Kinder Konzert: Pixel String Quartet

The Goethe-Institut Washington is thrilled to present KINDER KONZERTS, family-focused concerts designed to introduce your little ones to the magic of German classical music! Join us for a fun-filled, relaxed concert where kids 0-6 years old can move, shake, and learn alongside professional musicians . This April, The Pixel Quartet will bring classical masterpieces to life, showcasing their string instruments and the emotions within the music—all in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere perfect for little listeners and their grown-ups!

Jordan Hendy was born in Chertsey, England, and grew up in Berkeley Heights, NJ where he started playing the violin and piano at age 7. He received both his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the Juilliard School, studying violin performance under Li Lin and Naoko Tanaka. Jordan attended numerous music festivals including the Heifetz International Institute, New York String Orchestra Seminar, and the Tanglewood Music Center from 2017-18. He currently serves as the assistant-concertmaster of The U.S. Army Band, "Pershing's Own," which performs throughout the D.C. area for the Department of Defense, the U.S. Capitol, the White House and more.
Jordan has more than 10 years of teaching experience, including 4 years as a teaching fellow in Juilliard's Ear Training Department. When he isn't working, he loves playing tennis and collaborating in chamber performances with his wife, Sanae.

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Sanae Kodaira Hendy was born in Caracas, Venezuela and began studying the cello at the age of 6. At a young age, she became a member of The Academia Latinoamericana de Violoncello of “El Sistema de Orquestas” and studied under Maestro Marek Gajzler, and Valmore Nieves.
At age 8, she debuted as a soloist with the "Youth Symphony Orchestra Chacao", under the baton of Maestro Florentino Mendoza. She was also a featured soloist with the Orchestra Virtuosi de Caracas, The National Philharmonic Orchestra in Venezuela, Filarmonía Orchestra, and with the Symphony Orchestra Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho.
In 2018, Sanae was awarded the Ann Chess Fellowship and performed as a soloist with the Lancaster Festival.

Sanae received her Bachelor's Degree in cello performance from The Juilliard School, and a graduate certificate in Arts Management from American University. She has over 10 years of teaching experience, including being a Teaching Fellow of the Ear Training department at Juilliard, a MAP Teaching Fellow, and a Gluck Community Service Fellow.

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Austin Simmons is from Arlington, Texas and started playing the viola in 2005 when he was 10 years old. He received both his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Rice University, studying under Ivo-Jan van der Werff. During his schooling, Austin attended many music festivals, most notably spending three summers participating in the Fellowship String Quartet Program at Madeline Island Chamber Music. Since 2022, Austin has been a member of The U.S. Army Band, “Pershing’s Own,” providing musical support for senior military leaders and strengthening bonds between the Army and the American people. As a fan of many genres of music other than classical, Austin enjoys making string quartet arrangements of music from movies, video games, and more.

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Violinist Robin Tozzie, from Palm Beach Gardens FL, began studying music following the Suzuki method at about three or four years old. In her formative years she primarily studied with Suzanne Wlater Giessler and Patrick Clifford. As a pupil of Dr Benjamin Sung, Robin received her Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance at Florida State University in May, 2019. She then graduated with her Master's in Violin Performance from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in May, 2022 under the tutelage of Mr. Paul Kantor.

Robin has received additional instruction from many exceptional teachers including Shannon Thomas, Carolyn Hubel, Cornelia Heard, and Andres Cardenas. Her studies have brought her to many inspirational festivals including Aspen Summer Music Festival and School, Brevard Summer Music Festival, Joseph Gingold Chamber Music Festival, and Mostly Modern Chamber Music Festival. Attending festivals such as these has provided Robin with valuable opportunities to further her education, chamber music collaborations, orchestral experience, teaching experience, and has helped her make lasting connections with wonderful people and musicians from all around the world!

Robin is currently enveloped in a musician's lifestyle as she is busy teaching, taking orchestral auditions, and performing. Located in the DMV area, she has performed with the Alexandria Symphony and Maryland Symphony Orchestras. Robin is passionate about the impact, healing, and closeness music can inspire among audiences and is eager to share!

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Host or Publisher Goethe-Institut and ICWA