Sapphire Ensemble Harpist from New York City, NY

Sapphire is an NYC based ensemble comprised of seasoned, professional, quality musicians whose love of performing emanates from them when making music. They perform a wide variety of music including Jazz, Celtic, Broadway, Pop, Rock, Folk and Classical. In addition to being booked as a trio (HARP, FLUTE, VOCALS), they can be booked individually, as a duo, or a full 6-piece band, depending on your needs. From public concerts to private parties, weddings to corporate events and beyond, Sapphire Ensemble is sure to dazzle and entertain! As a solo HARPIST and a member of various ensembles, MARIA BANKS has toured internationally and throughout the United States. Her playing and original compositions and arrangements have also been featured in recordings, documentaries, and a music video. She has worked with professional ensembles such as the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, Arizona Opera Company, the Rochester Philharmonic, and the West Australia Symphony Orchestra with performances in venues such as Kasals Hall in Japan, Wachovia Center (with Kanye West), Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Eastman Theater, Perth Concert Hall in Australia, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and shows on and off Broadway in New York City. FLUTIST, MAYU SAEKI, currently lives in NYC where she performs regularly at various jazz clubs. She was born with the perfect pitch, started studying piano at age 3, followed by the flute at age 12, and then began her vocal training at the age of 14. In 1992 Mayu entered Elizabeth University of Music, which is where she earned her master's degree for instrumental music in 1998. She was a member of the late NEA Jazz Master Chico Hamilton's ensemble "Euphoria" from 2009 until Mr.Hamilton's death in 2013. she appears on Chico Hamilton's 3 CD's that are "Revelation," "Euphoric." and "Inquiring Mind". Three of Mayu's compositions are included on these CD releases. As the daughter of esteemed opera director/teacher, Richard Crittenden, VOCALIST, CAROL CRITTENDEN's love of music now expresses itself through her many virtuoso singing and songwriting styles. In addition to her original music, she tours as the lead singer of Four Celtic Voices (whose CD debuted at #1 on the Billboard World Music Chart). A professional actress and musical theatre performer, she has worked with the New Vic Theatre of London, performed in regional US tours, and various productions in NYC and LA. Carol has appeared live on QVC, as a soloist on CBS tv and her voice can be heard on national and regional commercials.