Meet Our Musicians! Echos of Vienna & Berlin April 2, 2025

A passionate musician, I am dedicated to honing my craft and exploring musical expressions in unique and new ways. I possess a strong foundation in classical technique and continually seek opportunities that deepen my understanding of my instrument. While a recent addition to the teaching community, I am finding joy in sharing my knowledge and experience with students. I draw much inspiration from my more than 13 years of masterful instruction and performance and feel honored to be able to pass on my passion to my own students. I currently teach all levels of cello to both adults and children as a staff instructor at Musicworks in Bentonville.

“Calista Maurer is a performer seeking to engage the audience through richness of sound and character. Since reluctantly beginning piano lessons in 2011, Calista quickly grew to love the keyboard, finding it a valuable resource to understanding both self and others. She has competed in several competitions, receiving accolades for her work and artistry since arriving at the University of Arkansas in 2022, which include Arkansas MTNA Young Artist, Les Grands Concours, and the UArk Honors Recital. With an ever-growing passion for performance, she explores more opportunities each year that advance her ability to communicate with listeners. 

 A previous student of Asher Armstrong, Calista is currently a third-year piano performance student of Xiting Yang at the University of Arkansas. Outside of the usual demands of her degree, she has also worked significantly with Logan Skelton and Yi-Yang Chen in masterclass and private lessons. Her undergraduate studies will conclude in the Spring of 2026, and she plans to attend graduate school to continue studies in piano performance.

 Outside of music, Calista enjoys visiting local coffee shops, hammocking, playing card games, and spending one on one time with friends.”

Phoebe Drinkard is a violinist at the University of Arkansas. She studies under Dr. Er-gene Kahng and is a member of the University Symphony Orchestra. Phoebe is pursuing a Bachelors of arts in Violin Performance and Music Education.

Jonathan Lea is a passionate cellist, music educator, and composer based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He frequently performs with local symphonies, theaters, music festivals, and various events throughout the Northwest Arkansas area. As a composer, Jonathan draws inspiration from his experiences living in various countries, which has broadened his musical textures and fostered an openness to exploring many cultural music styles. Currently, he is studying at the University of Arkansas, where he participates in numerous chamber groups and serves as the cello section leader of the orchestra.

Gisell Maldonado is a junior undergraduate at the University of Arkansas and a viola instrumentalist involved in university ensembles including the University of Arkansas Symphony, viola studio and chamber music.