Birchwood's Members
 
The members of The Birchwood String Quartet bring years of professional training and performance experience to accompany any event. The quartet has performed at hundreds of weddings and other special occasions throughout the Twin Cities, out-state Minnesota and Wisconsin, at locations as diverse as the Minneapolis Basilica, Summit Avenue mansions, private homes and even in a hedge maze! (read story) As a group they blend their many musical interests and experiences to create a dynamic performance experience for you to share with your guests.

Blayne Barnes, violinist, received his Bachelor of Music degree, summa cum laude, from Arizona State University and his Master’s degree from the University of Oregon, where he was named “Outstanding Graduate Performer in Music.” His primary teachers have included Marla Mutschler, William Magers, Fritz Gearhart and Jorja Fleezanis. While in Oregon, Mr. Barnes served as assistant concertmaster and acting concertmaster of the Eugene Symphony and performed extensively with the Oregon Symphony and Oregon Bach Festival Orchestra. Since moving to Minneapolis in 2005, Blayne has performed regularly with the Minnesota Orchestra and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra (including touring to Chicago and New York City), and serves as concertmaster of the Kenwood Symphony.

Maria Mimick, violin, has performed with the St. Louis Philharmonic. Classically trained, with a degree in music from the University of Minnesota, Maria also brings to our quartet her diverse experience which ranges from performing as a member of local klezmer band Prague '24 to studying fiddling in Nashville, Tennessee.

Nancy Svenddal, viola, received her music degrees from the New England Conservatory and the University of Minnesota. She has performed with a wide range of artists from Kurt Masur to Garrison Keillor, at such notable events as the Aspen Music Festival and Chautauqua Music Festival, and has toured internationally. Nancy has also performed in blues bands, as an old-time/folk fiddler and was previously a member of the Mandrogora Tango Orchestra.

Christy Libbus, cello, has been an active performer, chamber musician, and teacher in the Twin Cities since 2003.Previously, she lived in Cleveland, Ohio, where she performed as a member of the Gitano Quartet and in chamber ensembles with members of the Cleveland Orchestra. She also taught at the Cleveland Institute of Music and performed in the orchestras of Akron, Canton, and Youngstown, as well as in the Cleveland Chamber Orchestra.Christy received her Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance from Baylor University and her Master of Music from Florida State University. Christy currently teaches at the MacPhail Center for Music.