Agnieszka Rybska and Christopher Souza met while volunteering in the East Stroudsburg University Orchestra. After holding a few chamber music rehearsals, it was clear that this was more than a casual collaboration. Agnieszka’s desire to sample new music became the driving force behind the compilation of a musical repertoire. Weekly rehearsals soon led to public engagements. After exploring the relatively limited catalogue of works available for this instrumentation, Chris began to arrange classical and popular works into duets. As a professional ensemble, we enjoy a balance between ongoing musical exploration and rewarding public performance.
Agnieszka Rybska, cello
Agnieszka’s multi-faceted performance background brings an air of worldliness and expertise to the Pennsylvania String Ensemble. Studying the cello from the age of eight, she began her musical career as a member of the Tarnow Youth Chamber Orchestra in Poland. For ten years Agnieszka gave frequent public concerts across Europe, culminating in the achievement of the coveted gold medal at the European Music Festival in Neerpelt. While studying at the Academy of Music in Krakow, Agnieszka went on to tour the European continent, performing and recording in conjunction with the Krakow Philharmonic in Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, and Spain.
In 1995 Agnieszka came to the United States and joined the cello-driven alternative rock band, Rasputina. Under contract with Columbia/Sony Music, she recorded two albums and toured with the band across the United States and Canada. While promoting the group, Agnieszka made frequent television appearances including Live with Regis and Kathy Lee, The Late Show with Conan O’Brian, and a music video on MTV. A well-rounded artist, her experiences with Rasputina enhanced her technical ability and expanded her understanding of the cello’s range of sound.
In addition to co-founding the Pennsylvania String Ensemble, Agnieszka is currently a member of the East Stroudsburg University Orchestra and a freelance musician performing across Northeast Pennsylvania. She and her husband, Robert, have two daughters.
Christopher Souza, violin and viola
Christopher began playing the violin at the age of nine, studying with private teachers in the Boston area through high school. He benefited most, however, from the refined instruction of violinist Mark Thielen at the Harrison Center in Lakeland, Florida. While attending this high school for the performing arts, Christopher joined the Imperial Symphony Orchestra and performed with renowned acts such as The Moody Blues and violinist Eugene Fodor. Christopher’s playing was further enhanced by masterclasses with the Colorado String Quartet and members of the London Symphony Orchestra during the Florida International Festival. He was thrilled to perform with both ensembles during this formative two week experience.
After graduating from Lee University, he joined the Tammy Rochelle Band and gave concerts on stages across Europe on three international tours. In conjunction with the International YMCA, Christopher performed in The World’s Fair and many other festivals throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Sweden as a part of this folk-inspired rock band. Touring proved to be a rewarding career path: Christopher soon won the only string seat on two tours with the Lawrence Welk Show Live, performing throughout Canada and the United States.
While working on a masters degree in Springfield, Missouri, Christopher was pleased to become a part of a flourishing arts community there. He joined the Springfield Symphony, performing with Manhattan Transfer, renowned Jazz artists. Springfield also offered a Regional Opera Company, an accomplished Chamber Orchestra, an active theater, and many recording opportunities.
In addition to freelance gigs and performances with the East Stroudsburg University Orchestra, Christopher is currently a strings teacher at the Fergus and Clark Academy in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania String Ensemble has been the catalyst for new growth and fresh ideas in his career as a professional musician.
Betsy Buzzelli-Clarke, piano
Evelyn Venturini, piano, flute, vocals
Evelyn (Evie) Benefield has been involved with music her whole life. She has played her main instruments - piano and flute- since age 7. Classically trained, she enjoys music of all genres as well as composing.
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