Black Moon Trio, made up of violinist Khelsey Zarraga, horn player Parker Nelson, and pianist Jeremy Vigil perform works by Marc Mellits, José Elizondo, and Griffin Candey, live from the Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist, Chicago.
Black Moon Trio is committed to collaboratively affecting positive change in communities through chamber music. We reimagine the breadth of a horn, violin, and piano trio by showcasing underrepresented voices in our artistic programming and original commissions, inspiring young musicians and non-musicians alike through captivating educational programs, and connecting community members through the arts. By engaging with diverse audiences, youth, and artists of every type, Black Moon Trio works to prove that classical music is for everyone.
Black Moon Trio was founded in 2022 by Parker Nelson, Jeremy Vigil, and Khelsey Zarraga. Each rooted in musical, cultural, and community organizations across the region, Parker, Jeremy, and Khelsey aim to continue making classical music available and relevant to everyone. Harnessing the experience from years of professional chamber music performance, music-making in social service settings, facilitating workshops at universities, and developing curriculum for youth in schools and community development through music, Black Moon Trio is excited to provide a classical music experience that resonates far beyond the reverberations of a final chord.
Black Moon’s second season culminated in the recording of their first, full-length album entitled Principal; a collection of five world-premiere recordings of works either commissioned by or arranged by Black Moon Trio.
Other season highlights include being named an Ensemble-In-Residence for the 9th Annual Connecticut Summerfest at the Hartt School in Hartford, Connecticut; the development and premiere of Convergence: Health Equity in a Changing Climate: a program created in collaboration with Brushwood Center, composers Marc Mellits and Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate, and five different visual artists. Convergence explores vital connections between health, equity, and nature by telling the stories of members of communities affected by environmental racism and health inequities and their interconnections through music, illustration, and videography.
Reaching thousands of students annually through its arts-integrated educational programs, Black Moon Trio connects K-12 core curricula to vivid, custom-crafted, and interactive musical experiences which challenge students to share and lead. Black Moon Trio has presented performances and residencies at numerous Chicago public schools and the Chicago Cultural Center in partnership with Classical Music Chicago and Ravinia’s Reach*Teach*Play program. Outside of the classroom, Black Moon Trio regularly engages in community engagement including projects with Veteran patients at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center.
Black Moon Trio is currently Ensemble-In-Residence at Brushwood Center.
