Ryan Gregory, Violist
An Atlanta native, Ryan Gregory is an alumnus of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra. Ryan studied at Kennesaw State University with Helen Kim and at the University of Maryland with David Salness. He received coaching in chamber music from Atlanta Symphony members Justin Bruns, Kenn Wagner, Cathy Lynn, Kenneth Slowik and the St. Lawrence String Quintet. He has performed in masterclasses by Roberto Spano, David Coucheron, the Vega Quartet, Midori Goto, and Regis Pasquier. He has played in the Georgia Symphony Orchestra, Fairfax Symphony Orchestra and was Acting Concertmaster for the Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra. As a member of the Anacostia String Quartet, Ryan was a featured performer at the Kennedy Center and served as Artist-in-Residence with the District New Music Coalition in Washington, DC.
Ryan currently plays viola with the Atlanta Opera. Beyond the concert hall, he is an active improvisor, arranger, and session musician with a deep interest in electronic music. He also works full time as a software engineer. An avid reader, Ryan is drawn to science fiction, philosophy, and mathematics. When he's not practicing, debugging, or buried in a book, he can usually be found on a walk with his dog, Leo.
-
David Troy Francis, piano
Two time Pulitzer Prize winning composer Ned Rorem says of Mr. Francis: He plays the right note with the right tone at the right time. (what more can you ask of any performer?) And with this, he adds that indefinable element of himself, which is the magic of all true interpreters.
Mr. Francis has enjoyed a 50+ year career of musical excellence and performs in recital throughout America and Europe. He has ten cds available including the world premiere recording of Mr. Rorem's Eight Etudes for Piano on the cd entitled The Americans. The Los Angeles Times raves of Mr. Francis’ playing: consistently absorbing whether in lyrical repose or propulsive fury. Two of his best selling CDs include his unique and compelling arrangements of American Hymns.
Mr. Francis is the recording pianist for such films as Pursuit of Happyness, Elegy and Fame. He has composed music for film and television.
Mr. Francis is the creator, composer, musical director and executive producer of the runaway smash hit musical BARK! - the 3rd longest running production in Los Angeles theatrical history. The wildly successful show has been mounted in theatres from Florida to Alaska and internationally in Brazil and Scotland. BARK! has been selected critics’ choice by the Los Angeles Times and The Chicago Tribune.
David Troy Francis was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and is best known for his steadfast championing and performance of contemporary American music. Now living in Roswell, Georgia, he is an esteemed concert pianist and recording artist as well as a respected composer, arranger and accompanist.
