Duo de Vista opens music series at Kathwood

One way to escape the heat Sunday is to listen to the cool sounds of local musicians Duo de Vista.

The local duo has received national acclaim and will be performing a concert at Kathwood Baptist Church at 4 p.m.

“This concert is the first of The Musical Arts Concert Series, offered by the Kathwood music ministry to our community,” said Burt Pardue, minister of music at Kathwood. “One of our ministry goals is to continue Kathwood’s tradition of classical music and connecting with the music community – both artists and audience.”

The concert is funded by private donors and is free, but donations will be accepted for Kathwood’s Choral Scholars program.

The Choral Scholars program began in 2011 as a ministry to area college students pursuing music degrees.

“The Choral Scholars participate in Youth Choir and Chancel Choir, have opportunities to lead rehearsals, sing solos, etc.” Pardue said. “They receive a stipend towards their school expenses.

“In addition, the church offers them a place of love and acceptance and a ‘family’ while they are away from home. Several of our graduates come back to visit regularly and many stay in touch with church members.”

There will be a meet and greet after the concert, with the opportunity to buy Duo de Vista’s CD.

Duo de Vista is Teri Forscher-Milter on flute, and Marina Alexandra on guitar.

Formed in 2011 Duo de Vista has performed across the United States with a variety of repertoire, a dynamic chamber ensemble in the Southeast, focusing on artistic expression and audience immersion.

Forscher-Milter is an accomplished flutist, expressive performer, and a winner of the 1994 Presidential Scholar in the Arts. She was honored by President Bill Clinton for her playing in a ceremony held at the White House following her performance at the Kennedy Center for the Arts. Forscher-Milter was named principal flutist and soloist of the Knoxville Symphony in 1999 and has performed with many U.S. orchestras, including the Cleveland Orchestra and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Finger Style Guitar Magazine described Alexandra as an “amazing player that commands the guitar with world-class technique and musicianship that is uncommon.” She has received awards in several guitar competitions, including the Music Teachers National Association State. Alexandra has a concert career spanning the past 15 years.

In 1998 she was awarded an assistantship to earn her master of music degree at the University of South Carolina. She has served on the faculties of Furman University, University of South Carolina-Aiken, Wingate University and Columbia College.

Lezlie Patterson, Special to The State

This story was originally published June 5, 2016 at 8:00 AM with the headline "Duo de Vista opens music series at Kathwood."