meet the ensemble
Gaudeamus is an ensemble of professional musicians whose backgrounds and careers are deeply immersed in the traditions of classical music. The unique sound of this ensemble is enhanced by their varied forays into classical, sacred and traditional music. Their musical arrangements are focused on a lush string section and exquisite vocalists.
CONSTANCE STEUER
MUSICal DIRECTOR / PIANo
Constance Steuer, Pianist, is the founder of Gaudeamus and serves as its Musical and Executive Director. Her musical career includes Director of Music and Pianist at Epiphany of Our Lord Church in Plymouth Meeting. Additionally, Connie spent 25 years as an adjunct professor of music at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School.
A graduate of the University of the Arts with a degree in Piano Performance, Connie furthered her studies at Temple University, earning a Master of Arts in Music. Throughout her journey, her focus has been on sharing her God-given talents with others, using music as a way to inspire and enrich the lives of those around her.
Robert Vieira
Violin/CONCERTMASTER
Violinist, Robert Vieira is currently the String Director at the Bordentown Regional School District in New Jersey. He received both Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Music Performance from Rowan University where he studied with violinist Michael Ludwig.
For over 20 years Mr. Vieira has performed with many music ensembles in the Delaware Valley such as The Haddonfield Symphony, The Philly Pops, Philadelphia Virtuosi, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Bay Atlantic Symphony, The Delaware Symphony, to mention few. As an avid performer of the violin and viola repertoire Mr. Vieira has performed as soloist with orchestra and recitals in the United States, Venezuela, Colombia and Spain. In his spare time he enjoys cooking Italian food and traveling with his wife Gabriela and daughter Alessandra.
Gabriela Mandescu
violin
Mrs. Mandescu graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of Music in Bucharest, Romania, where she majored in violin performance. She performed with the National Radio Symphony Orchestra and Giurgiu Symphony before moving to the US. She has a Master’s degree from Temple University in violin performance where she was appointed the concertmistress for Temple Symphony Orchestra and Temple University Opera. She was awarded an Assistantship teaching at Temple Preparatory Division for a number of years. Ms. Mandescu was the Orchestra Director for Moorestown Friends High and Middle Schools before joining Cherry Hill Public Schools in 2007. Starting in 2007, Ms. Mandescu is on the judging committee for the South Jersey and All State Orchestra auditions.
Gabriela Mandescu is Adjunct Professor at Rowan University where she leads the String Orchestra and serves as violin Professor. She is the String Orchestra Director for Cherry Hill East High School and Director of Chamber Music Department. As a violinist she performs with the Philly Pops, Bay Atlantic Symphony, Gaudeamus Music Ensemble. Ms. Mandescu is also a member of numerous chamber music groups performing actively in Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York. She performs extensively in Atlantic City and surroundings with acclaimed musicians as Johnny Mathis, Josh Groban, Jackie Evancho, Andrea Bocelli, The Three Irish Tenors, Frank Sinatra JR, Michael Bolton and many more. Ms. Mandescu is the founder of TiAmo Strings chamber music group that performs actively in the Tri-State area.
anthony pirollo
cello
Cellist, composer, conductor Anthony Pirollo has been a member of the greater Philadelphia musical scene for the better part of 50 years. He has performed throughout the United States as well as Europe. His musical performances have run the gamut from such varied artists as Frank Sinatra, Luciano Pavarotti, as well as Page – Plant unplugged.
Anthony‘s involvement with Gaudeamus stems from a lifelong friendship with founder, Constance Steuer.
howard thompson
bass
Howard Thompson started playing the bass when he was 15 years old and is currently a freelance bassist in Philadelphia playing with many of the areas jazz musicians. He has also been active in the theater scene playing in the theater orchestras throughout the tristate area. Howard holds both a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Bass and a Master of Arts Degree in Music Education from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He is currently a string teacher in the School District of Philadelphia and a former professor of jazz bass at the University of the Arts.
paige CIPolone
harp
Paige is happiest playing alongside her upright bassist brother Forrest and classical guitarist husband Phil in their trio and passing her love of music to her three boys Paul Forrest (4), Filmore Richard (2) and Edwin Donald (10 months) who all have a beat and love music as well. She is the organist for Central Schwenkfelder Church and Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church both in Lansdale Pennsylvania. Paige is thrilled to be a part of Gaudeamus and use her talent to support others.
Harpist Paige Marie Cipolone has had music be an integral part of her life for as long as she can remember. Her parents instilled a great fondness and appreciation for music from a very young age. At eight Paige was gifted a piano and the rest was history. A passion ignited in her and from there on out playing music was synonymous with who she is as a person. She began playing harp at the age of 14 and with her parent’s love and support Paige graduated from Temple University’s Boyer School Of Music with a Music Education Degree and concentration in harp.
sarah agnew
soprano
Sarah Agnew is a well known vocalist in the Philadelphia area. Sarah began singing at an early age and studied both at the Bryn Mawr Conservatory of Music and Temple University. Her musical performances have ranged from Broadway to Irish Music to Sacred repertoire. She is an active Cantor and Soloist in various churches throughout the region, including Epiphany of Our Lord Church (Plymouth Meeting) and St. Patrick's (Malvern).
Sarah is a long-time soloist for Gaudeamus and enjoys the opportunity to perform with other professional musicians while giving back to others.
Sarah is the mother of three girls and an avid dog lover.
Kelly Jones
Soprano
Kelly Jones, Soprano, is a long-time member of Gaudeamus and a dedicated music educator. She earned her Master of Music from West Chester University and is a full-time elementary school music teacher. Passionate about choral excellence, Kelly has had the privilege of conducting her school’s choral concerts at the prestigious Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. Her choir has also had the distinguished honor of performing for Philadelphia Orchestra Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin. With a deep love for both performance and education, Kelly continues to inspire young musicians while sharing her voice and artistry with the community.
Andy fei
tenor
Over the past three decades, Mr. Fei has remained an active and celebrated figure in the world of opera, oratorio, and various musical stages. His performances have graced esteemed companies such as the Philadelphia Opera, Pennsylvania Opera, Mozart Opera, and most notably, the Bel Canto Lyric Opera company, where he served as the principal tenor. Mr. Fei's solo appearances have also resonated in renowned venues like Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall, Carnegie Hall, the Academy of Music, and the Eastern Art Center in Shanghai.
At the young age of 18, Mr. Fei was admitted to the prestigious Central Opera House in Beijing, marking him as the youngest tenor in the house's history. His talent quickly shone through, leading to a lead debut within a year. Under the tutelage of renowned voice teacher Li Jiayao, Mr. Fei honed his skills and was subsequently admitted to the Central Conservatory of Music. There, he spent five years immersed in vocal and opera studies with the esteemed baritone Li Xin Chang.
At 27, Mr. Fei embarked on a new chapter in the United States, where he continued his vocal training under the guidance of Jon Crain, the former leading tenor of the Metropolitan Opera Company. During his time in the States, Mr. Fei garnered numerous accolades, including first place in the Pittsburgh NATS vocal music competition, the sole tenor award in the Baltimore International Opera competition, and second place in the Metropolitan Opera Regional competition in Cincinnati.