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< Back Gretchen Greenfield Contralto, Vocal Coach Learn More Videos About "Greenfield was the standout among the soloists. Her energy and vaulting expressiveness caused a stir in the [Kennedy Center] audience, many of whom were hearing this young artist for the first time." - The Washington Times GRETCHEN GREENFIELD Artistic Consultant for VOCAL ARTISTS MANAGEMENT SERVICES VAMS is delighted to welcome distinguished contralto GRETCHEN GREENFIELD as its Artistic Consultant. With over 25 years professional experience, Ms. Greenfield contributes a wealth of expertise derived from her triumphs as a nationally and internationally acclaimed solo artist, as well as her successful teaching studio SingingAndYOU (link on the right) and her passion for mentoring musicians of all ages. Highlights of Ms. Greenfield's career as a contralto soloist include appearances in Mahler's Third Symphony with the Minnesota Orchestra, Charles Dutoit conducting; on tour with the Südwestfunk Orchestra of Baden-Baden, Helmuth Rilling conducting; on tour in Tokyo with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in performances of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, Leonard Slatkin conducting; and encore performances of Shostakovich's songs From Jewish Folk Poetry with the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center, the New York Y Chamber Orchestra and the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Maxim Shostakovich conducting, as well as with I Musici de Montreal, Yuli Turovsky conducting. Personal Website singingandyou.com SingingAndYOU SingingAndYou ⋆ How to Sing Better! How to Sing Better SingingAndYou is the resource for vocalists to advance singing technique, prepare for auditions, care for vocal health, and more. Gretchen Greenfield is an internationally acclaimed solo vocal artist, sharing her expertise with singers of all ages and levels of their vocal careers, through blog articles and singing lessons. Previous Next

< Back Previous The Castanets of Madrid Next The Castanets of Madrid Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall June 30, 2025 WATCH VIDEO Teresa Laiz Conductor Castanet Virtuoso, Performer, Composer, and Educator. Born in Madrid in 1966, Teresa Laiz has dedicated over three decades to the art of the castanets. Her journey began through intensive training in Spanish Dance under celebrated masters such as Víctor Ullate, Ana Mercedes, Rafael de Córdoba, Candela Soto, La Tani, El Farruquito, Juan Carlos Lérida, and Belén Maya. Until 2003, her professional focus was primarily on Spanish Dance and Flamenco, after which she began creating multidisciplinary performances inspired by the works of Federico García Lorca—integrating theater, music, dance, and castanets. A turning point in her artistic path came in 2005, when she met Maestro José de Udaeta, who introduced her to the world of Concert Castanets. Their collaboration led to several joint performances, and in 2006, Teresa Laiz embarked on a solo career. Since then, she has composed original castanet scores and performed a wide range of repertoires—including classical, Spanish, and folk—distinguished by their virtuosity and emotional intensity. An experienced and passionate educator, Teresa has been teaching since 1987. Her expertise spans Classical Ballet, Spanish Dance, Flamenco, Creative and Ballroom Dance, and Castanets. She has taught at numerous institutions, including the prestigious “Amor de Dios” Flamenco and Spanish Dance Center in Madrid. Currently, she is on faculty at the School of Performing Arts Ma non troppo in Madrid. Teresa’s performance career includes appearances on major radio and television channels (TVE, Telecinco, Cuatro TV, Telemadrid, Rai TV, Canal Nord Catalunya, TV Costa Brava, and more), and on stages across Spain, Italy, France, Austria, and the United States. She has been featured at distinguished festivals such as the International Festival of Porta Ferrada, Festival des Articulés (France), the Catalunya Against Cancer Festival, and the International Castanets Festival, which she founded in 2009—the world’s first and only festival devoted entirely to castanets in all styles. She has collaborated with a diverse range of musical ensembles, from intimate piano or guitar duos to full symphony orchestras. Her notable performances include appearances at the Liria Palace, the National Auditorium of Spain, Plaza Mayor in Madrid, the Musikverein in Vienna, and Carnegie Hall in New York. Her stage partners have included world-renowned artists such as Montserrat Martí Caballé, Luis Santana, Marika Spadafino, Carmen Solís, Nancy Fabiola Herrera, Aquiles Machado, Sílvia Pérez Cruz, Clara Montes, José de Udaeta, Antonio Reyes, Adrián Galia, and Sergio Bernal. Teresa is a two-time winner of the Progressive Musicians International Music Competition, in both the Soloist and Ensemble categories, earning her performances at Carnegie Hall in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, she and soprano Marta Casas won First Prize in the Fanny Mendelssohn International Competition (Professional Chamber Music category). Her discography includes the solo album Repicando el Alma (2007), as well as collaborations on albums such as Parlem-ne (2008, with Santi Vendrell), Canciones del comer y del beber (2010, with Els que canten), and “Bellas Promesas” (2022, with La Firu). She also performed on the soundtrack of The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, directed by Terry Gilliam, with music by Roque Baños. As an author, she published Castanet Method by Teresa Laiz, Vol. 1, available on