JOHN R.S. WALKO

John studied theory and composition at The Julliard School, the Cleveland Institute of Music, and Huntington College. As a performer he coached with such notable people as Lili Kraus (Piano) and Mari-Claire Alain (Organ). In addition to DCA, John accompanies the San Francisco City Chorus and Bella Music (Berkeley). He is a guest artist for other groups such as the San Francisco Bach Choir and San Francisco Choral Society. John is organist at historic Calvary Presbyterian Church in San Francisco and is a Staff Organist at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor.

BRETT CARSON

Brett Carson is a composer, pianist, improviser, poet, and theater artist based in Oakland CA. His compositional work, which has been described as "fascinatingly intense" (Stephen Smoliar, SF Classical Voice), explores the juxtaposition of a gleefully chaotic plurality of musical approaches.  In addition to his compositional work, he enjoys a career as a pianist, keyboardist, and synthesist, having performed internationally in the realms of free improvisation, contemporary classical music, jazz, and rock. He has worked with a wide variety of composers/performers including Bill Baird, Brian Baumbusch, Nicolas Collins, Vinny Golia, George Lewis, Nicole Mitchell, Roscoe Mitchell, Bill Noertker, Zeena Parkins, Rent Romus, and William Winant. From 2019-20, he performed as the pianist for the legendary jazz unit the Art Ensemble of Chicago.  https://www.brettcarsonmusic.com