SONORO: A MUSICAL ENSEMBLE

SONORO is a musical ensemble at the forefront of contemporary music performance. Founded in 2019, the group offers a playful and romantic mix of classical, jazz and Latin through a variety of flexible instrumentation to include piano, flute, saxophone, viola, cello and percussion. Original work, composed by Sharon Ruchman and produced by Marc Wager Weisgal, is stretching boundaries of contemporary rhythms creating a unique musical blend. There’s an element of fun and exploration in the music, showcasing the personalities and talents of the group’s highly-skilled musicians. Through the creation of new music, SONORO aims to produce live, engaging concerts at venues throughout Connecticut and New England. For inquiries please contact: sharon@sharonruchman.com

Sharon Ruchman, Composer and Pianist

A composer, pianist, and violist, Sharon Ruchman started taking piano lessons at eight years old. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the New England Conservatory of Music and received a Master of Music from Yale School of Music, where she later returned to study composition with Composer Orianna Webb. From 2009 — 2014, Ruchman’s creativity was unleashed. She produced at least one CD each year, including original classical music for solo instrumentation and chamber ensembles. Her music aired on classical radio stations in CT and several radio stations throughout the U.S., Canada, and Australia. In addition, Ruchman’s passion for tango music led her to compose five original Slow Tango compositions for Tango Berretin Dance Company in Portland, Oregon, who produced five videos showcasing her music with their dancers. Today, she is studying viola with Jill Pellett Levine, who plays in the New Haven Symphony and Sonoro, the musical ensemble for which Ruchman is currently composing original work for a variety of instrumentations and styles.
(photo: Roxbury Photography)

Jennifer Berman, Flutist

Flutist Jennifer Berman has extensive experience performing with orchestral, chamber and choral ensembles. Studying the flute since the age of seven, she went on to attend the North Carolina School of the Arts where she received both her high school diploma and Bachelor of Music degree as a student of Philip Dunigan. She then studied at the Manhattan School of Music with Ransom Wilson for her Master of Music degree. After freelancing briefly in New York, Berman became a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, where she was co-principal for two years. Upon moving to Connecticut in 1994, she has been performing with a variety of orchestras and ensembles including the Hartford Symphony, Waterbury Symphony, Greater Bridgeport Symphony, Norwalk Symphony, Ridgefield Symphony, CT Virtuosi, New Britain Symphony, Harmonia V Woodwind Quintet, as well as the CT Lyric Opera, Opera Theater of CT and Salt Marsh Opera. She has appeared as soloist with the Albany, GA Symphony and the Rome Festival Orchestra. 

Bob Kaufmann, Saxophonist

Bob Kaufmann is active as a saxophonist in the New York Metropolitan area playing alto, tenor, soprano and baritone saxophone. He played with Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks during their formative years, and was the first saxophonist to play with Blues singer Bonnie Raitt. Kaufmann studied with Sam Musiker, John Pinto, John Bagliari and Jerry Vivino. In addition, he has played with jazz saxophonist Scott Robinson, guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli and has been a performer at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Performing with various bands and orchestras throughout the New York Metropolitan area for years, Kaufmann is currently president of the The Waldwick Band, a volunteer music organization based in and supported by the borough of Waldwick in Bergen County, NJ, and plays in the Glen Rock Pops.
(photo: Elizabeth Shane)

Mary Costanza, Cellist

Cellist Mary Costanza enjoys a multifaceted career as a teacher, performer and recording artist. She has developed a thriving private studio for students of all ages and currently serves as instructor of cello at the Kent School and the Gunnery. Costanza is also a teaching artist for the ASAP Inter-district Strings Project with the Waterbury Symphony, assistant principal cello in the Greenwich Symphony Orchestra, and performs with other regional ensembles such as the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, the Berkshire Lyric and the Windham Chamber Music Festival. For years, she played with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic and previously with the National Orchestra of New York, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Canton Symphony. Her recording of the complete Cello Suites of J.S. Bach (MSR Classics) has received critical acclaim, including Music WebInternational’s designation as a Recording of the Month. Costanza holds a Bachelor of Music from the Cleveland Institute of Music (Case WesternReserve) and a Master of Music from the Juilliard School, where she studied with Zara Nelsova.

Jill Pellett Levine, Violist

Jill Pellett Levine received her BFA from SUNY/Purchase, and her Master of Music and Artist Diploma from the Yale University School of Music. She plays the viola in several orchestras throughout Connecticut including the New Haven Symphony, Bridgeport Symphony and Waterbury Symphony.

Ryan Dunne, Percussionist

Starting with percussion in fourth grade, Ryan Dunne went on to studyJazz Percussion at Western Connecticut State University and music education at the University of Bridgeport and the HARTT School of Music. Today, he teaches chorus, band and general music at an elementary school in Ridgefield, CT. Dunne also performs in the Connecticut wedding band, No Big Deal, and he’s a sideman for many jazz groups. He is excited to lend his percussion expertise and fuse his background in jazz with Sonoro’s mix of styles.