Composed of musicians who have been on the U of M School of Music faculty and performed with the Minnesota Opera and Minnesota Orchestra, the Classica Chamber Players have been presenting concerts in places such as the intimate historical venue of the James J Hill House for over 30 years.

​

Julie Ayer, violinist and founder of the Classica Chamber Players (formerly Hill House Chamber Players), was assistant principal second violin with the Minnesota Orchestra for 36 years. She studied violin with world renowned Josef Gingold at Indiana University where she earned a master's degree. Julie is the author of More than Meets the Ear: How Symphony Musicians Made Labor History, published in 2005, and since then has presented workshops to a variety of groups on the subject.

​

Cellist Tanya Remenikova has inspired critical acclaim during her 40 year international performing career. She studied with the legendary Mistislav Rostropovich at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatoire. Currently Professor of cello and chamber music at the University of Minnesota, she is a recipient of the Master Teacher Studio Award from the Minnesota chapter of the American String Teachers Association.

​

Pianist Mary Jo Gothmann enjoys a varied career as a chamber musician, soloist, opera coach and organist. She performs frequently with the Minnesota Orchestra and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and has worked for the Metropolitan Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and Minnesota Opera companies. Mary Jo is a sought after chamber music partner, playing with the Chamber Music Society of Minnesota, Colonial Chamber Music Series, Bakken Trio, JOYA in Anoka and Lakes Area Music Festival.