Standard Bio:

Russell Podgorsek, violist and composer, is a graduate of the Hartt School of Music (CT) and the University of Dayton (OH) where he studied composition with David Macbride, Larry Alan Smith and Phillip Magnuson. He was recently commissioned by the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra (MD) to write his "MicroSymphony" and by the Sudbury Youth Orchestra (ON) for his "Lament and Lullaby" for string orchestra. He was also recently featured as composer-in-residence for the 2008 Simsbury Chamber Music Festival (CT) with performances of his music by the New World Trio and Les Inegales.

Russell is a founding member of the Miklos Quartet, whose unique approach to music of all styles and perspectives has brought them on numerous tours and residencies throughout the Northeast and Midwest. As a member of the perceval duo he performed a number of his own works including "Songs for the Sane" and "A Contest for the Future" at 2005's Woodstock Fringe Festival in Woodstock, New York. He has been awarded a number of grants and fellowships including a Creative Connections Award (formerly Meet the Composer).