Amazon, and continues to develop further volumes. She also completed formal studies in orchestral conducting at the Navarro Lara School of Orchestra and Band Conducting. Teresa is the founder and director of the O.I.R. (Orchestra of Rare Instruments) and the Castanets Choir of Madrid. In 2019, she launched the Online Castanets School, offering digital instruction to students worldwide. In 2023, she established the Teresa Laiz International Castanets Competition, which will hold its third edition in February 2025. In concert, Teresa redefines the castanets as a solo instrument capable of expressing the depth and breadth of musical tradition—from Baroque masters such as Bach and Scarlatti to Spanish composers like Albéniz and Falla, to Catalan, flamenco, jazz, pop, and international folk music. She performs her own original scores, bringing renewed visibility and artistic prestige to this deeply rooted, yet often overlooked, instrument of Spanish culture. Today, she continues to compose, teach, perform internationally, and lead efforts to preserve and elevate the art of castanets. She is currently preparing the 11th International Castanets Festival and the 3rd Teresa Laiz International Castanets Competition. Nora Muñoz Spanish Dance Artist and Castanet Soloist From an early age, Nora Muñoz began her artistic training in Classical Ballet, Spanish Dance, and Mexican Folklore. She later specialized in Stylized Spanish Dance, Spanish Classical, and Flamenco, studying under renowned Mexican master Oscar Tarriba through the teachings of Ana María Sánchez. Her formation has been enriched through masterclasses, workshops, and seminars with acclaimed teachers from both Mexico and Spain, deepening her technique and expressive artistry. Nora has performed as a guest artist in various Flamenco productions and Spanish Classical Dance concerts, and appeared in the opera Carmen at the Apollo Art Performance in California, USA. As an educator, she has taught Spanish Dance, introductory Flamenco, and Castanets for both public institutions and private organizations, while also directing her own Spanish Dance studio. In 2023, Nora was awarded Second Prize as one of the four finalists in the 1st Teresa Laiz International Castanet Competition. That same year, she earned her Degree in Concert Castanets from the Teresa Laiz International Castanet School in Spain, a member of the International Dance Council CID–UNESCO. Currently, she is a member of the Castanet Choir of Madrid, under the direction of Teresa Laiz, where she performs both as a soloist and ensemble artist. Florencia Fourcade Dance Educator, Composer, Choreographer, and Castanet Soloist Florencia Fourcade is an accomplished dance teacher, composer, choreographer, and castanet soloist with over two decades of experience. Since 2000, she has taught at the Elina Molina Estrella Dance School, where she leads classes in Castanets, Classical Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Flamenco, and Spanish Dance. In 2020, she was appointed Director of the school, where she continues to inspire and mentor new generations of dancers. In 2024, she graduated from the Teresa Laiz International Castanet School, Spain, where she now also serves as a faculty member. Her dual role as performer and educator reflects her commitment to the development of the concert castanet as a solo instrument. Florencia is a soloist member of the Castanet Choir of Madrid, under the direction of Teresa Laiz, contributing to performances that elevate the castanets in both traditional and contemporary repertoires. She is also the co-founder of the International Castanet Foundation “Castamusic”, an initiative dedicated to promoting the cultural and artistic value of the castanets worldwide. Her artistic contributions have been formally recognized by the Senate of Mendoza for her work in cultural development. She has appeared in major events and venues across Argentina, Spain, and New York, earning praise for her expressive performances and original compositions. In February 2025, Florencia was awarded First Prize in the Concert Castanet Category at the III Teresa Laiz International Castanet Competition, further solidifying her position as a leading figure in this unique musical discipline. Isabel Alarcón Dancer and Castanet Soloist Isabel Alarcón is a Spanish dancer from Madrid, currently based in Seville, Andalucía. A graduate of the prestigious Carmen Amaya Professional Conservatory in Spanish Dance and Flamenco, she was later awarded a scholarship at the Cristina Heeren Foundation of Flamenco Art, where she studied with renowned masters such as Milagros Menjíbar and Javier Barón. Her talent has been recognized in major flamenco competitions: she was a finalist in the Ubrique Flamenco Competition 2024, as well as in the Federation of Peñas of Málaga (2024) and Seville (2023). In 2024, she won the II Tablao Competition of Casa de la Memoria, one of Seville’s most respected flamenco venues. In February 2025, she was awarded First Prize in the Category of Castanets for Dance Accompaniment at the III Teresa Laiz International Castanet Competition, highlighting her excellence in this specialized art form. Isabel has performed on some of Spain’s most iconic stages, including the Royal Theatre of Spain, Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona, and the National Auditorium of Music in Madrid. She is a frequent performer in tablaos and peñas across Andalucía, and also appears as a castanet soloist with orchestras, bringing the rich tradition of Spanish dance and music to concert stages. Her choreography is deeply rooted in traditional forms, yet transformed by