Praised for its “insightful, committed and masterful performances” (Classics Today 10/10) and “fierce eloquence” (London Times), The Black Oak Ensemble has established itself as one of the most innovative and exciting chamber ensembles on the international stage. The trio’s CD release, “Avant l’orage,” a double album of French string trios, reached #1 in the Billboard Classical Charts and was featured as Album of the week on Symphony Hall Sirius XM and was nominated for a 2023 ICMA International Chamber Music Award.The Black Oak Ensemble consists of violinist Desirée Ruhstrat and cellist David Cunliffe, members of the multi-GRAMMY-nominated Lincoln Trio, and violist Aurélien Fort Pederzoli, a founding member of the ground-breaking, GRAMMY-nominated Spektral Quartet.​