The Sunflower Trio

Carally is a versatile performer and accomplished musician with a rich background in performance and music education. Growing up in a household of professional musicians, she was immersed in music from a young age, starting piano and violin at age four and performing in church and school ensembles throughout her childhood. Her eclectic career spans genres including “Classical”, jazz, pop, rock and reggae. As a solo pianist she has performed at venues such as The Griswold Inn in Old Saybrook and Town Farms Inn in Middletown as well as numerous venues in the north coastal area of New Jersey. She led her jazz trio Top Secret for years and was an original member of the rock-fusion band Sa’Ha, recording at Trod Nossel studios and performing in Connecticut’s music scene. Carally has also performed with big bands, Top 40 ensembles and other artists in Connecticut and New Jersey. Her ensemble, The Sunflower Trio showcases her versatility in performing “Classical”, jazz, Latin, sacred and multi-ethnic music. As a music director and accompanist, Carally has worked with renowned vocalists and instrumentalists including Jolie Rocke-Brown, Lena Carter and Calvin McClinton and has been music director for children’s and adult community theater groups in Connecticut and New Jersey. She also was the Sunday children’s service music director/organist at First Church of Christ in West Hartford.

Lisa Woodard has enjoyed a rich career as a professional violinist, performing with various chamber music groups and orchestras throughout her life. She began studying piano at the age of 7 and violin at 9, later earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Violin Performance from the New England Conservatory in Boston. Following her time in Boston, she pursued graduate studies at the Hartt School in Hartford, Connecticut. Lisa has been a member of several prestigious orchestras, including Symphony Nova Scotia under the direction of Boris Botti and the Rhode Island Symphony under Andrew Massey. She has also performed with the Hartford Symphony and the Springfield Symphony sharing the stage with renowned artists such as Itzhak Perlman, Luciano Pavarotti, Philippe Entremont and Andrea Bocelli. In addition to her performance career, Lisa has a passion for teaching. She has taught private lessons for over 20 years at the Hartt Community Division and also at the Centerbrook Community Music School, University of Connecticut Music School and the Central Connecticut Community Music School Suzuki Program. Lisa has also taught in public schools in Hartford and New Haven. Her students range from 4 to 7- and she deeply enjoys both teaching and playing chamber and orchestral music.

Igor Lepak is a talented cellist and bassist with a passion for bringing music to life. With years of experience as a dedicated music educator, Igor has retired from the classroom but continues to share his love for music through performances at weddings, shows and special events. Whether playing classical repertoire or modern favorites, Igor’s artistry resonates with audiences, leaving lasting impressions and cherished memories.