Lisa Casal-Galietta lived on a U.S. Air Force base in Germany from the age of three to seven, where she spent much of her time in ballet lessons. However, her mother doesn’t recall her elegant dance moves – just her pleads to listen to the music over and over again. This was Casal-Galietta’s start in the classical music world. Today, she is the founder and artistic director of the Long Island-based ensemble, The Red Door Chamber Players.

Children typically begin to speak around two years old, edging out broken words and sentences. By this time, Casal-Galietta was also singing.

Her grandfather, who sang and conducted barbershop quartets and their choirs on Long Island, was one of her largest musical influences growing up. Between watching his performances and his introduction of new music to her young ears, their bond added to her developing connection to music. He was also the first to add to her music collection, purchasing her first record, Tchaikovsky’s famous “Swan Lake.”

The Red Door Chamber Players classic music violin piano
The Red Door Chamber Players

At eight-years-old, Casal-Galietta returned to the United States and enrolled in a public school on Long Island. She originally elected to play the cello when instruments were first offered to the elementary school student, but she ended up with her second choice, the violin.

“I think fate chose the violin for me because I really can’t picture myself playing anything else. We
were meant to be!” Casal-Galietta said.

The Red Door Chamber Players classic music violin piano
The Red Door Chamber Players

In 2015, Casal-Galietta established The Red Door Chamber Players ensemble, inspired by creating and performing music with her colleagues. The eclectic group is comprised of strings, guitar/lute, flute, piano, organ and voice, who all share a passion for classical music.

The Long Island native is often asked the story behind the name of the ensemble, to which Casal-Galietta relays its sweet meaning.

“When homeowners would paint their doors the color red back in colonial America, it was a sign to welcome tired travelers hospitality for the night. I loved what that symbolizes. It also represents the feel of our concerts, welcoming, friendly, warm and most of all, fun! Chamber music was meant to mostly be played in people’s homes and has been called the music of friends, we are taking that concept and sharing it with everyone!”
The Red Door Chamber Players classic music violin piano
The Red Door Chamber Players

Her inspiration is mostly derived from her mentors and friends, including Dr. Linda Sinanian and her husband Dr. Jeffrey Forden of the ensemble Chamberosity.

“They are incredible chamber musicians of the ensemble Chamberosity and have always nurtured my love for chamber music. I am also extremely inspired by my colleagues and all that they teach me through working with them. It makes me so proud and fortunate to be able to take this
wonderful musical journey with them!”

However, like in all careers, Casal-Galietta has faced hardships during her time as a musician.

“All of my struggles have made me work harder than I thought was possible. I was fortunate to have some people in my life, including my husband, who believe in me and never let me give up on myself. I continue to set new goals and learn all of the time. Even as a professional, I continue to push myself and remain open so I can gain as much knowledge through new and different perspectives. A musicians work is never done, you will never stop learning and that’s the beauty of it!”
The Red Door Chamber Players classic music violin piano
The Red Door Chamber Players

The musician is a strong believer in putting life’s troubles aside in order to work towards her goals, which she advises to aspiring musicians.

“Hard work and determination are the absolute key to your success. It doesn’t matter what your hang ups are in life, if you put in the work, you will reap the rewards. You need to earn everything!  If you fail, chalk it up to a learning experience. Anytime you fail, you gain valuable knowledge to help set you up for success, no matter how long it takes. Success takes patience and patience is a virtue!”

The Red Door Chamber Players ensemble will be having two concerts this summer, where they will be playing the works of Ludwig van Beethoven and Anton Diabelli. They often play concerts on Long Island and in New York City.

SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2018 at 3 p.m.
Christ Church at Oyster Bay
61 East Main Street, Oyster Bay, NY
Tickets: $25 General, $15 Students with ID

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.
Westhampton Presbyterian Church
90 Meeting House Road, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978
Tickets: $25 General, $15 Students with ID

The Red Door Chamber Players classic music violin piano
The Red Door Chamber Players
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