Mitzi Westra and Elisabeth Hoegberg celebrate the arrival of Spring in music for voice and piano featuring Spring-themed Lieder of Schumann, Wolf, and Brahms. The remaining seasons are showcased in Les Saisons of Albéniz and Tchaikovsky for solo piano, with works by Argento, Duke, and Ives offered as additional seasonal fare.
Mitzi Westra, mezzo-soprano, received her BA degree in music and religion from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Her graduate work was done at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, where she received her master's and doctoral degrees, working with such nationally renowned artists as coach/accompanist Margo Garrett and opera directors James Robinson and Vern Sutton. Since moving to Indianapolis, she has appeared as soloist with Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra, and New Century String Quartet, as well as performing frequently on the University of Indianapolis Faculty Artist Series. She currently teaches in the vocal department at University of Indianapolis, as well as being an alto section leader and Treble Choir director at Second Presbyterian Church, recording for Aireborn Studios in Zionsville, and maintaining her own private studio.
Elisabeth Honn Hoegberg holds a Ph.D. in music theory and an M.A. in musicology from Indiana University, and B.M. in music history and piano from Illinois State University. Prior to joining the faculty of the University of Indianapolis, where she is assistant professor of music, Dr. Hoegberg held appointments at Indiana University and Oberlin Conservatory, where she coached the rock ensemble. At the University of Indianapolis, Dr. Hoegberg teaches music theory, counterpoint and keyboard skills. Her research interests include historical theory and pedagogy. She is an active chamber musician both as a collaborative pianist and vocalist and holds staff singer positions at Trinity Episcopal Church Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation.