Trio Dionysus, a modern re-invention of the piano trio made up of two saxophones and piano, has rapidly developed a reputation as an innovative and exciting chamber group. The members represent the United Kingdom, Washington state and North Carolina. They have been selected to participate in master classes with renowned pianist Robert McDonald and Zéphyros Winds. The group is mentored by world-renowned saxophonist Taimur Sullivan, with additional support from Allison Gagnon. Dionysus strives to expand the repertoire for this unique and exciting instrumentation through transcriptions of the masters, improvisation and collaboration with active composers of the Twenty-First Century.

Dionysus toured the UK in June 2015, giving concerts and master classes. In December 2015, they colaborated with actor Andrew Manning in performance at Lincoln Center, New York. Dionysus's Juliana composed original music for these performances of "Baggage Claim." Together, they have also traveled throughout North and South Carolina, performing at several universities, as well as delivering outreach programs to elementary and high school students. January 2016 will see them touring Michigan.

They have been selected as finalists at the Coleman Chamber Music Competition, and have advanced to the live rounds of the internationally-acclaimed Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. The group placed Second in Enkor’s Chamber Music Competition and Third in the regional division of the Music Teachers National Association Wind Chamber Group competition. The trio was a featured group in the UNCSA Chamber Music Festival in March 2015.

The trio has worked with several composers in the creation of new works, with several commissioning projects in progress. We are always seeking new opportunities to collaborate with other artists and composers. Please use our contact page if you are interested in a collaboration! 

Juliana Witt, piano

Juliana Witt is a Winston Salem-based musician who specializes in collaborative piano. She is currently studying with Allison Gagnon at University of North Carolina School of the Arts in a Professional Artist Certificate program in Collaborative Piano. She holds degrees in Piano Performance and recently completed a Master of Arts in Collaborative Piano at Washington State University. She has studied with studied with Dr. Karen Savage, Dr. Jeffrey Savage, Dr. Kenon Renfrow, and David Lehman and coached with Robert McDonald, Andreas Boyde, and Margo Garrett. 

She has accompanied and coached for opera and musical theater productions in the Pacific Northwest. She has also participated in Masterclasses with Dominique Labelle, Kristopher Barber and Kim Josephson. She is also a current member of Trio Dionysus, performing modern transcriptions and unconventional compositions. She enjoys sharing music with the local community and has done a number of concerts in local venues to keep classical music accessible outside of academia. Her performing experience encompasses musical theatre, opera, jazz ensembles, duos, university bands and chamber groups. Additionally, Juliana serves as organist for Memorial Methodist Church in Thomasville, NC.