Currently Associate Professor of Violin at Lawrence University, Samantha George served as Associate Concertmaster of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra from 1999-2008 and as Acting Concertmaster of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra for the 2002-2003 season.  Her previous posts have included Assistant Concertmaster of the Colorado Symphony, Core Concertmaster of the Hartford Symphony, and Guest Concertmaster appointments with the Charleston Symphony and the Oregon Symphony. She has performed at the Grand Teton Music Festival, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, Heidelberg Castle Festival, and the Washington Island Music Festival. Dr. George is also a faculty member at the Green Lake Chamber Music Workshop and Wisconsin Lutheran College. She received a high-school diploma from the Interlochen Arts Academy and Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and Performer’s Certificate degrees from the Eastman School of Music, where she was a graduate teaching assistant for Charles Castleman. She also holds a doctorate in violin performance and music theory from the University of Connecticut.

As a soloist, Dr. George has performed with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra, Raleigh Symphony, Idaho State Civic Symphony, Hartford Symphony, and the United States Coast Guard Band. Recent appearances include solo performances with the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, Beloit/Janesville Symphony, and Waukesha Symphony. In 2002, she performed the Bach Concerto for Two Violins with world-famous violinist Hilary Hahn and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.  Active as an advocate for greater understanding and appreciation of classical music, Dr. George has hosted two weekly radio programs: “MSO BackStagePass” (WFMR 106.9 Milwaukee) and “MSO Weekly Update” (WMSE 91.7 Milwaukee). In addition, she is a host of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s “Classical Connections” series, teaches music appreciation courses at the Washington Island Music Festival and hosts a number of pre-concert and post-concert lectures wherever she performs.

To watch a video of Stas, click HERE

His artistry, dazzling technical command, and sensitivity have brought "Stas" Venglevski, a native of the Republic of Moldova (part of the former Soviet Union), increasing acclaim as a virtuoso of the bayan (Russian accordion).  A two-time first prize winner of bayan competition in the Republic of Moldova, Stas is a graduate of the Russian Academy of Music in Moscow, where he received his Master’s Degree in Music under the tutelage of the famed Russian bayanist Friedrich Lips.  He immigrated to the United States in 1992.

Stas's repertoire includes his original compositions as well as a broad range of classical, contemporary, and ethnic music.  He has toured extensively as a soloist throughout the former Soviet Union, Canada, Europe, and the United States, including numerous performances with Doc Severinsen, Steve Allen, and Garrison Keillor on the Prairie Home Companion show.  Additionally, he has performed with symphony orchestras throughout the United States.  He performed the world premiere of the Concerto No. 2 by Anthony Galla-Rini and also the world premiere of Bayan and Beyond, composed for Stas by Dan Lawitts.  He is a regular participant of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's Arts in Community Education Program (ACE); has done television commercials and performed in theater productions; and produced numerous recordings, including a transcription of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite for bayan as well as one of his original compositions. In addition, he has published several books of original compositions.

Stas also performs as a member of the A Sta Sera Duo, where he combines talents with accordionist John Simkus, known primarily for his smooth jazz renditions.  Their musical partnership has resulted in a unique repertoire, and as a duo they have toured the United States and Europe extensively and collaborated on a CD of original compositions, Seasonings. Additionally, Stas demonstrates his versatility by performing regularly with his Irish friends in the band Leahy's Luck.

Stas is the immediate past President of the prestigious Accordionists’ and Teachers’ Guild, International (ATG) the purpose of which is to further the progress of the accordion by improving teaching standards, music, and all phases of music education.  The brilliant artistry and musical virtuosity of Stas’s performances afford his audiences an expanded dimension in music and an innovative musical adventure.