Artists in Residence
Performing Arts Department | Music

FLC and Music in the Mountains have teamed up to bring you festival favorite musicians, Oleg Sulyga and Dmitire Kustanovich, to give a master class on violin/viola performance.

Music in the Mountain festival orchestra members, Oleg Sulyga, violin; and Dmitir Kustanovich, viola join FLC faculty Richard Silvers, violin, also a Music in the Mountain festival orchestra member; and Katherine Jetter, cello to bring us the music of Shostakovich and Mendelssohn. Please join us for an evening of outstanding music!

Join us for an evening of historically informed performances by the incredibly talented Byrne:Kozar:Duo, featuring renowned soprano Corrine Byrne and trumpeter Andy Kozar. Their captivating interpretations of Baroque music for natural trumpet and soprano, as well as their commissioning of new works for modern trumpet and soprano, make for an unforgettable experience. With accolades from notable publications and appearances at prestigious festivals, this is an event not to be missed. Fort Lewis College Performing Arts is proud to host this extraordinary duo for an evening of exquisite music by Chen Yi, Qi Li, Christina George, Marti Epstein, and more. Purchase your tickets now for an unforgettable performance!

Join us for a free master class given by the Byrne:Kozar:Duo - Corrine Byrne, soprano; and Andy Kozar, trumpet.

Join us for a free master class given by visiting artists Kelariz Keshavarz, flute; and Brian Seaton, oboe.

This amazing duo will perform sonatas by Henri Dutilleux and Francis Poulenc. You'll be trasformed by "Persion suite: Folk Songs" by Reza Vali. The finale is a set of two engaging works for oboe and narrator, by William Schmidt: "The Sparrow" and "The Amazing Mr. Avaunt"

Kelariz Keshavarz is the Assistant Professor of Flute at Western Carolina University with a distinguished career marked by innovative interdisciplinary projects, a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and significant contributions to contemporary music. Her devotion to her craft is manifest in her various roles as a solo performer, curator, adjudicator, composer, and pedagogue, and she brings to each a passion for fostering understanding and appreciation of music’s rich and diverse tapestry. 

Kelariz’s commitment to her art is highlighted in the acclaim she has received for her performances, as noted by Fanfare Magazine: “The sheer variety of sounds and their expressions is utterly remarkable, as is Kelariz Keshavarz’s virtuosity... Keshavarz is a fine interpreter, producing a convincing whole while giving the impression that each microsecond has been considered...”

Kelariz’s relentless pursuit of musical excellence and innovation is evident in her creative projects, workshops, albums, and her significant roles in music organizations, making her arevered flutist in contemporary music. Kelariz Keshavarz is a Haynes flute artist and plays on a 14K Haynes custom flute.

Brian Seaton, Oboe
Brian Seaton maintains an active performing career as a recitalist, pedagogue, concerto soloist, chamber and symphony musician performing throughout the United States, Canada, and Asia. From 2016- 2024 Brian was instructor of oboe and chamber music at Western Carolina University.

In addition to his performing and teaching, Brian is the proprietor of Reedhouse, which specializes in the service, sales, and design of woodwind instruments, located in Hendersonville.

Brian is sought after as one the most respected experts on the oboe acoustics and mechanics in the North America. He has presented lectures on the  mechanics and acoustics of the oboe at many Universities throughout North America. Brian resides in Saluda, NC and enjoys the many outdoor activities  that can found in the mountains. 

Eric Millard is the Assistant Professor of Trumpet at UNC Charlotte. He also serves as the Principal Trumpet of the South Carolina Philharmonic and director of the Charlotte Youth Trumpet Ensemble. Millard has also performed with the Charlotte Symphony, Charlotte Ballet, Opera Carolina, Boise Philharmonic, Ballet Idaho, and Tallahassee Symphony, among others.  Millard’s fond interest in chamber music led him to co-found the Palisade Trumpet Collective, a trumpet ensemble of professors from around the country, dedicated to commissioning and performing new works for trumpet ensemble. Millard has won prizes at the National Trumpet Competition (NTC) and performed at the International Trumpet Guild Conference with multiple trumpet ensembles. Playing in a wide range of styles, Millard has also performed in numerous shows, including most recently, the national tour of “Aladdin the Musical”.

As a soloist, Millard has won prizes at prestigious competitions such as the International Trumpet Guild (ITG) Solo Competition, NTC, Music Teachers National Association Solo Competition, and the U.S. Army Band National Collegiate Solo Competition and has won concerto competitions at both of his alma maters.  Recently, Eric has been a member of ensembles that have been invited to perform at festivals and conferences including the Concert Band Directors National Association Conference, the North Sea and Montreux Jazz Festivals, Florida State Music Teachers Association Conference, and the ITG Conference.

As a teacher, Dr. Millard’s students have been selected for honors such as ITG Conference scholarships, finalists and semifinalists at the National Trumpet Competition in both solo and ensemble divisions, Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead Fellowship, and the Disney All-American College Band. Millard also enjoys being active as a clinician, frequently giving classes at universities and high schools across the country.

Millard received his Doctorate and Master’s Degrees in Trumpet Performance from Florida State University and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Trumpet Performance from the University of Kentucky.  Millard’s primary instructors were Dr. Christopher Moore, Vince Dimartino, Robert Sullivan, Mark Clodfelter, and Dr. William Stowman.  Dr. Millard also serves as the Rule Coordinator for the National Trumpet Competition and as the Book Reviews Column Editor for the International Trumpet Guild Journal. 

Please join us for this wonderful mix of music featuring the talented Dr Eric Millard.

Dr. Millard will perform music by Jeffrey Curnow, Catherine McMichael, Anthony Plog, Astor Piazzolla, Cecilia McDowall, and Kait Nishimura. Dr. Joe Nibley will join him on the final piece, Kevin McKee's "Under Western Skies".