Dr. Henrik Karapetyan and Dr. Martin Torch-Ishii are "Duo Mosaic" and will provide virtuoso entertainment at the gazebo this week.

This week's gazebo concert will welcome international music with Duo Mosaic--Dr. Henrik Karapetyan on violin and Martin Torch-ishii on cello, both graduates of the University of Michigan School of Music. Duo Mosaic celebrates music from many different cultures and corners of the world: American Folk, Klezmer, Irish, Tango, Gypsy, and even some Rock are part of this instrumental duo’s versatile repertoire.

According to the Duo Mosaic website, Henrik, a native of Armenia, and Martin, who is currently based in Portland, Oregon, have each enjoyed diverse and successful performing careers. Individually, they have played with such groups as Michigan Opera Orchestra, Ann Arbor Symphony, Orpheum Bell, Break of Reality, and Klezmephonic. One or both musicians have performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, The Old Town Music School of Chicago, and at a number of national music festivals, including South by Southwest, Worldfest, and North by Northeast. These past experiences, along with a passion for instrumental folk, world, and dance music, inspired Henrik and Martin to join forces and create Duo Mosaic.

Duo Mosaic released its first full-length recording, “Midnight Dances” in March of 2015. The 15-track album features all original arrangements and will be available for purchase on CD at Thursday's concert.

This virtuoso duo continues the unique summer concert series and will provide an interesting change of pace for the gazebo concerts! You will hear a wide variety of world music and perhaps even hear some new favorite types of music. Come out and see Duo Mosaic at 7:30 pm on Thursday, June 22 at the Wurster Park Gazebo.

The Gazebo Concert committee, an offshoot of the Riverfolk Music and Arts Organization, appreciates its many sponsors for this season. First, the Michigan Humanities Council has awarded Riverfolk a grant of $4,000 to sponsor outreach and educational projects, part of which will fund Duo Mosaic's performance on June 22. Local sponsors include the Manchester Wellness Coalition, LaRock Dental, Frank's Place, and Over the Edge Sports Bar. This community support for these free concerts is also greatly appreciated!

And as they say on PBS, there is also the generous support of "viewers like you." When you make a donation to our baskets passed at intermission, you also help these concerts continue. If you're not able to make a donation, don't stay away--attendees at each concert count as part of our community support and you are an important part of our ability to obtain grants such as the one described above from Michigan Humanities Council. Come and enjoy an evening of string music with your neighbors this week!