Keiko Williams, violin, is a music educator and performer who has taught violin and appeared as a soloist in Duluth and Ely continuously since 1978. Keiko is currently principal second violinist for Mesabi Symphony Orchestra and a former member of the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra. She is founder of the Wild Strings Youth Ensemble that includes many of her young violin students. When Keiko is not playing or teaching violin, you might find her biking around Shagawa Lake or out paddling in a canoe.
Karen McManus, clarinet and oboe, is principal oboist for the Mesabi Symphony Orchestra and serves on its board of directors. She has performed with Henry’s Wives, the Northern Lights Music Festival orchestra, a Minnesota Opera workshop production of Carmen, the Ely City Band, the Purdue University Symphony Band, the Indiana state champion Marion Marching Giants, the Indiana All-State Band, and the Hennepin Chime, one of Minnesota’s few “bronze” handbell choirs. Karen is a founding member of The Accidental Ensemble, has been a pit musician for over a dozen musical theater productions, and has taught handbells for Ely Community Education.
Musical Guests: The Ensemble has performed with a variety of musical guests, including piano, cello, bassoon, vocalists, clarinet, recorders and marimba!
Other Music Links:
Mesabi Symphony Orchestra Website
Crescendo Youth Orchestra - Facebook Page