her personal artistry into an elegant, refined, and uniquely expressive style. Bárbara Martín Legal Expert, Social Leader, and Castanet Enthusiast Bárbara Martín holds degrees in Politics and Administration from the Spanish Open University (2018) and Law from the University of Granada (1997). She has also pursued advanced academic and professional training, including: Master’s in Legal Practices and Procedures (2000) Master’s in Managing Small and Medium-Sized Companies (1998) Master’s in Fundraising Management for Non-Profit Organizations (2022) XI Strategic Management and Social Leadership Program, IESE – University of Navarra (2021) Her expertise in European and disability law is reinforced by her participation in several specialized programs, including: 15th Intensive Seminar on the European Union, College of Europe, Bruges (2008) Institutions of the European Union, Spanish Diplomatic School (2007) International Disability Summer School on the CRPD, National University of Ireland (2012) Course on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Spanish Open University (2011) Since 2015, Bárbara has served as Vice-President of the European Blind Union (EBU). She currently leads the Coordination Unit for Institutional Agreements and External Collaborations at ONCE, a role she has held since 2019. Fluent in Spanish, English, and Italian, Bárbara is also deeply passionate about the arts. In 2021, she began her castanet studies at the Teresa Laiz International Castanet School, joining the Madrid Castanets Choir in 2022. On September 24, 2023, she became the President of the Teresa Laiz Fan Club, a role that reflects her joy in supporting and celebrating this unique musical art form. Pilar Vita Castanet Performer and Flamenco Arts Enthusiast Pilar Vita, born in Granada, holds a degree in Pharmacy and an MBA, and has completed postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge. Alongside her academic and professional accomplishments, she has maintained a lifelong passion for traditional flamenco music, singing, and dance, which she began exploring at an early age through classes and amateur performance groups. Pilar has been playing castanets for over 30 years, and in 2022, she deepened her artistic journey by studying under acclaimed castanet soloist and teacher Teresa Laiz. That same year, she joined the Madrid Castanets Choir, founded and directed by Teresa Laiz, where she performs in repertoires spanning classical, Spanish, and popular music. With the Choir, Pilar has performed in distinguished venues such as the Teatro Flamenco Madrid, Teatro Lara, Teatro Reina Victoria (as part of the IX and X International Castanets Festivals), the Royal Monastery of Santa María de El Paular, San Ildefonso Church, and St. Michael’s Church in Brihuega (Guadalajara). She continues to expand her knowledge of flamenco through the Flamenco Vivo program—a comprehensive study of flamenco theory and practice offered by the Flamencology Department of the University of Córdoba. Pilar is also a student member of the International Dance Council CID – UNESCO, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and international artistic exchange. She remains an active member of the Castanet Choir of Madrid, contributing to the revitalization and visibility of castanets as a concert instrument. Megan Lee Performer and Member of the Castanet Choir of Madrid Megan Lee is a New York native whose artistic journey began with the study of piano and ballet, leading to early performances in ballets, operas, and musicals. At the age of 17, she joined the Atlanta Ballet Company, and later appeared in New York summer stock and off-Broadway productions. Her career took her abroad to France, where she toured for several years with a French musical group, blending her love of music and stage performance. After some time away from the stage, Megan rediscovered the joy of music and movement through her participation in Teresa Laiz’s Castanet Choir, an unexpected and fulfilling return to her artistic roots. She continues to explore the expressive power of castanets as part of this unique ensemble. Marta Casas Soprano & Castanets soloist Soprano Marta Casas earned her Voice degree from the Escuela Superior de Canto de Madrid and holds a Master’s degree in Musical Research and Performance from Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid, graduating with highest honors. In 2021, she completed a specialization in Flamencology at the University of Córdoba, receiving a perfect score. In addition to her vocal training, Marta studied violoncello for eight years at the conservatory in her hometown. Alongside her musical career, she holds degrees in Law from institutions in both Spain and Italy (Università Statale di Milano) and a Master’s degree in Public Policy Management from Alfonso X University of Madrid, reflecting her broad academic background. Marta is fluent in an exceptional range of languages, including English, French, Italian, Arabic, Portuguese, German, Galician, Hieroglyphics, and Coptic. She has worked with many of the most distinguished figures in the operatic world, including Josep Carreras, Mirella Freni, Mariella Devia, Ana María Sánchez, Manuel Burgueras, Emilio Sagi, Fernando Balboa, José Miguel Pérez-Sierra, María Bayo, and Delfo Menicucci, studying at institutions such as the Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi of Milan. Her performance career has taken her to major stages in Spain, Italy, the United States, and Jerusalem, and she has sung for prominent figures, including H.M. Queen Sofía of Spain during her 80th anniversary celebration. Since 2020, Marta has served