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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Arts administrator, educator, and pianist Elizabeth Churchya is widely regarded for her sensitive and incisive performances and charismatic leadership. She has concertized extensively throughout the United States and England, and is the prize winner of many competitions.
Most recently, Elizabeth appeared as a “Rising Star” soloist with the University of South Carolina Orchestra in performance of the Ravel Piano Concerto in G major. She is a finalist in the Professional division of The American Prize in Piano Performance (Concerto), 2023 and a prizewinner in the 2022 Charleston International Piano Competition. Previously, Elizabeth received her undergraduate degree in piano performance from Christopher Newport University, where she won the scholarship competition three consecutive years. In 2011, she made her orchestra debut after winning the university’s concerto competition with Saint-Saëns Concerto No. 2 in G Minor.
A dedicated educator, she was awarded the 2023 University of South Carolina Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award. She maintains a private studio and often serves as adjudicator for many competitions. She taught courses for the Music History department at the University of South Carolina, including Introduction to Film Music, a course she designed herself and quickly became the university’s most popular music elective.
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An impassioned supporter of the arts, Elizabeth serves as Executive Director of the premier professional chamber orchestra Sinfonia da Camera and Operations Manager of the renowned Southeastern Piano Festival. Elizabeth earned her Master of Music and Graduate Certificate in Performance from the University of South Carolina. Her principal instructors include Drs. Jeffrey Brown, Lelia Sadlier, and Joseph Rackers. She has had the privilege of performing in masterclasses for renowned pianists including Nelita True, Edmund Battersby, Jon Klibonoff, Dmitri Rachmanov, and many others. Elizabeth received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from USC in Piano Performance.
ORCHESTRA LIBRARIAN
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Teresa Strobel-Gagiu is an active conductor, violist, vocalist, and music educator based in Champaign, IL. She is the orchestra librarian for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign orchestra-in-residence, Sinfonia da Camera. Originally from Michigan, Mrs. Gagiu was the orchestra and theater director at Birmingham Covington School and the co-founder and conductor of the “Take Two Symphony” based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Graduating from Western Michigan University, Mrs. Gagiu received a bachelor’s degree in Music Education.
Before coming to Illinois, Mrs. Gagiu received her Master of Music degree at the University of South Carolina in Orchestral Conducting. During her time in South Carolina, she appeared with various professional ensembles as a violist and has guest conducted with the Aiken Civic Orchestra, USC Symphony Orchestra, and the USC FUSE ensemble. Mrs. Gagiu also served as a choral scholar and Capella children’s choir director at St. Peter’s Basilica in downtown Columbia. She has been a guest clinician at various schools in the Columbia area, presented at multiple conferences, and served as the graduate assistant for the nationally recognized USC String Project.
STAGE MANAGER ​
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Luke Brann is a versatile student with a passion for music and academics. Luke studies Chemical Engineering and Violin Performance at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Outside of his studies, Luke regularly performs with the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra and Sinfonia da Camera. In his role as Stage Manager, Luke ensures seamless transitions for Sinfonia da Camera rehearsals and concerts.