Adding Classical Romance to Pocono Weddings for over 30 years

The trio Calliope evolved from an informal summer concert series featuring classical flautists Gina Bertucci and Barbara McMahon in the late 1970s. They had begun to acquire a large library of music playable by two treble instruments (flutes) and one bass instrument (a cello or bassoon); however, at the end of every summer they found themselves bassoon-less. As luck would have it, bassoonist Laura Goss migrated to the Pocono region in the early 1980s. The three women quickly developed a musical bond – the subtle nuance and unique blending of tones – that has remained strong years later.

Along with providing the perfect touch of classical elegance to many a Pocono wedding, they have presented concerts for the Twilight at Jacobsburg music series, and have appeared at East Stroudsburg University and MayFest in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Calliope is a regular feature at the Friday night concerts held in conjunction with the Delaware Water Gap Celebration of the Arts, and at the Water Gap’s Church of the Mountain gazebo summer music series.

 

Barbara McMahon, Flautist
A native of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, Barbara studied her instrument in New York City with John Solum, John Wummer and William Watson. Her grandfather, George Graff, composed the lyrics for “When Irish Eyes are Smiling,” which she credits with moving her to learn more about traditional Irish music, taking up the pennywhistle and Irish flute in the process.

 

Gina Bertucci, Flautist
Was born in the Poconos but grew up in New Jersey and is a graduate of Rutgers University in classical performance. She studied with Harold Bennett – principle flautist with the Metropolitan Opera, James Scott professor of music at Douglass College, and Christopher Peterson.

 

Laura Goss, Bassoon
Grew up in Long Island and holds her Masters Degree in Arts Administration from Drexel University. While in Philadelphia, she studied bassoon with renowned bassoonist Ferdinand DelNegro.