Faculty

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Mina Gajic has garnered an international reputation for insightful and dynamic performances of a vast and ever-evolving repertoire including many new works by living composers, concertos and recitals performed on historic Romantic Era pianos, and collaborations on harpsichord and fortepiano.

She started her education and music career in Yugoslavia and subsequently performed as concerto soloist and recitalist in Italy, France, the Czech Republic, Serbia, Montenegro, China, Bolivia, and across the United States. As duo partner with violinist Zachary Carrettin, she has appeared on four continents, focusing on a diverse repertoire spanning the centuries and various styles—on historic period pianos in addition to modern concert instruments, and including new works composed for the duo. 

Gajic's discography on the Sono Luminus label includes:

Boundless—Schubert sonatas on historical instruments (Érard piano, 1835), released in 2020 and became a Top 10 on Billboard Charts "Traditional Classical" the following month.

Confluence—Balkan Dances & Tango Nuevo (includes several world premieres), released in 2022.

Boulder Bach Festival—Gajic performs as harpsichord concerto soloist, released in 2022.

Sonic Alchemy—solo and chamber music works by Mozart, Pärt, and Vasks, released in 2023.

Bach UnCaged—Cage's prepared piano works coupled with solo work of Bach on electric violin, released in 2024.  

Aequora—features new music from Iceland, (set for release in February 2025).

Her performances of Brahms and Schumann (Érard piano, 1895) can be heard on the audio book Escapement, by award-winning author Kristen Wolf. Additional notable performances have included critically-acclaimed period instrument renditions of works by Chopin, Brahms, Britten, Ives, Berg, Antheil, and Bartók.

Gajic holds degrees from the Academy of Fine Arts in Belgrade, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, and holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Colorado-Boulder. Her awards include first prize at the International Competition Città di Stresa, Italy; third prize at the Nikolai Rubinstein Competition in Paris; first prize at the Competition of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Republic Competition of Serbia for five consecutive years; first prize at the Stanković Competition in Belgrade with special distinction for collaborative artistry, as well as semi-finalist at the Shanghai International Piano Competition. Her doctoral dissertation and subsequent research on the work of Yugoslav composer Josip Slavenski connect Balkan folkloric traditions and approaches to twentieth century music between the two World Wars.  

She records and performs on three immaculate historic grand pianos:

Érard (Paris, 1845),

Pleyel (Paris, 1870),

Érard (Paris, 1895).

Gajic is the founder and Artistic Director of Boulder International Chamber Music Competition—Art of Duo. Former faculty at Sam Houston State University, in 2019 she became Artistic and Executive Director of Boulder Bach Festival.

Zachary Carrettin has performed as violinist/leader/conductor in more than twenty-five countries on four continents and has established a reputation for presenting thoughtful, dynamic and diverse programs which feature repertory from the sixteenth to the twenty-first centuries—on period, modern, and electric instruments.

Carrettin’s discography on the Sono Luminus label includes: 

Boundless—Schubert sonatinas on original instruments with pianist Mina Gajić; 

Metamorphosis —Bach Cello Suites #'s 1, 2, and 3 on baroque viola; 

Confluence —Balkan dances and tango nuevo with Gajić; 

Boulder Bach Festival—concertos and vocal works with BBF's CORE ensemble;

Bach UnCaged—solo work of Bach on electric violin coupled with Cage's prepared piano works.

Aequora—new music from Iceland, with pianist Mina Gajić (to be released in February, 2025).

Gramophone Magazine wrote of Carrettin's 2020 solo Bach recording Metamorphosis: "everything is infused with poetry.”

Early Music America wrote of the same recording, “This performance counsels that we can see the world anew.”

At the start of his diverse performing career, Carrettin performed new music at the opening ceremonies of the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, the Dayton Center for the Performing Arts, the Museo del’ Arte Rovereto-Trentino (Italy), and was featured at the Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts Face of America Series, the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House, the Stavanger Festival (Norway), and in a private concert for the Sultan and Royal Family of Oman, in collaboration with Project Bandaloop. In the field of historically-inspired period instrument performance, Carrettin appeared several times as concerto soloist with the American Bach Soloists and as guest concertmaster and soloist with numerous baroque period instrument ensembles including the GRAMMY-nominated recording of Hasse’s Marc’ Antonio e Cleopatra with Ars Lyrica Houston, the U.S. premiere of Vivaldi’s rediscovered opera Motezuma with Musica Angelica and Long Beach Opera, critically-acclaimed recording of baroque chamber music from the New World Villancicos y Cantidas with El Mundo, and several productions of opera, oratorio, and instrumental music with American Bach Soloists. He toured internationally performing Mexican baroque instrumental and vocal chamber music with the ensemble El Mundo, and toured the California mission churches performing baroque music of the New World with Chanticleer. In chamber music Carrettin collaborated with the Tokyo Quartet, the Assad Brothers, Vadim Gluzman, Joyce Yang, Richie Hawley, Kenneth Goldsmith, Cho-Liang Lin, Ian Hobson, Martin Beaver, and in Baroque/Classical/Romantic period instrument ensemble performances with Giovanni Antonini, Richard Egarr, Monica Huggett, Mahan Esfahani, Manfredo Kramer, Reinhard Goebel, Sherezade Panthaki, and Nicholas McGegan. An advocate of diversity in music, Carrettin toured one-hundred cities with Yanni and shared the stage with Ray Charles, the Black Crowes, Cake, Joan Jett and many others at festivals internationally, as soloist with Project Bandaloop. His original music and recordings have been heard on Late Night with David Letterman, at the Kennedy Center, on CBS Sunday Morning, 60 Minutes, PBS, and on NPR's Sunday Baroque. He has since conducted and led orchestras from the violin across the United States, Europe, and South America, including new music premieres alongside resurrected works from the past.

