This concert features members of the Monticello String Quartet, including James Madison University professors Diane Phoenix-Neal (viola) and Carl Donakowski (cello), as well as guest violinist Sarah Plum. Collectively, the three have performed worldwide as soloists, chamber music and orchestral musicians. The group members actively work with students in community and university events.

Violist Diane Phoenix-Neal performs nationally and internationally as a collaborative chamber musician and soloist, most recently in France, Poland and Brazil. Her sound is described as “rich and sumptuous” (Classical Voice of North Carolina) with “an admirable combination of precision and fire” (The New York Times). Phoenix-Neal is principal violist of the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival Orchestra, and received her training from The Juilliard School, the UNC School of the Arts, and UNC Greensboro. Full bio

Cellist Carl Donakowski pursues an international career in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Early in his career, he was a finalist in the Mendelssohn Competition in Berlin. Since then, his recital performances have been enjoyed at the Kennedy Center and Merkin Hall in New York City, and aired on WQRS Detroit and Südwestrundfunk Baden-Baden. Donakowski is a professor of cello in the James Madison University School of Music where he received the Distinguished Teaching Award.  Full bio

Sarah Plum has been described by ThirdCoast Digest as “consistently stunning in works that demand both conventional virtuosity and great skill in unconventional technique.” Plum began her performing career by winning the Gold Medal at the International Stulberg Competition in 1983. She recently relocated to Chicago to continue her work as an “activist performer,” performing with Fifth House Ensemble, Fulcrum Point Ensemble, and Access Contemporary Music. She teaches at the Music Institute of Chicago.  Full bio