THE
xYz
QUINTET
About Us
The xYzQuintet formed in 2012 with a mission to enhance Columbus’ cultural life,
explore new audience engagement opportunities and create innovative programming through partnerships with other local organizations. Its members have played with the Cleveland Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony, the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, the Niagara Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Civic Orchestra.
The ensemble’s repertoire ranges from masterworks to pop and in 2013, the ensemble premiered their first commissioned work Sextet for Winds by Michael Torres. In 2015, the group premiered a Russ Nagy's Souvenir d'un Mime.
In addition to traditional concerts, the quintet remains dedicated to its education programs including last year’s program “The Chamber Music Experience”, a program made possible through partnerships with ProMusica Chamber Orchestra and The Ohio State University
Justin Johnston, Clarinet
The Toronto Star describes clarinetist, Justin Johnston's playing as "the most potent kind of sensual pleasure available to a listener." Since his 2006 orchestral debut playing Pines of Rome in the Cleveland Orchestra’s Severance Hall, Justin has gone on to tour Europe performing in Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw and Berlin’s Konzert Haus with Maestro Christoph Eschenbach. In the United States Justin has also performed with the Cleveland Orchestra and the Toronto Symphony performing both American premieres and classical standards. During his time with the Chicago Civic Orchestra, he was a leading member of the Chicago Symphony's chamber music engagement program, MusiCorps. Justin currently lives in Columbus with his fiancé, Kerry Haberkern, their cat, Kissy and dog, Wellington. He is a distinguished university fellow at the Ohio State University and has received an artist diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music, a Master's degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music and dual degrees from The Ohio State University in music performance and music education. He is also the recipient of The Ohio State University’s award for best research paper for his writings on Classical Greek and Roman literature.
Kelli Given, Oboe
In addition to an European tour for the International Cycle of University Orchestras, oboist Kelli Given’s orchestral career includes performances with the Grand Junction and Longmont Symphony Orchestras. A native of Colorado, Kelli received her undergraduate degree in music education from the University of Northern Colorado where she played principal oboe in both the Wind Ensemble and University Symphony Orchestra, and marched sousaphone with the Pride of the Rockies Marching Band. An experienced music educator, Kelli taught K-5 general music at Clifton Elementary School in Grand Junction, Colorado, coached high school marching band woodwinds, and continues to maintain a private studio teaching young oboists and pianists. Kelli is currently pursuing her Master of Music degree in oboe performance at The Ohio State University. As a graduate teaching associate, Kelli teaches private lessons and undergraduate double reeds methods, plays principal oboe in the Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra, and studies oboe with Robert Sorton.
Robert Shane Paul, Flute
Flutist and Florida native, Robert Shane Paul, began his orchestral career at age 20 when he joined the Orlando Philharmonic’s associate list. More recently, Robert was a finalist in the 2011 Central Ohio Flute Association Young Artist Competition. He now calls Columbus, Ohio home after receiving his Master of Music, Flute Performance and Master of Accounting from the Ohio State University. In addition to an ample work and travel schedule as an auditor with a public accounting firm, Robert still enjoys playing the flute for and with friends as a member of the xYz Quintet and freelance artist.
Kerry Haberkern, Bassoon
Kerry Haberkern is a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts in bassoon at The Ohio State University. Her previous orchestral appointments include positions with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and the Niagara Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Haberkern holds degrees from The Ohio State University, Louisiana State University, and an Artist Diploma from the Glenn Gould School at the Royal Conservatory in Toronto, Canada. Kerry has participated in numerous festivals and residencies, most notably the Aspen Summer Music Festival in 2007, and as a resident Artist of the Music and Sound Program at the Banff Centre in 2009. In addition to her involvement with the xYz Quintet, Kerry is an active clinician, teacher, and performer. This fall Ms. Haberkern will present master classes at Butler University, The Ohio State University, Capital Conservatory, and Shenandoah Conservatory. Kerry lives in Clintonville with clarinetist, Justin Johnston and their cat, Kissy and dog, Wellington
Katey Jahnke, Horn
Horn player Katey Jahnke played under the direction of many premiere conductors including Neeme Jarvi and Roger Norrington while performing in the Detroit Symphony’s Civic Orchestra. While living in Ann Arbor she was a member of the Ann Arbor Opera Theater and the Vivo Sinfonietta Chamber Orchestra. She has performed with the Adrian Symphony during their 2010 season as well as playing principal with the Perrysburg Symphony and the Heidelberg Symphony from 2008-2011. Now as a Columbus resident, she performs with the New Albany Symphony, Newark-Granville Symphony, Capital City Chamber Players and is a principal member of the xYz Quintet. She pursued her masters’ degree in horn performance at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio and previously attended the University of Michigan and Bowling Green State University, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in horn performance. Currently she teaches through Music & Arts-Hilliard, the Delaware Music Academy and First Choice Music Studios.