Latitude 39 is a dynamic and innovative collaborative trio comprising world-class musicians: Diana Seitz - violin, Nick May - saxophone, and Maya Tuylieva - piano. Drawing inspiration from both Eastern and Western musical traditions, Latitude 39 transcends boundaries, fusing diverse musical influences into a harmonious tapestry of sound.

 

Drawing from a rich and eclectic repertoire, including masterpieces by renowned composers such as J.S. Bach, Hector Berlioz, and more, Latitude 39 showcases the power of collaboration and the beauty of musical diversity while also being committed to championing new works and collaborating with living composers including Peter Dayton, Aaryn S. Ricucci-Hill, and more.

 

With a dedication to artistic excellence and a deep commitment to education and community engagement, Latitude 39 is equally passionate about inspiring and nurturing the next generation of musicians. Through masterclasses, workshops, and outreach initiatives, they foster a love for music and empowering aspiring future artists.

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This performance will feature the premiere of a Series-commissioned work by Kansas City-based composer, Aaryn S. Ricucci-Hill.

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BIOGRAPHIES

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NICK MAY, saxophone

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Heralded as “highly virtuosic” whose “artistry further imbues his performance with an unmatched sense of lyricism and expression,” (Christina Ensign, Composer), saxophonist Nick May is sought after as a highly expressive, intuitive performer that “brings his personality to every performance - full of genuine joie de vivre!” (Javier Oviedo, Classical Saxophone Project) and has quickly garnered attention for his compelling programs that have been described as “Incredible; bringing to life some of the best music that has ever been written” (Maestro Hughes, Arapahoe Philharmonic). Since his solo debut at the age of 18 with the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, May’s career has taken him throughout the United States, Singapore, Germany, Sweden, and Denmark, appearing recurrently as a guest artist and recitalist. Additionally, May has garnered prizes at many prestigious national and international competitions with recent Carnegie Hall performances with pianist and M2 Duo partner, Maya Tuylieva, described as “two incredible musicians, who perform as one voice” (Dave Kenney, Composer).

 

May has performed as a soloist and has been featured with the Mid America Freedom Band, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Saxophone Choir, Classical Saxophone Project, Baker University Jazz Combo and Big Band, Arapahoe Philharmonic Orchestra, Kansas Wesleyan University Wind Ensemble, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Orchestra, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Wind Ensemble, and the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra and has premiered works and collaborated with today's most eminent and emerging composers including Jennifer Higdon, Peter Dayton, Ingrid Stölzel, Dave Kenney, Spencer Arias, Nathan Froebe, Evan Boegehold, John Kosch, Christina Ensign, David von Kampen, Suhan Tuyliyev, among others. He released his debut album in 2019 under Albany Records called Tone Studies: the Saxophone Music of David Maslanka and is also featured on The Chamber Music of David von Kampen and the University of Nebraska - Lincoln Jazz Orchestra’s album, The Good Life. Additionally, he is the founder of the I Exist Project, which aims to advocate for, bring light to, and celebrate the multifaceted aspects of queer life, culture, and artistry through collaboration with a diverse range of queer composers and performers to promote the creation and visibility of new queer repertoire.

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Visit Nick's website

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MAYA TUYLIEVA, piano

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A pianist from Turkmenistan (former USSR), Dr. Maya Tuylieva has been described as a profound artist, capable of commanding the attention of the audience with her inimitable sincerity and conviction of her performances by colleges and listeners around the world. She won her first competition at the age of six and made her national debut with a live performance on Turkmen National Television at the age of eight. She then entered the Turkmen State Special Music School, where she won numerous state competitions. Among those was the 1999 Turkmen National Young Artist Competition. Upon graduating from the Special Music School, Maya entered the Turkmen National Conservatory where she worked and performed with the Turkmen Philharmonic Orchestra and the orchestra of the Turkmen National Conservatory.

 

In 2001, Maya was a awarded a full scholarship to study at the University of Kansas, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree. While studying at KU, Maya won several national competitions, including Crescendo Young Musician’s Guild Competition and the Naftzger Young Artists Competition. Maya was also selected to perform with the University of Kansas Symphony Orchestra for its concerti series at the Lied Center of Kansas. While earning a master’s degree at Arizona State University, Maya Tuylieva won the Cosmo and Buono International Piano Competition in New York City. Consequently, she performed at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall during the Winner’s Recital Gala Concert in May 2008. Recently, Tuylieva earned a Doctorate in Music degree from the University of Kansas. Maya's current performances include the Young Artist Tour throughout Italy and a concert series in Japan.

 

Visit Maya's website

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DR. DIANA SEITZ, violin

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Violinist Diana Seitz is “a fresh and passionate presence” on the contemporary classical music scene. Born into a family of professional singers, Diana grew up back stage, traveling with her parents’ popular band throughout the former Soviet Union. She made her debut at the age of nine as a soloist with the Chamber Orchestra in Moscow, Russia. As a teenager, she went on to become a laureate of Azerbaijan National Young Musician’s Competition, performing Paganini’s Violin Concerto no.1 with the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Orchestra, including a fiendishly difficult Cadenza by E. Sauret.

 

A refugee forced to leave her homeland after severe ethnic persecution, Diana stepped off an airplane onto U.S. soil in 1993 and never looked back. She has performed throughout the country, including solo appearances with the Valley Symphony Orchestra (Edinburg, TX), Oklahoma University Symphony Orchestra, Kansas City Civic Orchestra, Kinnor Symphony Orchestra, Endless Mountain Music Festival Symphony Orchestra (Corning, NY), and Lancaster Symphony Orchestra (PA). 

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Diana is a graduate of the Moscow Conservatory, where she studied with a student of renowned Russian violinist David Oistrakh. She continued her studies in the United States with Felicia Moye of the Miami String Quartet, receiving a DMA degree in Violin Performance from the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Seitz is presently violin faculty at the University of Texas Rio Grand Valley in Edinburg, TX, where she resides with her husband and the youngest of her three children. The joys of parenting and her passion for classical music came together in Diana’s latest project “Mozart Mommy and Me” – an educational concert series bringing classical music to audiences of all ages and backgrounds through toddler-friendly outdoor concerts.

 

In 2012, Diana recorded and released three singles, including concert crowd pleaser “Amazing Grace." These recordings can be found on iTunes, Spotify and other online retailers.

 

Diana plays a 1759 Paolo Testore violin.

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Visit Diana's website

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LOCATION

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This concert will take place in a private Kansas City residence, to be disclosed upon ticket purchase

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EVENT TIMELINE

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3:30 - 3:55 - Arrive and mingle

4:00 - Concert

5:00 - 6:00 - Performer meet & greet 

     

A wine reception with light hors d'oeuvres will be provided after the concert