Frances & Kirstin initially connected in 2014 when Kirstin was hired to play as part of an orchestra for Frances's Portraits of White Winter Concert. Kirstin was immediately drawn to her music as well as Frances’ soulful personality and knew someday she would love to work with her more.
Double Keyed was formed in 2019 when Kirstin approached Frances about playing along with her at Center Stage Arts in Health, a program at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center which hires artists to enhance the experience for patients, visitors, nurses, doctors and staff alike. They performed together for a year until the Covid pandemic of 2020 forced them to pause. However, while there was a lull, they found creative ways to perform together through Facebook Live events.
On December 26, 2021, while Kirstin was baking cookies and listening to Christmas music on Spotify, a few thoughts struck her - “oboists need more quality Christmas music...how can I create a gift to my family…how can I make that happen?” Immediately acting upon her stream of consciousness, she texted Frances who promptly responded, "I LOVE that idea!" Through a series of coffee dates, Zooms, FaceTimes, telephone calls and messenger pigeons…
Ten Years Ago…
“Midwinter’s Gift by Frances Drost & Kirstin Myers is a superb Christmas album - a joyful celebration of musical collaboration! I have seldom heard my arrangements come alive with such heart and virtuosity. I highly recommend adding it to your Christmas playlist…”
“This is absolutely stunning. I’m loving the entire album! Bravo, ladies!!!”
The heartfelt idea for Midwinter’s Gift was sparked in Kirstin’s thoughts while baking Peanut Butter Blossom cookies for her family the day after Christmas 2021. This then led to a chain of events that resulted in the creation of this extraordinary album.
To read more about how Frances & Kirstin’s friendship formed and not only how Midwinter’s Gift was created, but how this inspired a mission of outreach with their music, you can binge all the details in their blog.
Find out what people are saying!
The Creation of
Midwinter’s Gift…
“The pieces are expressive, moving and artfully executed! Bravo!”
