Berlin is thrilled to present an intimate show by rising classical star Nina Bernat and Minnesota-based pianist Mary Jo Gothmann in partnership with the YourClassical program Performance Today. Nina is Performance Today’s current Young Artist in Residence and is already gaining worldwide acclaim for her technical precision and expressive depth. She was hailed by the Star Tribune as a “standout” for her recent concerto debut with the Minnesota Orchestra; her performance was described as “exhilarating, lovely and lyrical … technically precise and impressively emotive.”

Berlin’s doors will open to the public at 6 p.m., and the performance will begin at 7 p.m. We encourage folks to arrive early to enjoy refreshments before showtime. Space is limited, so if you RSVP and are not able to make it, please cancel your reservation or let us know via info@berlinmpls.com.

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American double bassist Nina Bernat, acclaimed for her interpretive maturity, expressive depth and technical clarity, has carved out a distinctive career as a soloist, redefining the role of her instrument on the world stage. Engaged in all aspects of double bass performance, she has been invited to perform as guest principal bassist with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and Oslo Philharmonic, serving under the batons of conductors such as András Schiff and Osmo Vänskä.

In 2023, Nina was honored as a recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant and winner of the CAG Elmaleh Competition. Recent 1st prizes include the Barbash J.S. Bach String Competition, the Minnesota Orchestra Young Artist Competition, the Juilliard Double Bass Competition, and the 2019 International Society of Bassists Solo Competition.

Nina is in demand as a passionate chamber musician. She begins her involvement with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center as a member of the Bowers Program in 2024. She has spent summers at Marlboro Music Festival, Verbier Festival, Music@Menlo and Chamber Music Northwest.

She is quickly becoming a sought-after pedagogue, having given masterclasses at the Colburn School, Boston University Tanglewood Institute, University of Texas at Austin among others. She is on the faculty of Stony Brook University.

Nina performs on an instrument passed down from her father, Mark Bernat, attributed to Guadagnini.

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Pianist Mary Jo Gothmann enjoys a varied career as a chamber musician, soloist, opera coach and organist. Her recent chamber music engagements have included performances with the Chamber Music Society of Minnesota, Bakken Trio, Hill House Chamber Players, Music at Trinity, Colonial Chamber Music Series, Lakes Area Music Festival, Joya! and the Taos Chamber Music Group. Mary Jo performs frequently with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Minnesota Orchestra; has appeared with EOS Orchestra in New York City and as piano soloist with the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra and the St. Paul Civic Orchestra. She has worked for some of the most prestigious opera companies in the United States including the Metropolitan Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and Minnesota Opera and has performed recitals with singers from the Metropolitan Opera as well as with instrumentalists from many of the country's major symphony orchestras. Mary Jo is a graduate of the Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Young Artist Program, University of Minnesota, New England Conservatory and St. Olaf College.

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