The Dirigo String Trio will perform a program of works by J.S. Bach, Beethoven and Massenet

About the musicians

William Somes (Violin) holds a bachelor’s degree with highest honors in political science and economics from the University of Maine, where he graduated in 2021. He continued his academic studies at George Washington University, where he obtained a graduate certificate in environmental resource policy. He moved back to his home state of Maine in 2022 and began working as a Partnerships Associate with Music Kids, where he helped bring lessons in violin, piano, and guitar to many public and private school systems across the country.

William began learning Suzuki violin at the age of seven and has studied under career performers and educators such as Anatole Wieck, Lynn Brubaker, Sascha Zaburdaeva-Lorimer, and Stewart Kitts. His professional experiences include masterclasses and coaching sessions with faculty at the University of Maine School of Performing Arts and string quartets like the Beo String Quartet. He regularly plays as concertmaster with local community ensembles including the Downeast Chamber Orchestra and the pit orchestra for the Gilbert and Sullivan Society. William has taught instrumental music in public and private schools in Washington, D.C. as a member of the Music Kids Teaching Faculty and has also managed a private studio at Music Junction in Alachua County, FL.

Taylor Clark (Viola) started her musical training at the age of seven when she began taking private violin lessons at RDL Strings in downtown Bangor, ME. She continued her studies through high school and into college, where she pursued her interests in fashion business, theatre, and music at the State University of New York at Oneonta. Taylor's musical journey continued with orchestra and pit band performances. She also studied music abroad while attending the University of Glasgow in Scotland for one semester. Taylor has participated in many smaller orchestras and ensemble groups since then, including the Augusta Symphony Orchestra and the Midcoast Symphony Orchestra. After graduating from college, Taylor transitioned into education and assumed the role of Director of Performing Arts at a prestigious private school, where she honed her leadership and organizational skills by teaching music theory and theatre studies. Taylor is also an entrepreneur, composer, and arranger, releasing her own music under the artist name “DARKT”.

Luiz Gonçalves da Silva (Cello) began his music studies at the age of nine. Since then, he has performed nationally and internationally, participating in many music festivals and masterclasses in the United States, South America, and Europe. Luiz has studied at New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where he earned his Merit Certificate in Cello Performance. He currently studies at the University of Maine with Noreen Silver, where he is earning his Bachelor of Music degree with a concentration in cello performance. At the University of Maine, Luiz has participated in many chamber music ensembles, including string quartets, piano trios, a variety of duos, musicals, and more.