Discover the Passion Behind Chamber Music
Chamber Music Works is dedicated to celebrating exceptional musicians by presenting engaging performances and fostering education in chamber music, aiming to enrich communities and inspire lifelong appreciation.
Cultivating Passion for Chamber Music
Meet the dedicated artists and educators driving our mission.
Dennis Krasnokutsky
Artistic Director
Combining decades of performance experience with a profound love for chamber repertoire, Dr. Denys Krasnokutsky is an internationally acclaimed soloist and chamber musician. His performances have been praised as:
“…building in passion and intensity” — The New Times
“…an exceptional experience for the audience” — Srđan Teparić, Radio Belgrade
“…virtuosic performance with nuanced tone and exceptional musicality” — Mirko Jeremić, Belgrade
Dr. Krasnokutsky has appeared in major concert halls across the U.S. and worldwide, including Avery Fisher Hall, Mariinsky Theatre, Kravis Center, Tchaikovsky Concert Hall, Kolarac Hall, Astana Opera House, Teatro El Círculo, and many others.
His concerts and interviews have been featured on radio and television in the United States, Russia, Brazil, Argentina, Serbia, Hungary, and Kazakhstan. Among his many career highlights is a viola concerto dedicated to him, premiered with the Astana Symphony Orchestra.
As a chamber musician and collaborator, Dr. Krasnokutsky has performed with such distinguished artists as Hilary Hahn, Bella Hristova, Sarah Chang, Jonathan Biss, Frank Sinatra Jr., Bernadette Peters, and more. He serves as the Principal Violist of the Philadelphia Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, with which he has toured extensively across several continents.
His recordings can be found on renowned labels including Naxos, Connoisseur Society, Arabesque, New World Records, and New Ariel.
Dr. Krasnokutsky holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Rutgers University, where he studied with Michael Tree (Guarneri String Quartet) and Paul Neubauer (Principal Viola, New York Philharmonic).
Brian Verdi
Executive Secretary
Dr. Brian Verdi (Ed.M., Ed.D., Columbia University; M.A., New York University; B.A., Montclair State University) is the orchestra director at John P. Stevens High School in Edison, New Jersey, where he has taught since 2005. Under his leadership, the orchestra program has more than tripled in size and now includes a chamber orchestra, freshman orchestra, concert orchestra, and full symphonic orchestra.
Dr. Verdi served as President of the New Jersey Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) from 2020 to 2022. A trained violinist, he performs with the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra and received his Suzuki teacher training at the School for Strings in New York City under the direction of Louise Behrend.
Dr. Verdi has contributed scholarly articles to the American String Teacher Journal and Arts Education Policy Review, and has guest lectured at institutions including The Catholic University of America and The Music Academy of Virginia. He has presented at the New Jersey Music Educators Association (NJMEA) Conference and Summer Workshop.
His research interests include string pedagogy and music teacher professional development.
Mandy Vinarov
Treasurer
Mandy is a passionate educator with a strong commitment to expanding access to education through innovative programs and strategic partnerships. With a deep appreciation for both chamber and symphonic music, Mandy is also an accomplished violinist. She played the violin for 10 years as a student and has recently rediscovered her love for the instrument. Now, she performs regularly with a local orchestra and participates in local music gigs, continuing to enrich her community through her musical talents.
Celebrating Chamber Music, Inspiring Every Audience
Hear from those moved by our concerts and educational outreach, sharing their heartfelt experiences.
Attending a CMW event was a deeply enriching experience that connected me with the true spirit of chamber music.
Emily Chen
Music Educator and Advocate
The dedication and artistry of the CMW team bring chamber music to life with unmatched passion and skill.
Marcus Lee
Classical Music Enthusiast
Every performance feels intimate and inspiring; CMW creates moments that resonate long after the final note.
Sofia Martinez
Community Arts Coordinator