Ann Westermann

Ann began studying the harp at the age of thirteen. Compelled to make music her career, she continued her studies at the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music where she received a Bachelor of Music Degree in harp performance in 1977. Upon graduating, she delighted patrons playing six nights per week in a harp duo at the Riverview Restaurant, Quality Inn, and performing solo at Delmonico’s, formerly in the Westin Hotel.  In 1984, Ann formed the Pastorale Trio with flutist Elizabeth Gardner and cellist Carol Birchak.  Together, they continue playing in the greater Cincinnati area for special occasions, such as wedding, parties, and corporate events.

Ann Westermann

Elizabeth Gardner

Elizabeth is a native of Texas.  She received her Bachelor of Music Performance on flute from West Texas State University where she studied with Sally Turk. She played flute and piccolo in the Amarillo Symphony Orchestra, the Amarillo Chamber Orchestra, and the Pastiche Woodwind Quintet. After moving to Cincinnati, Elizabeth received her Master of Music Performance from UC’s College Conservatory of music, studying with Kyril Magg. She has performed in master classes with renowned flutists Julius Baker, Geoffrey Gilbert, James Pellerite, and CCM’s Bradley Garner. She was a winner of the International Flute Association Master Class competition and performed at the San Diego convention while a graduate student at CCM.  She currently performs in the greater Cincinnati area as a member of the Pastorale Trio.

Elizabeth Gardner

Carol Birchak

Carol grew up in the Philadelphia area and graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Music degree in cello performance.  While at Temple, she studied with Orlando Cale, Elsa Hilger, Michael Haran, and Winfred and Samuel Mayes.  She concentrated heavily on her first love:  chamber music.  Before her senior year at Temple, she attended the Manhattan School of Music’s summer chamber music session. After graduating from Temple, Carol attended graduate school at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. She studied with Robert Page in the choral department and her cello professor was Michael Grehanier. Upon leaving Carnegie Mellon, she married Mike Birchak and moved to Cincinnati. She has held the positions of principal cellist in the Cincinnati Ballet Orchestra, principal cellist in the pit orchestra for the Broadway Series, and substitute cellist for the Cincinnati Pops and Cincinnati Opera.  Carol still resides in Cincinnati with her husband, Mike, and her four children.

Carol Birchak