Conundrum is a dynamic group of musicians who love to make music together. Comfortable in traditional and unconventional concert spaces, Conundrum creates a special musical experience that generates excitement and anticipation in their diverse and growing audience.

Since their premiere season in 2005-2006, Conundrum has rapidly gained a reputation for audience-oriented new music played with passion, humor, and conviction. The ensemble’s repertoire is a balance of newly commissioned works, transcriptions, and works featuring different combinations of their unique instrumentation - soprano, flute, clarinet, and piano.

Recent appearances include the LaSalle Foundation Series, the Carnegie Arts Center, the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Dayton Art Institute, Piccolo Spoleto, Northern Kentucky University, Cal State Fresno, Fisk University, Cal State Long Beach, Idyllwild Arts Academy, Occidental College, and Ohio Wesleyan University.

Known for self-produced events in unconventional spaces, the group has produced popular “event” concerts at Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park, the Cincinnati Observatory, and the American Sign Museum. Their loyal fan base grows exponentially as word of these events creates buzz and intrigue in both the mainstream and arts communities.

As the muse for many composers, Conundrum has expanded the chamber music repertoire substantially in a short period of time. They have been the featured ensemble at the Fresno New Music Festival, the Society of Composers, Inc. conference at Ball State University, and the subject of a composer commission/residency at the School for Creative and Performing Arts. This exposure to the national community of composers has generated many exciting new works for both the ensemble and its individual players.

Conundrum was born of the idea that a chamber music ensemble built on friendship and mutual respect combined with expansive virtuosity and a love for communication will captivate an audience. The group’s members are distinctive soloists who each have diverse musical experience and training.

Katherine Young was appointed principal oboe of the Florida Orchestra in March 2007. She previously completed a fellowship with the New World Symphony. Young has served as a guest principal oboe in the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and the San Diego Symphony.

Cellist Naomi Gray is currently a member of the New World Symphony. Recent concert appearances have included a chamber music series in Umbria, Italy and performances with orchestras in Austria and Japan. She has also been a featured soloist with the National Repertory Orchestra.

Harpist Marguerite Lynn Williams has concertized throughout the United States, Europe and Asia with ensembles such as the Chicago Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony, Kirov Orchestra, Toronto Symphony and San Diego Symphony. She is currently principal harpist for the New World Symphony, Colorado Music Festival, International Chamber Artists and on faculty at the Frost School of Music, University of Miami

Abigail Kegel Walsh is currently on the flute faculty of the Hartt School as an adjunct instructor, as well as the Vernon Music and Arts Center.

Jared Elder is currently in his fourth and final year of a dual degree program at the University of Hartford, a B.M. in classical guitar performance at The Hartt School, and a B.A. in psychology.