, but they ended up being quite a hit. Guests broke into spontaneous applause after several of the pieces they played and we had to engage them for an additional hour because the guests were enjoying the music so much. We definitely would use the duet again...a great classical performance and so easy to work with. We could not ask for more!

- Pamela Robinson, Associate Director

Private Thanksgiving Concert (Bronx, NY)

We were thrilled with Silver Roots. What we thought was entertainment turned into a beautiful concert, a complete musical experience. We will have them come again and again.

- Barbara P., Event Host

Aspen Pointe at Hillcrest (Bozeman, MT)

They are extremely talented musicians who not only captivated the residents' attention with their musical ability but also their engaging and fun personalities. We have loved having them here and they're welcome back any time!

- Jessie Bloss, Program Director

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Workshops


Introduction to Improvisation

Learn basic tools that allow you to instantly unleash your inner improviser! Audience members participate in simple solo and duo exercises that develop the ability to turn ideas into on-the-spot compositions while improving their instrumental technique, aural acuity, rhythm, collaborative ability and problem-solving skills.

This workshop can be tailored to meet the needs of both amateur and professional musicians. All ages, levels and instruments welcomed!

How to Present and Produce Your Own Concert

Silver Roots walks you through the steps involved in successfully producing your own concert, including seeking out a venue, creating a preparation timeline, structuring a program, speaking in front of an audience, and documenting/disseminating your work via audio and video recordings to review your performance and generate future opportunities.

This workshop can be tailored to meet the needs of both amateur and professional musicians. All ages, levels and instruments welcomed!

Technique for String and Woodwinds

Learn how to play your instrument better! With simple answers to even the most complex questions, Silver Roots addresses all technical issues and obstacles that confront string and woodwind players.

This workshop can be tailored to meet the needs of both amateur and professional musicians. String and woodwind workshops can be presented together or separately. All ages and levels welcomed!

Playing Your Instrument with Artistry

With a focus on rhythm, phrasing, harmonic/melodic direction and stage presence, Silver Roots helps players turn their musical and artistic ideas into performance reality.

This workshop can be tailored to meet the needs of both amateur and professional musicians. All ages, levels and instruments welcomed!

The Art of Collaboration

Silver Roots shares tips and provides exercises that heighten your awareness through sharper listening, tighter rhythm, better intonation and faster sight reading.

This workshop can be tailored to meet the needs of both amateur and professional musicians. All ages, levels and instruments welcomed!

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