An Evening of the Classics

The Plymouth Arts Center proudly presents an evening of fine performances in the semi-annual Joseph Sartori Concert Series, “An Evening of the Classics,” on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 7:30 PM. The series is graciously underwritten by the Sartori Company. The director, coordinator, and emcee for this event is Christina Pringle. The concert performers are Bryndyn Schroeder guitar, vocals; Elliot Luedke, piano; Dan Ognavic, piano, violin; and Annika Nelson, guitar. Tickets for the concert are $13 (tax incl.) for Adults and $7 (tax incl.) for Students. Children under 5 are free. Please visit the Plymouth Arts Center at 520 E. Mill Street, downtown Plymouth, WI; call: (920) 892-8409; email: info@plymoutharts.org; or purchase online: www.plymoutharts.org.

About the Performers:

BRYNDYN SCHROEDER is a Music Education Major at Lakeland University. You may have seen him in STC’s “Rent”, or Lakeland University’s “Big Fish” in the last year. He is primarily a singer, and plays guitar and piano. His musical influences for his solo work include a variety of pop, folk, and rock songs. This will be his 4th time ever performing live and solo with his guitar. Wish him luck!

ELLIOT LUEDKE started playing piano as young as six, venturing into the jazz genre in middle school, eventually playing drums, piano, vibes, and bass for Ripon High School’s audition-only jazz ensemble. Currently, Elliott is the section leader for percussion and drumline at Lakeland University. Today, Elliott explores genres of jazz, indie, and folk on piano, drawing from influences such as Ben Folds, the Avett Brothers, and the many musicians that have mentored and played with them.

DAN OGNAVIC is a Sheboygan native who has pursued a lifelong interest in music by teaching and performing in Sheboygan County churches, schools, care facilities, lounges, and for private events. Musical mentors have been private teachers including his mother Barbara, and Elmira Kruse for piano, his brother Steve, and Frieda Wambsgans for violin, and the Sheboygan Public School music instructors who provided inspiration and encouragement. Past Plymouth performances at the PAC have included “Scrooge…The Musical” and recital accompanying. Outside interests include humor, gardening, pets and travel. Mr. Ognavic is looking forward to performing at this program.

ANNIKA NELSON is a Classical Guitarist studying under the cuban guitar virtuoso René Izquierdo at UW-Milwaukee. She is in her third year studying Classical Guitar Performance and Music Education. In 2022, Annika was the recipient of the Ruth DeYoung Kohler Scholarship for Artistic Excellence. With her performance, she always looks to tell a story through her program, emotional intent, and technical skills.

Christina Pringle, Program Coordinator: Christina Pringle is a vocalist and vocal director that resides in Plymouth, WI. She also is the music director and artistic director for Mill Street Live. Christina attends Lakeland University, where she is pursuing her degree in Music Education. In her free time, she enjoys singing classical music, playing piano and guitar, and hanging out with friends, family, and her dogs. Christina has a passion for teaching and directing and is very excited to join the team as the program coordinator.

The Joseph Sartori Concert Series was initiated at the Plymouth Arts Center as a tribute to the late Joseph Sartori in honor of his musical talent and in appreciation of the Sartori Family’s generous contribution to the Plymouth Arts Center. “AN EVENING OF THE CLASSICS” made its debut at the Plymouth Arts Center in November 2008 by the group Ensemble `Eclatant, directed by Riley McKinch. The Joseph Sartori Concert Series is presented twice per year in Spring and Fall. Performers who wish to be considered for future concerts may leave a message for the Program Coordinator, Christina Pringle, by calling the Plymouth Arts Center, 920.892.8409.

Jim Sartori, CEO of the Sartori Company, offered these comments after the very first show: “our dad, Joseph Sartori, while known primarily for his work with S & R Cheese/Sartori Company, for most of his life, was also known as a highly accomplished pianist. Joseph’s aunt, Ada Lombardi, an acclaimed concert pianist with the Philadelphia Philharmonic Orchestra, taught Joseph the piano, and especially “The Classics.” While he did not pursue a musical career, as his aunt thought he should, he did continue to play, practically daily, for the rest of his life. The Steinway grand piano used for “An Evening of the Classics” is the one our dad bought in the early 1960s. He played for his own enjoyment, as well as that of his family and friends. Many pianists who have played “Papa Joe’s” Steinway at the Plymouth Arts Center speak highly of its sound and feel privileged to have the opportunity to play such a wonderful instrument. Our dad will be listening to the concert, and the Sartori family is proud to be a part of “An Evening of The Classics.”