as a professor at the Higher Conservatory of Music of Castilla-La Mancha. Deeply connected to Spanish musical traditions, Marta completed the full Castanets Method at the Teresa Laiz International Castanet School and is a member of the Madrid Castanet Choir, directed by Teresa Laiz. As both soloist and ensemble singer, she co-founded the Compañía Española de Canto y Palillos with Teresa Laiz. Their collaboration has led to performances in theaters across Spain and internationally, earning two awards at international music competitions. Jenaro Sosa First prize winner in the II International Castanet Competition Jenaro Sosa is a distinguished Mexican dancer, choreographer, director, and teacher specializing in Spanish Dance. He graduated in Classical Ballet from the Yucatán Higher School of Arts and earned a degree in Spanish Dance from the Nellie and Gloria Campobello National Dance School. Since 2014, he has continued his professional training in Spanish dance under the renowned Mexican dancer and pedagogue Pilar Rioja, an experience that has significantly shaped his artistic and pedagogical development. Since 2010, Jenaro has worked extensively as a dancer, choreographer, director, and teacher with various companies and institutions throughout Mexico. His international training includes studies with the Columbus Dance Theater in the United States, under the direction of Seth Wilson and Jaime Kotrba. As a performer, he has appeared on some of Mexico’s most prestigious stages, including the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the National Center for the Arts, and the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as venues in the United States and Colombia. Jenaro is currently a professor at the Rioja Academy, directed by Pilar Rioja. In February 2024, he was awarded First Prize at the Teresa Laiz International Castanet Competition, marking a significant milestone in his career. Roxana Prast Castanets soloist Dance Teacher & Castanets Soloist After following the traditional path of castanet performance within dance styles such as Sevillanas, Flamenco, and Escuela Bolera (including studies at the Escuela de Flamenco de Andalucía Course in Lisbon), she chose to deepen her specialization in castanets as a solo concert instrument. She pursued advanced studies with renowned castanets soloist Teresa Laiz, earning an Advanced Castanets Diploma recognized by CID–UNESCO. Alongside her performance career, she studied musical notation and has composed approximately 60 original scores, which form the foundation of her unique teaching methodology. A pioneer of concert castanet education in Portugal, she introduced specialized castanet classes and founded the EFO Castanets Choir (Escola Flamenca de Oeiras). Through this ensemble, she trains advanced students and leads them in performances across a variety of concert settings. She is also a member of the Madrid Castanets Choir, directed by Teresa Laiz, where she regularly performs as a soloist. Paloma Aguado Castanets soloist She holds a degree in Veterinary Medicine and began her artistic journey in flamenco dance as an amateur. In 2018, she discovered her passion for castanets, marking the start of her focused musical path. She completed the entire Castanet Method at the Teresa Laiz International Castanets School and has since developed into an active and dedicated performer. She was a semi-finalist in both the 1st and 2nd editions of the “Teresa Laiz” International Castanet Competition in 2023 and 2024. Her performances have taken place in notable venues including Teatro Lara, Teatro de Flamenco de Madrid, Teatro Reina Victoria (Madrid), Iglesia de San Miguel de Brihuega, Monasterio de Santa María de El Paular, and Iglesia de San Ildefonso (Madrid). She is a member of the Madrid Castanet Choir, directed by Teresa Laiz. Together with fellow choir members, she co-founded the ensemble “Al son de las Castañuelas,” through which they offer altruistic performances in nursing homes, bringing music and joy to communities that may not otherwise have access to live concerts. Reema Ayache Castanets soloist She is a high school student with a strong artistic background, raised in a family that deeply values the arts and music. From an early age, Reema developed her own creative voice, expressing herself through a wide range of artistic disciplines. An award-winning visual artist, she demonstrates strong interpretative and creative skills across multiple media, including drawing, painting, and Persian and Arabic calligraphy. Her artwork has been published in both national and international journals, such as the Global Equality for Medical Care Organization International Journal (Volume I), HopeWorks Howard County (2021), and the Americans with Disabilities Art Contest. In addition, she has been commissioned to design logos for various organizations and groups, create album covers, and produce original artwork sold as stickers. Alongside her visual art, Reema is an active and versatile musician. She plays piano, violin, setar (Persian lute), daf, and flute. She is a member of her high school chamber orchestra, serves as Vice President of the Youth of the World Orchestra, and previously held the position of Membership Chair of her school’s Tri-M National Honors Society. In 2023, she began taking online castanet lessons with Teresa Laiz to further develop skills first introduced through flamenco dance. She has since joined the Madrid Castanet Choir, continuing to expand her artistic and musical horizons. Yara Ayache Castanets soloist Yara is currently a university junior for whom music and the arts have been a central and defining