Carrettin holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in violin performance from Rice University Shepherd School of Music, a Master of Music degree in orchestral conducting from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a Professional Studies Certificate in conducting from the National University of Music in Bucharest, Romania. He pursued doctoral studies in viola at Rice University, leaving to serve on the faculty at Sam Houston State University as Director of Orchestral Studies, and later at University of Colorado Boulder as interim Director of Early Music Ensembles as well as guest Music Director of Eklund Opera’s production of Händel’s Ariodante.

Carrettin is currently in his twelfth year as Music Director of Boulder Bach Festival, and in that capacity is founder of the BBF’s ensemble-in-residence, COmpass REsonance (CORE).

Praised for her “delightful idiosyncrasy” and “narrative sweep and involving performances” (The Classical Source), violinist Julia Choi is active in many spheres of the music world today. Ms. Choi joined the First Violin section of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in 2019. Prior to her appointment, she has appeared with the Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Minnesota Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Montclair Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony, and the San Diego Symphony as a guest musician. Throughout her career, she has worked in various orchestras with world-renowned conductors, and has also won top prizes in several competitions, including the LISMA International, Caprio Young Artist, and New York Competitions. This season, Ms. Choi will perform in chamber music recitals including a harp trio recital titled "The Ties that Bind" for Fine Arts Chamber Players, and a duo recital, "Johannes and Clara" for the West Side Concert Series with pianist Mika Sasaki. She is also looking forward to a concerto performance with the Northport Symphony Orchestra with Maestro Eric Mahl. Julia continues to collaborate with her esteemed Met colleagues, bringing innovative programs to Carnegie's Weill Hall each season. Her forthcoming CD album, set for a 2025 release on Azica Records, features trios for harp, violin, and cello and includes works by Henriette Renié, Reena Esmail, and Angélica Negrón. Ms. Choi will perform on this album alongside cellist Christine Lamprea and harpist Emily Levin.

In pursuit of her ultimate goal in becoming a versatile and most well-rounded musician, Julia enjoys her career as a performer, but also as an educator. Ms. Choi is currently a faculty member at the Manhattan School of Music’s Pre-College Program and Artist-Faculty at the Charles Ives Music Festival in Connecticut and Vilacello Festival in Pennsylvania, and has given masterclasses for institutions including University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music, Chicago’s DePaul University, Orchestra of the Americas, and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. She has previously served for three years as a Teaching Assistant of the Ear Training Department at Juilliard, for both the College and Pre-College Divisions, and is currently residing in New York City, where has maintained her private teaching studio for over a decade. She has received Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from The Juilliard School as well as a Professional Degree in Orchestral Performance from The Manhattan School of Music, under the tutelage of Glenn Dicterow, Lisa Kim, Sally Thomas, and Sylvia Rosenberg.

Matthew Dane enjoys a varied musical career as a performer and teacher. He is a founding member of ROCO in Houston and plays with both the Opera Colorado Orchestra and the Boulder Piano Quartet. Chamber music festival appearances include OK Mozart, Portland (Maine), Chamber Music Quad Cities (Iowa), Ruby Mountains (Nevada), Land’s End (Calgary), Snake River (CO), and Tanglewood. Matt has appeared as soloist with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado, ROCO, and the St. Martin’s Chamber Choir among others; his chamber and solo performances have been featured on NPR’s Performance Today, BBC’s Channel 3, and the meditation website The Well. Dane co-founded the Brightmusic Ensemble in Oklahoma City with his wife, flutist Christina Jennings. Also an avid violist d’amore Matt has worked with many composers, including Reena Esmail and Marcus Maroney, to create new works for the unusual instrument; he has presented & performed around the US, including residencies at the University of Michigan, Baylor University, and his alma mater Amherst College.

For Matt, teaching is a passion. He actively maintains a private studio in Boulder, working with committed students from Middle School to adults, and serves on the faculty at the University of Northern Colorado. Past appointments include the University of Colorado and the University of Oklahoma, where he earned tenure. During the summer he teaches at Greenwood Music Camp in Massachusetts as well as his own Boulder Violist Session. Matt’s Doctoral Document, which examines the teaching influence of pedagogue Karen Tuttle, circulates among amateur and professional violists nationwide. He served the viola community as Editor of the Journal of the American Viola Society 2004-2008 and as a Viola Society Board member at both the local and national levels. www.daneviola.com.

