Mark Nuccio Bio

Acclaimed clarinetist Mark Nuccio is celebrated for his rich, expressive sound and compelling artistry, with The New York Times praising his performances for their “mystery and insight.” He has served as Principal Clarinetist of the Houston Symphony since 2016, following a distinguished 17-year tenure with the New York Philharmonic, and has appeared as a soloist with major orchestras on some of the world’s most renowned stages. A passionate educator, Nuccio also mentors the next generation of musicians through his work with leading institutions and music festivals across the country.

Ana María Martínez Bio

Grammy Award® winner Ana María Martínez is considered to be one of the foremost sopranos of her time. In addition to an international career that spans the world’s most important opera houses and concert halls, Ms. Martínez continues to explore her role as a leader in the industry and as an advocate and educator to the next generation of musicians. In 2019 she joined Houston Grand Opera as their first-ever Artistic Advisor, and following a two-year appointment as Artist-in-Residence at The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, in July 2021 she became a Professor in their Department of Voice. A winner of the 15th Annual OPERA NEWS Awards, Ana María’s repertoire encompasses opera’s most intriguing and diverse leading ladies, and she engages her audiences season after season with signature roles, spellbinding debuts, and a myriad of captivating recordings.

Wesley Ducote Bio

Wesley Ducote is a versatile pianist and former Piano Fellow at the New World Symphony, known for his dynamic work across classical, contemporary, and jazz-inspired music. A native of Houston, he has collaborated with leading artists including Ana María Martínez and composer Kate Soper and has performed with ensembles such as the Houston Grand Opera Orchestra. Passionate about new music, he has premiered over 40 works worldwide. Ducote is also an active educator and Artist Fellow with the Louis Moreau Institute, holding degrees in music and mathematics from Rice University.

An Evening with Friends

Featuring Mark Nuccio, Ana María Martínez, & Wesley Ducote