force since early childhood. Raised in a deeply artistic environment, she developed a profound appreciation for creative expression through singing, instrumental performance, dance, and collaborative music-making. Her musical studies span a wide range of instruments, including traditional Persian instruments such as the santoor and tombak, as well as piano, violin, and clarinet. Yara’s artistic and leadership accomplishments include serving as marching band drum major and clarinet section leader, performing as an invited guest at university, community, and international events, participating in the Persian National Music Ensemble, and performing with her high school chamber orchestra at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago (2017). She is also the founder and director of the youth volunteer ensemble Youth of the World Orchestra. Introduced early to the expressive depth of flamenco music, Yara began formal flamenco dance training in 2015. She has studied with renowned artists including Edwin Aparicio, Cristobal Reyes, Domingo Ortega, Rapico, Karime Amaya, Farruquito, Alfonso Losa, and Norberto Chamizo, among others, and has performed with various companies and in numerous venues throughout the DC–Maryland–Virginia (DMV) area. Her castanet journey began within the flamenco tradition and deepened in 2021 when she joined Teresa Laiz’s International Castanet School to further refine her technique and musical understanding. Yara is now a proud member of Teresa Laiz’s Castanet Choir and looks forward to continuing to share this expressive art form on stage alongside fellow artists. Carmen Benayas Castanets soloist She is a retired primary school teacher, specializing in English. From a young age, she has nurtured a deep love for music—especially singing—and has been an active member of various choirs throughout her life. Her introduction to castanets began at a senior center, where the instrument was offered as an activity. What started as curiosity quickly became a passion, inspiring her to pursue further study. This journey led her to Teresa Laiz, her current teacher, with whom she has been refining her castanet technique for the past five years. During this time, she has participated in numerous events and performances in cities such as Seville, Guadalajara, and Madrid. Today, she is a proud member of the Madrid Castanet Choir, directed by Teresa Laiz, continuing to share her love for music and this traditional art form on stage. Lola Bernabeu Castanets soloist Lola holds a Degree in Pharmacy and began her castanet studies in 2022 under the guidance of the renowned castanet soloist and pedagogue Teresa Laiz. That same year, she joined the Madrid Castanets Choir, founded and directed by Teresa Laiz. Under Laiz’s direction, Lola has performed a wide-ranging repertoire—including classical, Spanish, and popular music—at prominent venues such as Teatro Flamenco Madrid, the Royal Monastery of Santa María de El Paular, San Ildefonso Church in Madrid, St. Michael’s Church in Brihuega (Guadalajara), Teatro Lara, and Teatro Reina Victoria in Madrid. She has also appeared at the Castanet Soloists, Masters, and Groups Gala during the IX and X International Castanets Festivals. Lola is a student member of the International Dance Council (CID – UNESCO). In addition to her musical pursuits, she is recognized for her talent in realistic charcoal drawing, reflecting her strong artistic sensibility across disciplines. Ana Cristina Dias Castanets soloist Ana Cristina Dias is a Banking Director whose artistic path has been deeply rooted in flamenco and castanet performance for over a decade. She began her flamenco journey in 2007 at Escola Flamenca de Oeiras (EFO), Portugal, studying Flamenco and Sevillanas and actively participating in all school performances and events. In 2012, she expanded her training to include dances with castanets, focusing on Sevillanas, Flamenco, and later the Bolera School. In 2019, Ana Cristina began specializing in Concert Castanets, performing in numerous shows across Portugal. In February 2023, she represented Coro EFO at the 1st International Castanet Competition in Madrid, organized by Teresa Laiz, where the group reached the semi-finals. Later in April and July 2023, she performed as part of a castanet choir with the Porto Salvo Philharmonic Orchestra. Ana Cristina currently studies at the Teresa Laiz International Castanet School and is a proud member of the Madrid Castanet Choir, continuing to refine her artistry and share the concert castanet tradition on international stages. Carmen Fernández Castanets soloist Carmen Fernández’s professional career spans both direct teaching and educational administration. She worked as a high school professor of Geography and History and later as a Technical Teaching Advisor at the Spanish Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Employment. Upon concluding her professional career, Carmen discovered that her long-standing appreciation for music as a listener could evolve into active musical practice through the castanets, a traditional and accessible instrument. In September 2018, she began her studies with Professor Teresa Laiz and completed the full curriculum at the Teresa Laiz International Castanets School. As a member of the Madrid Castanet Choir, directed by Teresa Laiz, Carmen has participated in numerous concerts across various cities and towns throughout Spain. Together with fellow students from the same school, she has taken part in both the I and II International Castanet Competitions, reaching the semi-final stage on both occasions. Carmen is also a member of the ensemble Al son de