Black Oak Ensemble

The Black Oak Ensemble took root in 2011 when they performed for a stand-ing-room-only audience on Chicago’s prestigious Music in the Loft Series. Since then, the ensemble has performed for the Stradivari Society and appeared at the Chicago Cultural Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Mayne Stage, WFMT Radio, Windy City Live, and the Latino Music Festival. The ensemble was featured on a Ravinia Festival tour from Barcelona to Monte Carlo, and in summer 2016 they toured France, with concerts in Paris, Toulouse, and other cities. Desirée Ruhstrat and David Cunliffe are both founding members of the Lincoln Trio, which was nominated for a 2017 GRAMMY Award for best performance by a small ensemble. Aurelien Pederzoli was a founding member of the Spektral Quartet and the Anaphora Ensemble.