Once a beloved instrument in Medieval Europe, the popularity of the ocarina declined with the advent of other instruments. Thanks in great part to video games, the ocarina now enjoys a universal appeal that transcends cultural boundaries. Savor an unforgettable musical experience with some of this country’s best known ocarina artists.
An ocarinist par excellence, Allen’s own Cris Gale is also an ocarina designer and teacher. Through her deep appreciation for Koji Kondo’s music from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, she discovered the ocarina. After winning an international ocarina star search competition in 2009, Cris made the transition to full time musician. And while her primary instrument is the ocarina, she also performs on the Native American style flute and tin whistle.
Cris represented the United States at two international ocarina festivals: 2011 in Budrio Italy, and 2012 in HongSeong, South Korea. In 2013, she completed an Asian tour that included a benefit for Taiwanese Aborigines. In June 2014, Cris coheadlined a JapanAmerican Friendship concert at Carnegie Hall and most recently, she recorded for the Grammy nominated composer Austin Wintory.
An internationallyknown flutist, recording artist, and instructor, Cornell Kinderknecht has performed at the prestigious Carnegie Hall, Meyerson Symphony Center and the AT&T Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Cornell has twice been a finalist for Musician of the Year at the Texas Music Awards, a Great American Song Contest instrumental winner, and a nominee in both the Independent Music Awards and Indian Summer Music Awards.
Cornell’s music can be heard in film, soundtracks, advertising and the nationallyaired television series, “The Art of Living Gallery.” He has debuted works for choir and Native American flute with the Texas Voices. In addition to his own recordings, Cornell’s playing can be heard on numerous artists’ CDs in multiple genres.