las Castañuelas, a group dedicated to performing altruistically in nursing homes, bringing music and cultural connection to senior communities. Carmen Gracián Castanets soloist Carmen Gracián is a retired mother of four whose passion for castanets began in her youth, when she participated in a school competition. Although life led her in other directions for many years, her love for the instrument remained. After retiring, Carmen rediscovered castanets by enrolling in a beginner’s course. Her natural musicality and dedication quickly became evident, motivating her to pursue advanced training under the guidance of renowned castanet soloist and pedagogue Teresa Laiz. Over more than five years of focused study, she refined her technique and developed a strong artistic voice. Carmen has performed in numerous events and participated in both the 1st and 2nd Editions of the International Castanet Competition in Madrid. Her commitment and talent earned her a place in the Madrid Castanet Choir, directed by Teresa Laiz, where she continues to share her passion for this traditional art form with audiences. Karolina Pek Castanets soloist Karolina Pek, known artistically as “La Paprika,” is a Slovak-Canadian music educator and performer currently serving as High School Music Director at Shanghai American School in Shanghai, China. She pursued her musical studies in Vancouver, Montreal, and Prague, training as a pianist and French horn player, and later expanded her expertise through conducting studies in Montreal and Vienna. Her growing interest in flamenco dance and percussion led her to become an active participant in Shanghai’s flamenco scene. A pivotal moment in her artistic journey occurred when a visiting Spanish teacher lent her his grandmother’s castanets for a course—an experience that sparked a lasting passion for the instrument. Since then, Karolina has dedicated herself to the study of concert castanets and is currently pursuing the advanced level at the Teresa Laiz Online International Castanet School. She has performed as a castanet soloist in Shanghai and Mexico City and is a proud member of the Madrid Castanet Choir, directed by Teresa Laiz. Through her work as an educator and performer, Karolina continues to bridge cultures, blending classical training with flamenco tradition and contemporary performance practice. Christina Penney Castanets soloist Christina Penney is an engineer and flamenco dancer originally from St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. She was first introduced to the world of concert castanets in 2016, when she was invited to perform Boccherini’s Fandango with a guitar quartet. For this performance, she received coaching from the esteemed Canadian flamenco artist Carmen Romero. During the pandemic, Christina expanded her studies through virtual learning opportunities and, in 2020, began studying castanets for both Spanish dance and concert performance with renowned flamenco artist Esmeralda Enrique. In 2021, Christina enrolled in Maestra Teresa Laiz’s Online International Castanet School, where she is currently in her third year of the intensive program, working toward professional performance and teaching certification. She is also a member of the Madrid Castanet Choir, directed by Teresa Laiz, and actively continues to develop her artistry in concert castanet performance. Luz Ruiz Castanets soloist A lawyer by profession, Luz Ruiz has maintained a lifelong connection to flamenco and the world of dance. From an early age, she actively participated in performances, including appearances on international stages. For the past five years, she has been dedicated to the study of concert castanets at the Teresa Laiz International Castanet School, deepening her technical mastery and musical expression of this traditional Spanish instrument. Luz is a proud member of the Madrid Castanet Choir, directed by Teresa Laiz, with whom she regularly performs, sharing the artistry of castanets with diverse audiences. Irene Valcárcel Castanets soloist Dance & Castanets Teacher, Dancer, Choreographer, Poet, and Writer, Irene Valcárcel is an accomplished teacher of Spanish classical dance, flamenco, classical ballet, folk dances, and ballroom dance, with over 25 years of experience in various teaching centers. She is the founder, director, and principal instructor at Escuela de Danza Irene Zambra, where she has mentored generations of dancers. As a dancer, choreographer, and director, Irene has led Ballet Español Irene Zambra for 15 years, presenting performances in theaters, cultural centers, and concert halls across Spain. In addition to her work in dance, Irene is a poet and writer, having shared her poetry at Spanish poetry associations, universities, cultural centers, theaters, and on national television (TVE). Her work has also been published in cultural magazines and anthologies. Since 2016, Irene has been studying Concert Castanets under Teresa Laiz and is an active member of the Madrid Castanet Choir, directed by Teresa Laiz. Lourdes Vita Administration Manager, Concert Castanets Performer Born in Granada, Lourdes Vita began performing in amateur flamenco dance groups from an early age. She initially played castanets to accompany dance, and in 2022 began studying concert castanets under renowned teacher Teresa Laiz. Lourdes is currently a member of the Madrid Castanet Choir, founded and directed by Teresa Laiz, performing in prestigious venues such as Teatro Lara and Teatro Reina Victoria in Madrid, within the framework of the IX and X International Castanets Festival. She is also a student member of the International Dance Council (CID – UNESCO).

