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About Forrest Strings
Forrest Strings Performing Ensemble
At Forrest Strings, we bring your wedding or special event to life with music that reflects your unique vision. Whether you’re looking for the intimacy of a solo violin, the harmony of a string duet, or the full richness of a string quartet, we offer flexible options to suit your style and budget. Our ever-growing repertoire spans a wide range of genres, and we’re delighted to accommodate special song requests to make your celebration truly personal. Let us create the perfect soundtrack for your unforgettable day.
Julia Forrest- Teacher & Violinist
Julia Forrest is a music educator and performer based in Rochester, NY. She has been teaching private violin and viola lessons for over 10 years and looks forward to decades to come. Her students have gone on to perform in All-County Orchestras, Area All-State Orchestras, Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra.
An avid performer as well, Julia is the concertmaster of the Genesee Symphony Orchestra and has performed with the National Orchestra Institute and Festival, Penfield Symphony, Finger Lakes Symphony, Center Stage Pops, and Pittsford Musicals. She can be frequently found playing weddings and local events solo or with a quartet. Julia loves making every event special and personalized!
Alex Renzoni- Teacher & Cellist
Alex Renzoni teaches middle school orchestra and general music in the Pittsford Central School District. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education (Cello Concentration) from Ithaca College, where he studied privately with Gregory Hesselink and Elizabeth Simkin. Prior to his time at Ithaca, Renzoni studied in the private studios of Roman Mekinulov and Lynne Ruda in the greater Buffalo area. Outside of school, he maintains a private cello studio and is an active performer throughout Western New York and the Finger Lakes, playing with the Genesee Symphony Orchestra and Center Stage Pops Symphony Orchestra in addition to freelance gigging.
Evie Costanza- Viola
Evie Costanza is a violist based in Rochester, NY and has been an avid performer in the area for nearly 15 years. Evie holds a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance from Nazareth University and a Masters degree in Childhood Education from Roberts Wesleyan University. In 2016, Evie was a winner of the Nazareth University Concerto/Aria Competition. Furthermore, she has been featured as a soloist with the Rochester Women’s Philharmonic, and has had additional performance opportunities in the Bahamas and Poland. Evie currently plays with the Genesee Symphony and Center Stage Pops, and is thrilled to be joining Forrest Strings! In addition to playing, Evie teaches in the Pittsford School District and enjoys spending time with her family.
Lauren Rister- Violin
Lauren Rister is a violinist and music educator based in Rochester, NY. With over 20 years of professional playing experience in everything from musical theater to party bands, Lauren has had the privilege of performing in venues around the world such as Carnegie Hall, and various venues in Austria and the Bahamas. Lauren plays for the Penfield Symphony Orchestra and is a member of the 13-piece Steely Dan tribute band Bad Sneakers, for whom she is a vocalist. When not gigging, Lauren is the Orchestra Director for Mendon High School in the Pittsford Central School District. She enjoys spending time with her master luthier/bassist husband Justin and their two young children Frances and William.