The Dotys
Violinist Liesl Schoenberger Doty and bassist Karl Doty — are a dynamic husband-and-wife duo known for their rare blend of classical artistry and crossover versatility. Whether performing an original tune, a fiery fiddle set, or a classical concerto, The Dotys bring warmth, charisma, and deep musicality to every stage they share. Their partnership in both marriage and music brings a sense of authenticity and connection that resonates in every performance.
Liesl and Karl are Criers Emeritus of the Grammy-nominated, self-conducted chamber orchestra A Far Cry, with whom they spent nearly a decade touring, recording, and collaborating at major venues including Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and the Musikverein. They have also appeared at renowned festivals such as Skaneateles, Ottawa Chamberfest, Yellow Barn, Bridgehampton, and Verbier.
Originally from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Liesl is a crossover violinist praised for her magnetic stage presence and genre-spanning career. She has released three commercial fiddle albums, performed at the Grand Ole Opry, and appeared as a soloist with orchestras across the United States. Karl, a native of Duluth, Minnesota, is one of his generation’s most versatile bassists, performing with ensembles including the Boston Symphony, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. He is also an in-demand collaborator with a discography that spans multiple genres, and has contributed to post-production editing on various recordings, working with Grammy-winning producer and engineer Jesse Lewis and the Immersive Music Project.
As The Dotys, they blend classical tradition with folk roots and contemporary flair to craft an intimate and engaging musical journey. Offstage, they are raising their three children in northern New York. Liesl serves as Associate Professor of Violin at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, and Karl teaches 5th and 6th grade as well as Latin at St. Catherine of Siena Academy—a Classical school they helped to found—in Canton, NY.
Drama and virtuosity were on full display...The affection that the performers had for one another, and for their audience, was palpable.
-DULUTH NEWS TRIBUNE