Separately, they're Interlochen faculty members Ara Sarkissian and Kara Huber.
Together, they're the K/Ara Duo, and they're bringing a recital of music for violin and piano to three locations in northern Michigan this month.
The two musicians have shared a mutual admiration for years and have recently begun performing together.
When Huber first heard Sarkissian perform, she knew they would collaborate well. "I just fell in love with his playing," she said.
Sarkissian was particularly impressed by Huber's recent initiative (including an album) to perform and record the complete piano works of American composer Joan Tower.
"It takes somebody special to take on a project like Joan Tower," Sarkissian said. "I was really motivated to get to work with this wonderful musician."
Sarkissian and Huber visited IPR's Studio A to discuss their upcoming recitals and give a preview of the music they'll be playing.
Huber also accidentally broke one of the keys off the Studio A piano during their sound check.
"It's pretty common for pianists to break strings on the piano, but this is the first time something like this has happened to me," she said.
(Don't worry - Interlochen's piano technicians will take care of the repair.)
The two have plenty of ideas for what music they want to play next, but what matters the most is that they get to play it together.
"I love playing anything," Sarkissian said. "And I'll play anything with Kara."
Upcoming K/Ara Duo performances
Sunday, April 6 at 5 p.m.
Oliver Art Center, Frankfort
Tickets & info
Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m.
The Alluvion, Traverse City
Tickets & info
Sunday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Dendrinos Chapel and Recital Hall, Interlochen
Tickets & info
Planned repertoire
Lili Boulanger, Nocturne
Johannes Brahms, Violin Sonata no. 3
Leos Janacek, Violin Sonata
Clara Schumann, Three Romances
Michael Culler engineered this edition of Studio A.
Scott Clemens is IPR's digital content producer.
