Skylark Strings 

Skylark is an eclectic contemporary string ensemble based in northern Vermont. With decades of experience in the professional music community, Skylark’s sound and repertoire challenge the boundaries between the classical and folk traditions, creating innovative and original works for all audiences. Influenced by the Nordic, Celtic and American regions, Skylark’s music is melody-driven with unique energy, irresistible flair and undeniable beauty.

Known for their vibrant quartet concerts, Skylark is also an avid collaborator. Recent concert projects have included performances with Guster, Henry Jamison, the Solaris vocal ensemble and an album recording with Jazz trumpeter Connor Young.

Violinist, teacher and curator Jane Kittredge can be seen and heard performing with numerous ensembles across the northeast. A graduate of the Mannes College of Music (BM, MM), she is a member of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and is the Violin Professor at UVM’s School of the Arts.

Violist Ana Ruesink is an active freelance musician and performs with orchestras and chamber groups throughout the region. With degrees from Swarthmore College and UVM, she teaches viola from her home and at the UVM School of the Arts.

Ben Lively is a versatile violinist and multi-instrumentalist with a wide-ranging musical background including classical, jazz, bluegrass, and tango music. He holds degrees from Middlebury College and Parisian jazz conservatory Centre des Musiques Didier Lockwood.

John Dunlop has been playing music for audiences in the northeast for over thirty years as principal cello with Vermont Symphony as well as many other regional ensembles. He teaches the next generation of cellists at his private studio in Richmond VT.

Nick Browne is a Vermont-based freelance double bassist and Lecturer of Double Bass and Bass Guitar at Dartmouth College. A former member of the San Antonio Symphony, he has appeared with numerous major orchestras in the United States and abroad. A native of Pittsburgh, he holds degrees from Duquesne University and Rice University.

Photo courtesy of Luke Awtry