Time for Three is increasingly gaining attention as one of America�s brightest, most unique ensembles.  Founded in 2001 by three Curtis Institute of Music students intent on exploring repertoire that stretches far beyond the limits of convention, the ensemble burst onto the scene in July 2003, following a lightning-induced power failure at Philadelphia�s Mann Center for the Performing Arts. Prompted by fellow orchestra members to entertain the audience while technicians attempted to restore onstage lighting, Ranaan Meyer and Zachary DePue obliged with an enthusiastically received impromptu jam session that included works as far a field from the originally scheduled symphony as �Jerusalem�s Ridge,� �Ragtime Annie,� and �The Orange Blossom Special.�

Since this auspicious debut, the trio � made up of double bassist Ranaan Meyer and violinists Zachary DePue and Nicolas Kendall � has continued to dazzle audiences with its eclectic mix of bluegrass, Hungarian gypsy, jazz, country-western fiddling, classical, and improvisatory music.

To date, the group has performed over two hundred engagements in venues as diverse as its music, 2 appearing as featured guest soloists with the Philadelphia Orchestra and opening for k.d. lang at Philadelphia�s Kimmel Center, to name just a few.

Time for Three sets itself apart not only with its varied repertoire performed with immaculate technical acuity, but also with the approach in which it presents its music: �blurr(ing) genres,� writes David Patrick Stearns of The Philadelphia Inquirer, ultimately �creating different dialects,� according to bassist Ranaan Meyer. Its youthful, engaging performances are free of conventional performance practice and instead draw from each member�s different musical background. The trio also performs its own arrangements of traditional repertoire and Mr. Meyer provides original compositions to further complement the trio�s musical offerings.

In the Summer of 2005, Time for Three made its official Philadelphia Orchestra debut in a much anticipated July 7th concert at Philadelphia�s Mann Music Center. During the 2004-2005 season, the trio played with the Philly Pops under conductor Peter Nero. The ensemble has also been heard in such distinguished venues as the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, the 92nd Street Y in New York, and at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

Other recent season highlights include performances at the Kimmel Center�s Verizon Hall, the Beethoven Society in Washington, D.C., the Cerritos Center in Los Angeles, Joanne Woodward�s Westport Playhouse, the Philadelphia Folk Festival, Wyoming�s Grand Teton Music Festival, and Chicago�s �Music in the Loft� series.

In addition to its demanding performing schedule, the trio is also committed to reaching younger 3 audiences and to date has participated in a number of educational residencies and outreach concerts including Paul Newman�s Hole In The Wall Gang Camp�s �Fandango XIV�.

In the recording studio, Time for Three has made two discs. The trio�s debut recording, aptly entitled Time for Three, was released in October 2002. A second CD is scheduled for release in Winter 2006.

Time for Three has also been heard on various radio broadcasts including Philadelphia�s WXPN, WHYY, and WRTI stations. It has appeared on FOX�s �Good Morning Philadelphia,� telecast from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and will be featured in an upcoming documentary film about Philadelphia�s Rittenhouse Square produced by Max L. Raab and directed by Robert Downey, Sr.

Beyond their work with the trio, the musicians of Time for Three are outstandingly gifted young artists with individual careers. Japanese-American violinist Nick Kendall, a 2000 Astral Artistic Services National Auditions recipient and first prize winner of the 2002 Young Concerts Artists International Auditions, grew up in Washington, D.C. He debuted with the National Symphony Orchestra and the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra as the winner of their Young Artists competitions. Much in demand as soloist, he has graced the premiere stages of Chicago, San Francisco, Cleveland, New York, and Tokyo. Recent highlights include an acclaimed Philadelphia recital debut as part of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts� �Rising Stars� series, a quartet performance at New York�s Carnegie Hall, and a guest artist appearance on tour with the Metamorphosen Chamber Orchestra. Mr. Kendall is also a member of the Dryden String Quartet and a co-founder of the East Coast Chamber Orchestra.

A native of Bowling Green, Ohio, violinist Zachary DePue made his solo debut with the Toledo 4 Symphony Orchestra in 1994. Born into a musical family that boasts four fiddling brothers, Mr. DePue attended the Cleveland Institute of Music before entering the Curtis Institute of Music. Recent highlights include performances at the Isaac Stern Music Workshop, the Angel Fire, La Jolla, and Sarasota music festivals, and at the Chautauqua Institution and Interlochen Arts Academy. Mr. DePue is the recipient of numerous awards and honors including third prize winner of both the 1998 International Stulberg String Competition and of the 1998 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition (senior division). In the same year, he was also recognized by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts. Mr. DePue is currently a tenured violinist with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Ranaan Meyer, double bassist, hails from Turnersville, New Jersey. He began studying the double bass at the age of eleven eventually entering the Curtis Institute of Music in 1999. Beyond his regular appearances with orchestras such as the Minnesota Symphony and the Philadelphia Orchestra, Mr. Meyer is also increasingly in demand as a composer, creating unique new works for Time for Three as well as for solo bass and string orchestra. Mr. Meyer is also an accomplished Jazz musician and was recently invited to tour with legendary jazz guitarist Pat Martino. Other recent highlights include appearances at the Washington Township and Willingboro jazz festivals in New Jersey, both of which were broadcast on Philadelphia�s WRTI. A co-founding member of the East Coast Chamber Orchestra, Mr. Meyer is also double bass professor at the University of Delaware. This summer he teaches at Mark O�Connor�s String Camp (CA) as well as at Strings International at Bryn Mawr College (PA).

Check back soon for more of our 2006-07 guest artists!