Julia Kang is an accomplished cellist, educator, and performer with extensive experience across classical, film, and Broadway musical genres. She played in The Phantom of the Opera, the longest-running Broadway musical in NYC, and has recorded for major motion pictures, including A Dog’s Purpose, Collateral Beauty, Keeping Up with the Joneses, The Girl on the Train, and Noah. Julia has also performed with the Mostly Mozart Festival and has taught at various summer festivals and institutions, bringing over a decade of experience in nurturing students to success in top music programs and elite ensembles.

As a dynamic soloist, Julia has performed the Dvorak and Elgar Cello Concertos with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and the Hayan Cello Concerto with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra. Her global performances include solo recitals in Arizona, chamber music tours in Japan, and broadcast appearances on Vermont Public Radio and Radio Korea.

Julia earned her Doctorate of Music and Arts from Stony Brook University, a Master of Music from The Juilliard School, and a Bachelor of Music from the Manhattan School of Music. A dedicated educator and performer, Julia continues to inspire both her students and audiences, establishing herself as a respected figure in the music world.

Tomoya Aomori is a dedicated double bassist, percussionist, electric cellist, composer, conductor, and educator, inspiring the next generation of musicians with his multifaceted artistry and mentorship. He is a faculty member at The Juilliard School Pre-College Program,

where he teaches double bass under Timothy Cobb, principal bassist of the New York Philharmonic, and conducts low string sectionals. He also teaches both double bass and percussion at Juilliard’s Music Advancement Program (MAP), fostering technical excellence and creativity in his students.

A First Prize winner in the International Society of Bassists Young Bassist Competition, Tomoya earned Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from The Juilliard School, double-majoring in double bass and percussion. His leadership and musicianship were recognized with the William Schuman Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Music in 2009.

As a versatile performer, Tomoya has played percussion with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, contributing to some of the world’s most celebrated productions. As an electric cellist, he has toured internationally, including performances on the Japan Jazz Tour with the New York Jazz Expressway, showcasing his improvisational and stylistic versatility. He is also a composer of music for films, games, and documentaries, and his conducting work at Juilliard Pre-College highlights his ability to inspire and guide young musicians.

Whether teaching, performing, composing, or conducting, Tomoya’s passion for music and education is evident in every aspect of his career, making him a dynamic and sought-after artist and mentor.

Meg Fitzgerald is a dedicated health, fitness, and mindset coach with a strong foundation in Biomedical Informatics. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Informatics from Baylor University in 2018 and later obtained a master’s degree in the same field from the University of Texas in 2021. While pursuing her academic career, Meg began investing in education for personal training and nutrition, obtaining certifications and coaching people on the side. She continued to coach clients throughout her college years and while earning her master’s degree, honing her skills and passion for transforming lives through fitness.

In 2020, Meg founded FitzFitnessLLC, an online health and fitness coaching company, where she combines her technical expertise with her deep-rooted love for fitness. As a certified NASM personal trainer, Introduction to Functional Nutrition L1 Certified coach, and Precision Nutrition L1 Certified coach, Meg has successfully guided over 200 clients in transforming their bodies and improving their overall health. Her competitive spirit has also led her to participate in bodybuilding, CrossFit, and powerlifting. Notably, she won the overall novice bikini title in the NPC Republic of Texas Championship bodybuilding show in 2021 and the overall open bikini title in the Muscle Beach Classic bodybuilding show in 2022.

Meg’s coaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that fitness is for everyone and that it has the power to enhance every aspect of life—from boosting mental clarity to ensuring long-term mobility and health. Her approach is both hands-on and educational, emphasizing the integration of healthy habits into everyday life. Meg is committed to empowering her clients to perform at their best, whether in their careers, relationships, or personal lives, ensuring they achieve lasting, holistic health and wellness.

Michael Brook, originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, began his musical journey at the age of 7, making his orchestral debut with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra after winning the Young Artist Concerto Competition. His early accomplishments include winning the Sidney M. Blitzer Award in the Concerto Competition at Louisiana State University. Michael pursued further studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he earned a Dual Master's Degree in Violin and Viola Performance. During this time, he secured top honors in the Ekstrand Graduate Competition and the MTNA Young Artist State Competition. His talent has been recognized on international stages, including the József Szigeti International Violin and Viola Competition and the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition.

Michael's performance career has taken him to prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, where he performed as part of the SHIFT festival, an event featured in the New York Times. He currently serves as the Concertmaster of the Longmont Symphony Orchestra and is the Principal Violist with the Colorado Ballet. Additionally, he holds the positions of Assistant Principal Violist with the Boulder Philharmonic and Acting Assistant Principal Violist with Opera Colorado.

In addition to his performance career, Michael is the Founder and Artistic Director of Opus Colorado College of Music, where he plays a key role in shaping the future of music education. Michael is also a passionate collector of fine instruments and bows, a pursuit that enriches his connection to the history and artistry of music. His collection, which includes rare and valuable pieces from around the world, reflects his deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and legacy of these exceptional tools of the trade.