BLACK, WHITE & STEEL DUO

ALLIDA

Allida has been playing and performing cello since the age of eight (8), and instructing for the past 12-years. Allida grew up in the Northern Virginia area. In High School she studied Cello with Loran Stephenson of the National Symphony Orchestra. She attended UNC Greensboro for 2 years with cellist Elizabeth Anderson. She then transferred overseas to London, England and received her bachelors in Cello Performance at Trinity College of Music-studying with Naomi Butterworth. Since returning to the States in 2001 she went on to pursue her teaching license at Old Dominion University and taught general music and strings in the public schools (Chesapeake and Fairfax County) for 10+ years. Allida has also done some professional recording work were she arranged and recorded her cello part for singers/songwriters.These days she plays cello for weddings, at churches, teaches private lessons, and takes care of her young daughter and son. Other than music you can find her working out, taking yoga classes, practicing for her new pop duo, and eating vegetarian cuisine.

CHRISTINE

Christine began piano lessons at the age of 5, completed the Royal Conservatory piano Program with First Class Honors with Distinction, and went on to successfully compete in Kiwanis and other music festivals. Her love of classical music and singing led her to pursue a Bachelor of Music in vocal studies at the University of Toronto. She was then awarded a full scholarship to Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA, where she earned a Master of Divinity in Worship and Music Ministry, merging her love of music with her love of God and the Church and forging a career as a Worship Pastor. Most recently she was the Worship Pastor at Evergreen Baptist Church of Los Angeles, programming services, leading contemporary bands, and directing choirs. Christine has sung in many choirs, including the Festival ensemble Stuttgart, touring Europe under the direction of renowned conductor, Helmuth Rilling. She has performed in multiple operas and musicals, led worship at Christian conferences, and has been a guest speaker on worship leading. She currently resides in Maryland with her husband and son.