Featured Performers

• Tessa Lark, violin
• Michael Thurber, double bass

Program

• Program to be announced

A co-presentation of Laguna Beach Live! and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County

By blending their classical training with American music influences, Artistic Directors Tessa Lark and Michael Thurber have created a wholly original sound that promises a unique musical experience for the second evening of the Laguna Beach Music Festival. 

Prior to forming their duo, both Tessa Lark and Michael Thurber had already established highly successful careers in their own rights. 

In the classical music world, Tessa has earned many of the top competition prizes available to young artists including, among many others: the 2018 Borletti-Buitoni Trust Fellowship, the 2016 Avery Fisher Career Grant, a Silver Medal at the 2014 International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, and First Place at the 2012 Naumburg International Violin Competition. 

Michael is recognized as one of the most versatile musical talents of his generation. Whether performing as a bassist on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, composing for the Royal Shakespeare Company, co-founding the smash YouTube channel CDZA, or hosting his “Thurber Theater” variety show at Joe’s Pub, his musical voice transcends genres and categories. 

Throughout their careers, Tessa and Michael have had the privilege of collaborating with some of the world’s leading musicians across a wide range of genres. Highlights include Tessa’s collaborations with Mitsuko Uchida, Edgar Meyer, Itzhak Perlman, and Mark O’Connor, and Michael’s work with Yo-Yo Ma, James Taylor, Vulfpeck, Jon Batiste, and Cee Lo Green. 

Lark’s marathon “fiddling” in the last movement commanded a standing ovation and an encore.

Lexington Herald Reader (on Tessa Lark)

With exhilarating teamwork, humor and educational instincts, the two musicians charmed an eager crowd...

The Strad

To the rescue came violinist Tessa Lark, the 26-year-old budding superstar who recently received an Avery Fisher Career Grant. Not only did the Kentucky native solidify the ensemble, she provided a lovely lyricism and rhythmic inflection that connected palpably. Cadenzas were beautifully rendered and infused with playfulness, sighs and effortless double- and triple-stops.

artsBHAM (on Tessa Lark)

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