Lisa Vivian Larsen
Oboe, Double Reeds
Lisa Larsen instructs private oboe and piano lessons at the Legato Lesson Studio in Warrenville, IL, which she co-operates with her husband, Ric. Lisa first began her oboe studies with Deb Stevenson of the Metropolis Quartet, before going on to receive her BME from the University of Illinois under the instruction of Nancy Ambrose King, Daniel Stolper, Scott Hostetler of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Rob Botti of the New York Philharmonic. Lisa has performed extensively with local bands and orchestras, most recently including the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, the Salt Creek Sinfonietta, and the Lakeside Pride Concert Band. As an accomplished teacher, many of Lisa’s private students have gone on to obtain scholarships and pursue musical careers of their own. Lisa has also served as bell choir director and youth choir director at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Urbana, Illinois, and band director in Naperville IPSD 204. Lisa is also in regular demand as adjudicator for local solo competitions.
Richard Lee Larsen
Classical Guitar, Guitar
Richard Larsen instructs classical guitar lessons and classes at Aurora University, co-operates the Legato Lesson Studio in Warrenville, IL, with his wife, Lisa Larsen, and builds classical guitars. Ric is an active performer in concerts and private events, in both solo and ensemble settings. Ric and Lisa Larsen also perform regularly as the Legato Duo, often premiering new arrangements of chamber music ranging from the baroque and classical periods to new compositions by contemporary composers. Ric attended Minnesota State University, where he studied with James McGuire and received his bachelor’s degree before going on to receive his master’s degree from Elmhurst College. Ric has also studied with Denis Azabagic, world-renowned performing artist, and professor at Chicago Center of Performing Arts of Roosevelt University. Ric is a former board member of the Chicago Classical Guitar Society, has served as guest judge at numerous evaluated recitals, and has performed for a variety of guitar festivals and competitions in Illinois, Minnesota, Georgia, and South Carolina. In addition to teaching and performing, Ric maintains a steady output of handcrafted classical guitars, players of which include Jim Perona, Gigmaster’s ‘Top National Guitarist,’ the winner of the Inaugural Chicago Guitar Festival, award-winning virtuoso Rene Izquierdo, and Javier Reyes of instrumental progressive metal band Animals as Leaders.
