Meet the Monarch Strings
Joanna Metsker - Violin/Viola
Joanna Metsker is a Kansas City-based violinist and violist known for her versatility and expressive performance style. Equally at home in classical, folk, jazz, pop, and ambient music, she performs regularly with a range of chamber ensembles and collaborates on projects that explore both traditional repertoire and genre-crossing works.
In addition to her chamber music work, Joanna is the fiddle player for The Village Prairie, a folk-inspired group that blends acoustic roots with modern storytelling.
Her performance career includes appearances with The Eagles, Lindsey Stirling, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Disturbed, and Andy Williams. Joanna holds a Master of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Missouri and a Bachelor of Music Education from Missouri State University. After over a decade teaching orchestra in public schools, she now teaches violin and viola at Kansas City Kansas Community College.
Matt Bennett - Violin
Violinist Matthew Bennett is a founding member of the Fountain City String Quartet which performs standard quartet repertoire, film music, and dazzling arrangements of pop music throughout the region. Matthew has been a member of orchestras in the US and Europe including the Omaha Symphony, Richmond Symphony, Eutin Opera Orchestra in Germany, New Generations Orchestra in Italy, and Animato Der Stiftung in Switzerland. This season, Matthew began specializing in chamber music, collaborating with Owen/Cox Dance Group, Kansas City Chorale, the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, New Ear Contemporary Chamber Ensemble and Spire Chamber Ensemble. Matthew has enjoyed many performances with the Kansas City Baroque Consortium and Spire Chamber Ensemble Baroque Orchestra.
Boris Vayner - Viola
Boris Vayner, originally from Novosibirsk, Russia, has had a diverse career in music as a violist, educator, and conductor. He joined the faculty of the University of Kansas as a Viola Professor in August 2017, having previously served as an adjunct faculty member and a member of the quartet-in-residence at Wichita State University.
Since 2005, Boris Vayner has been a member of the Grammy-nominated St. Petersburg String Quartet, with extensive touring experience across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Since relocating to the Kansas City area, he has also been involved with the Trio Lawrence, NewEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble, Spire Baroque Orchestra, and other projects.
Kirsten Weingartner-Weiss - Violin/Viola
Kirsten Weingartner Weiss began her musical studies at the age of 4. She is a student of both the violin and the viola, having received her bachelor’s degree in violin performance and her masters in viola. In the classical world, Kirsten has performed as a member of the Ft. Smith, Peoria, Cedar Rapids, and Omaha Symphonies, as well as the Illinois Symphony and Chamber Orchestra and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. In the world of pop and show music, Kirsten has been a performer at Walt Disney World, has appeared with many pits and touring shows, most recently Hamilton, and served as the violist and violin soloist for the Lawrence Welk Show from 1993-2006.
In 2006, Kirsten moved to Springfield, MO, where she currently serves as the principal violist with the Springfield Symphony and the concertmaster of the Ozarks Lyric Opera. She loves collaborating with as many local music and chamber groups as she can, is a registered teacher of the Suzuki Method, and maintains a small teaching studio of violinists and violists of all ages.
Adee Dancy - Cello
Born and raised in the Kansas City area, Adee Dancy is a multidisciplinary performing artist, constantly weaving together the many influences and teachings that have shaped their work. Donning many hats, Adee has taken on roles as a professional cellist, music director, vocalist, composer, and actor. They have collaborated with numerous local theatrical and artistic organizations, including The Unicorn Theatre, The Arts Asylum, Charlotte Street Foundation, Midwest Chamber Ensemble, and Harmony Project KC. Their artistic identity thrives at the intersection of dynamic string writing and theatrical rock, most notably through Sisterbot- a genre-blurring project and alter ego that fuses their many disciplines.
Adee feels incredibly fortunate to have music, art, and theater as a means of expression and livelihood.
Sascha Groschang - Cello
Sascha Groschang is an accomplished cellist who has performed extensively across the United States, Europe, and Asia. She has appeared at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, making her solo debut at Weill Recital Hall in 2009. International highlights include solo appearances at the Thailand International Composition Festival, performing for the King of Malaysia with the Kuala Lumpur International Festival Orchestra, and touring China twice with the Mantovani Pops Orchestra.
She has shared the stage with artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, The Eagles, and Michael Bublé, with recording credits including NBC, Atlantic, and Rhino Records. Sascha is co-founder of The Wires, an alternative string duo known for original compositions and non-traditional styles. She is principal cellist of NewEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble and joined the Grammy-nominated St. Petersburg String Quartet in 2022. Since 2023, she has also performed in Candlelight Concerts with the Monarch String Ensemble and the Fountain City String Quartet.
The Monarch String Ensembles
Monarch Duo
Since 2023, violinists Matthew Bennett and Joanna Metsker have performed together as the Monarch Duo, presenting chamber music concerts throughout the region. Their programs span a wide repertoire—from Baroque to pop—and reflect their shared commitment to stylistic versatility and engaging performance.
With a strong foundation in both classical and contemporary styles, the duo brings a wealth of experience to the stage. Their collective background includes appearances with Candlelight Concerts, KC Baroque Consortium, and numerous orchestras, as well as collaborations with major touring acts such as The Eagles, Disturbed, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
The Monarch Duo’s performances highlight the expressive range of the violin, offering audiences a dynamic mix of historically informed interpretations, global styles, and genre-crossing arrangements.
Monarch Trio
Monarch String Trio is a Kansas City-based ensemble featuring violinists Matthew Bennett and Joanna Metsker, and cellist Adee Dancy. Known for their polished take on today’s most popular music, the trio performs pop, rock, and contemporary hits at weddings, corporate events, private parties, and featured performances.
In addition to their wide-ranging repertoire, all three musicians contribute arrangements to the group, allowing them to adapt each setlist with arrangements that feel current and uniquely their own.
With a blend of classical training and a modern approach, Monarch String Trio offers a stylish, versatile soundtrack for any event.
Monarch String Quartet
Monarch String Quartet is a seasoned ensemble bringing a vibrant mix of classical and contemporary music to audiences throughout the Midwest. Previously known as 417 String Quartet, the group has evolved into one of the region’s most sought-after string quartets for concerts, events, and special occasions.
The quartet features violinists Matthew Bennett and Joanna Metsker, violist Kirsten Weingartner Weiss, and cellist Sascha Groschang. Together, they bring a collective depth of experience that shapes their cohesive sound and flexible, engaging performances.
Their repertoire spans everything from beloved classical works to cinematic scores and modern arrangements of pop and rock favorites. They perform regularly as part of Candlelight Concerts and appear as featured artists at events and venues across the Midwest.