The Ivory and the Ecstasy is a violin-piano duo that offers listeners lyrical, evocative, and moving pieces from a broad range of genres. In the classical and light classical realm, our repertoire ranges from Baroque to Romantic works. We also play a wide range of Broadway show tunes and can program virtually any requests that you might want to include on the program. We are happy to play at weddings, private parties, cocktail hours, dinners, and receptions. In addition to playing duets, we also play trios with the addition of cellist Priscilla Norris.

Both Dustin and Richard are experienced composers and performers. Dustin has performed extensively throughout California as a solo artist presenting standard classical literature and original works, as an accompanist for vocalists, and in chamber ensembles. As a pianist for parties and events, he has performed for weddings, receptions, and holiday and cocktail parties. He has an extensive repertoire and has performed for several dozen secular and traditional weddings throughout California in recent years.

Dustin is very familiar with the Catholic wedding ceremony, having performed as both pianist and organist for several weddings at the Mission Church at Santa Clara University in California and surrounding areas. He is currently a collaborative pianist for the Marymount College Wednesday noon Mass and the University Choir. With undergraduate degrees in piano performance and composition, Dustin has a Masters of Music in Composition from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

Richard studied the violin as a child in Los Angeles with Peter Meremblum and Manuel Compinsky and played in Meremblum's California Jr. Symphony Orchestra. As an adult, he studied with students of Paul Rolland and Theodore Spiering and members of the Pittsburgh Symphony and Las Vegas pit orchestras.

He has performed extensively in professional symphony and chamber orchestras in six states as well as pit orchestras for operas and musical theatre. He has played numerous concerts as a chamber musician and has performed both as a soloist and in ensembles at restaurants, retirement communities, and for weddings and private parties.

While new to Gigmasters, The Ivory and the Ecstasy is not new to entertainment. With over 50 years of combined professional performing experience, we will go the extra mile to make your event memorable. When you book us, we will work with you to ensure that our music is tailored to your needs.