Lily Press, Harp and Simon Linn-Gerstein, CelloHarpist from Pasadena, CA

Weddings & Events - Simon Linn-Gerstein, Cello Lily Press, Harp Lily Press & Simon Linn-Gerstein have been performing as a harp and cello duo for over a decade. They perform as Strange Interlude in intimate salon-style chamber concerts, performing music written for harp and cello as well as transcriptions they've created for their own unique instrumentation. Lily & Simon also perform as an ensemble for weddings and events, bringing their years of experience playing in a variety of venues to each and every appearance. It is an honor to be part of some of the most joyous and momentous moments in client's lives and we are delighted to offer harp and cello, either as solo instruments or as a duo, for your wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception, as well as for gallery openings, fund raisers, memorial services, or other events. We create custom arrangements upon request and are equally at home performing everything from pop music to R&B to jazz to classical to country to indie rock and everything in between! (Seriously – we've transcribed traditional Cape Verdean music, created a recessional based on the credits music from “Adventure Time” and played a bridal party down the aisle to the “Game of Thrones” theme – anything you want, just ask!) - Testimonials "The music was soothing and romantic – exactly the mood we wanted! It really made it a unique and memorable experience for all! " – Sarah and Rohit "I can't thank you enough for the incredible music you provided for our wedding. I have received nothing but amazing feedback from our guests. Your presence at the ceremony added such great value, Alex and I are forever grateful." - Alexandra and Alex "We can't thank you enough for playing at our wedding; we recieved many, many rave reviews for the performance you and Lily did. We are very lucky and blessed, thank you so much!" – Jennifer and Cory - Musician Biographies Simon Linn-Gerstein received his Master of Music degree in cello performance from the Longy School of Music of Bard College, where he studied with Terry King. He also studied with Michal Schmidt at Haverford College, where he graduated with a B.A. in music. He has performed solo recitals for PBS Philadelphia, Rutgers-Camden Noontime Recital Series, and as a guest performer for the Network for New Music at the Philadelphia Art Alliance. He has collaborated with members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, as well as with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Richard Wernick. In addition to performing as a soloist with the Salem Philharmonic, Symphony by the Sea chamber series, and the Paul Madore Chorale, Simon has performed as part of the Hillyer Festival Orchestra, Cape Ann Symphony Orchestra, Symphony by the Sea, and MIT Concert Choir Orchestra. He has performed in masterclasses with Laurence Lesser, Matt Haimovitz, and David Finckel (of the Emerson String Quartet). Harpist Lily Press performs professionally in orchestras, chamber ensembles, solo recital venues, and as a wedding musician. She plays both the concert grand pedal harp and Celtic folk harp. Lily has performed in a variety of venues, including Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Palais Corbelli in Vienna, and Sanders Theatre at Harvard. Lily is one of the founding members of the SillyBird Contemporary Chamber Music Festival, which was founded in 2012 with the goal of performing contemporary chamber music in relaxed and non-traditional settings. As a chamber musician, Lily is a co-founder of Strange Interlude with cellist Simon Linn-Gerstein and is a member of the Latitude New Music Ensemble, a chamber orchestra based in Boston, MA. She has played with the Danbury Symphony Orchestra, the Paul Madore Chorale and premiered Paul Brust's The Remembered Present with the Longy Conservatory Orchestra. A dedicated performer of new music, Lily has collaborated with a number of composers including Curt Cacioppo, Max Wanderman, and Jared Hettrick. Lily has a B.A. in music from Haverford College, and a Master of Music in Harp Performance from the Longy School of Music of Bard College, where she studied with Franziska Huhn.