Winners Musica Vitale Musica Vitale Musica Vitale is a professional ensemble presenting a cappella chamber works of Western European and Slavic origin from the last 300 years. Learn more The Kaboff Cello School, Bow Lightlys The Kaboff Cello School, Bow Lightlys John Kaboff's students, known as the Bow Lightlys, were featured guest artists at the World Cello Congress III Learn more Patricio Cadena Pérez Patricio Cadena Pérez 🇫🇷 France GUITARIST Patricio Cadena Pérez started playing classical guitar in Ecuador, his homeland. A few years later he joined France to learn musical reading and analysis at the Paris. Learn more Subin Lee Subin Lee Learn more Nayoung Kim & Nayoung Lee Nayoung Kim & Nayoung Lee Nayoung Kim (born August 18th, 1992) is South Korean violinist. Nayoung Lee is one of the Soloist K member in the Korea. She did her undergraduate at Kei-Myung University. Learn more Marie-Claire Giraud Marie-Claire Giraud Marie-Claire Giraud is a lirico spinto soprano, a jazz singer, musical theater singer, songwriter, composer, playwriter, actor and actvist. Learn more Ben Batalla Ben Batalla Ben Batalla offers a distinguished musicianship with a versatile background in jazz, improvisation, classical and sacred music. Learn more Aria Cheregosha & Lauren Spaulding Aria Cheregosha & Lauren Spaulding Tallā Rouge, meaning ‘The Red Gold’, was established by the fiery Persian-American & Cajun-American violists, Aria Cheregosha & Lauren Spaulding. Learn more Rachel Ginebra Rachel Ginebra Rachel Ginebra is an active classical guitarist currently based in Rochester, NY. She is originally from Pinar del Río, Cuba where she began her musical studies. Learn more Anton Machleder & Shiuen-Huang Tzeng Anton Machleder & Shiuen-Huang Tzeng he Red Creek Guitar Duo has performed around the upstate NY area for the last several years, and are in process of recording a new CD. Learn more Doron Hazan Doron Hazan Doron began his saxophone studies at Hassadna Conservatory of Music in Jerusalem, and he is currently a student of Jean-Denis Michat at the Lyon Conservatory of Music. Learn more Jean-Baptiste Gleize & Ève-Marie Boileau Jean-Baptiste Gleize & Ève-Marie Boileau Duolce Piano is a piano duo formed by Jean-Baptiste Gleize and Ève-Marie Boileau. Learn more View More

< Back Previous Duo Cintura-Gerolin Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 24, 2025 WATCH VIDEO Duo Cintura-Gerolin – Classical Guitar & Accordion The Duo Cintura-Gerolin, comprising Pietro Maria Cintura (Classical Guitar) and Marco Gerolin (Accordion), is one of the most dynamic and influential emerging acts on the contemporary Italian music scene. Renowned for their innovative approach, the duo seamlessly blends tradition with modern artistry, creating a sound that transcends the boundaries of classical music. Formed by two exceptionally talented musicians, whose combined age is just 45, the duo brings a wealth of experience honed at the prestigious Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome. Their distinctive fusion of guitar and accordion has earned them international recognition, positioning them as trailblazers in the evolving world of chamber music. Since their formation, the duo has recorded two critically acclaimed albums, released by Italy’s leading guitar labels, Dot.Guitar and News for Guitar. European critics have praised them as one of the most exciting emerging ensembles of their generation, and esteemed musicians such as pianist Bruno Canino and Sauro Berti, principal bass clarinetist at the Rome Opera House, have described them as “the most influential duos of the new generation.” The duo has toured extensively, performing in renowned concert halls, theaters, and universities across Spain, Italy, Germany, and the United States. Their upcoming participation in prestigious festivals, including the MiTo International Festival, further underscores their growing influence in the global music scene. Special recognition of their artistry includes multiple invitations to perform at the Italian Senate, where they have opened official ceremonies, most recently at the Sala dei Caduti di Nassirya, attended by Italy’s highest cultural authorities. In 2025, they were awarded the Astor Piazzolla International Prize, honoring their innovative interpretations and commitment to both classical and contemporary music. Beyond live performance, the duo regularly appears on RAI, Radio Vaticana, and the BBC, captivating diverse audiences. As dedicated educators, they lead masterclasses and seminars, including at Penn State University, inspiring the next generation of musicians with a focus on contemporary repertoire and advanced guitar techniques. In performance, the Duo Cintura-Gerolin transforms each concert into a vibrant, emotionally charged experience, inviting audiences on a journey that transcends the traditional concert format. As they themselves say: “Our concerts are not just music; they are experiences that leave the audience smiling.” With their extraordinary artistry and unwavering commitment to innovation, the duo is one of the most promising ensembles in contemporary chamber music, destined to leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

Order by March 1, 2022 to receive discounts Video file (mp4) of your individual performance - $45 (regular $75) Audio file (mp3) of your individual performance - $45 (regular $75) SEC-issued official Certification "Unedited Continuous Recording" for the video of your performance - $10 (regular $15)* *Comes with permission to use SEC Certified "one-take" video of your performance at Sound Espressivo for other competitions, applications, exams Certified Transcript of Judges' Comments (Pdf file) - $15 (regular $25) Order Form (use separate order for each item if ordering multiple items) First Name Last Name Email Date/time/session of your performance Choose an option Choose an option Select an item ($) * Video - $45 Audio - $45 Recording certification - $10 Transcript of Judges' Comments - $15 Go to Checkout Thanks for ordering!

