Julia Tanner and Sterling Forrester met for the first time at a concert some Nashiville Symphony players were giving at WPLN Public Radio. Sterling was new to Nashville, while Julia was second chair in the orchestra section. Sterling convinced Julia to try out some of his music in a recording studio and, impressed with Julia's talents, Sterling sat down and wrote more works for Julia to perform. Julia brought in her musical friends from the orchestra to sit in with her for three of the works while Sterling played guitar with her on a fourth work. To showcase Julia's excellent gifts, Sterling wrote a Petite Suite for Solo 'Cello to complete the project. Here is the musical program and the artists: Five Duets for 'Cello & Guitar, Opus 31 - Julia Tanner, 'cello and Sterling Forrester, guitar. These are very melodic duets and the 'cello and guitar combine in a most fascinating blend of sonorities. Gorgeous music. Divertimento for Two 'Cellos, Opus 24 - Julia Tanner, 'cello and Anthony LaMarchina, 2nd ;cello. Anthony is first chair of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra 'cello section and these two, already orchestra mates, show why they are such esteemed musicians. Sterling's Larghetto movement will transport you to a melancholy place that is musical genius. Sonatina for 'Cello & Piano, Opus 30 - Julia Tanner, 'cello and Robert Marlher, piano. Dr. Robert Marler serves as the Nashville Symphony Orchestra pianist in residence, plus he teaches piano at Belmont University in Nashville. Long-time friends, Julia and Robert sigh into the wistful opening Adagio with echos of church bells on a dark snowy night. The Moderato brings out Sterling's playful side with Latin rhythms and chordal structures that seem more at home in 1930's Jazz - a light and interesting composition. Robert Marler recorded Sterling's Piano Works #1 album that can be found on CDBABY as well. Three Century Suite for Viola & 'Cello, Opus 27 - Monisa Angell, viola and Julia Tanner, 'cello. The concept for this work is three pieces that are each a century apart in time starting with a baroque Passicaglia, then a bolero-eque Cante Jundo and finally Jasser avec les Cowbys, or Chatting with the Cowboys. The violist, another friend of Julia's, takes on the three styles with fine sensitivity and verve while Julia, as she puts it, "is the horse upon which Monisa rides." . Petite Suite for Solo 'Cello, Opus 25 - Julia Tanner, 'cello. Julia's mastery of tone, technique and interpretation as a wonder to listen to on these four small pieces that draw on the hot summer nights in Tennessee - the deep shadows under the trees, the moonlight in the heavy night shining on the Cumberland River, lightning bugs and then, a little fun with a pesky mosquito that dances around the room like a winged jester, just out of reach! Julia Tanner and her friends have given us masterful performances. This is a musical picnic I am sure you will return to again and again.