< Back Previous Nicola & Raffaele Bertolini Next Clarinet Duo Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall February 20, 2025 WATCH VIDEO Raffaele Bertolini Raffaele Bertolini holds a Master’s Degree in Clarinet from the “G. Verdi” Conservatory in Milan and a postgraduate degree in Bass Clarinet under Maestro S. Cardo. He has performed extensively throughout Europe, the Americas, and Asia, appearing in numerous chamber music ensembles and giving masterclasses in Brazil, Turkey, Thailand, Uruguay, Mexico, and Kazakhstan. As a soloist, he has appeared with prestigious orchestras including “I Professori del Teatro San Carlo” of Naples, the “Mozarteum” Symphony Orchestra of Salzburg, and the State Symphony Orchestra of Mexico. He currently collaborates with the “G. Verdi” Salerno Symphony Orchestra under Maestro Daniel Oren, and with the “I Pomeriggi Musicali” Orchestra of Milan. His recordings include several CDs, most recently featuring a contemporary work for bass clarinet and orchestra with “I Pomeriggi Musicali.” He has taught at the Conservatory of Bari and currently serves on the faculties of the “Tenca” Music High School in Milan and the “Tito Schipa” Conservatory of Lecce, Ceglie Messapica branch. Nicola Bertolini Born in 2007, Nicola Bertolini studies clarinet with Prof. Laura Magistrelli at the “G. Verdi” Conservatory in Milan. Despite his young age, he has distinguished himself as the winner of numerous national and international competitions, including Tradate, Mercadante (Naples), Stresa, Giussano, the Clarinet Academy Competition, “San Vigilio” (Rome), and “Città di Milano.” He has performed widely across Italy and abroad — in Poland, Slovenia, Switzerland, Kazakhstan (Kazakstan Ortalyk Koncert Zaly), Luxembourg (Philharmonie), France, Spain, Bulgaria, Austria, Germany, Finland, Denmark, Romania, and Mexico (Sala Ponce, National Conservatory of Mexico). His appearances include both chamber music and solo performances with orchestras such as the State Symphony Orchestra of Kazakhstan, OLES Symphony Orchestra of Lecce (Teatro Apollo), “Guido d’Arezzo” Symphony Orchestra of Milan, Youth Orchestra of Salerno, Academy Symphony Orchestra of Benevento, Symphony Orchestra of Cosenza, “Opera Simphony” Orchestra of Milan, “I Filarmonici di Napoli,” “Antonio Vivaldi” Chamber Orchestra of Valle Camonica, “Assunta in Vigentino” Orchestra (former RAI Orchestra), Kurpfälzisches Kammerorchester Mannheim, Symphony Orchestra of Puebla, Youth Symphony Orchestra of Tultepec, and the Symphony Orchestra of Pazardzhik (Bulgaria). He currently serves as Principal Clarinet of the “INERBA” Orchestra of the European Music Academy in Erba and of the “Guido d’Arezzo” Orchestra in Milan.

< Back Application Deadline September 30, 2025 Previous Apply Next Paducah Symphony Orchestra Selected Soloists will be presented at the colORCHESTRA concerts with the Paducah Symphony Orchestra in Paducah, Kentucky, under the baton of the PSO Music Director Raffaele Livio Ponti. See also in "Record" section to learn about the opportunities to record with the Paducah Symphony Orchestra for publication in an Album. Concert dates in 2025-26 Season: Saturday, September 13, 2025. Soloist - Jennifer Savage Saturday, October 15, 2025. Soloist - Dina Nesterenko Saturday, November 21, 2025. Soloist - Ayla Moreno Saturday, April 18, 2026. Soloist - Anna Maria Medietta Concert dates in 2026-27 Season: September 19, 2026 October 10, 2026 November 14, 2026 December 12, 2026 January 23, 2027 February 20, 2027 March 13, 2027 April 17, 2027 May 8, 2027 Rehearsals Schedule Fridays: Rehearsal 1. 15:00 - 17:30 (Dinner Provided) Rehearsal 2. 18:30 - 21:00 Saturdays: Rehearsal 3. 14:00 - 16:30 Performance: 19:30 Previous Seasons Concerts: Saturday, March 8, 2025. Soloist - Kate Lee Application deadlines and Live Auditions dates - see announcements on the website. Broadcast on video and social platforms. Meet the Judges and the Conductors. Streaming technology seminar in preparation for Live Audition - prior to performing LIVE. The concerts are Broadcast Live by Virtual Concert Halls on various public channels on YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Twitch, among other platforms Video of the concert will stay available for playbacks on the channels. Soloists will participate in interviews for media and other activities associated with the event. Important Dates : Application deadlines and Live Auditions dates - see announcements on the website. Broadcast on video and social platforms. Meet the Judges and the Conductors. Streaming technology seminar in preparation for Live Audition - prior to performing LIVE No age restrictions. Any Concerto. Standard Concertos and Arias Meet the Orchestra The Paducah Symphony Orchestra (PSO) was founded in 1979 when a number of area musicians performed at the city's Summer Festival. That concert created enough enthusiasm to bring together a small group of founders who organized additional concerts. During the first two years, concerts were planned and performed one at a time as funds were raised. In the years since, the PSO has expanded its concert season to include seven classical concerts, and has grown its subscriber base to include over 700 patrons. Most PSO concerts now feature internationally recognized guest artists. Dr. Jordan Tang conducted the Orchestra for the twenty-three seasons from 1987 to 2009. In the spring of 2010, the PSO appointed Raffaele Ponti as its new Artistic Director & Conductor. The mission of the PSO is to bring the rewards of great music to a growing and diverse regional audience. As the orchestra-in-residence at the Carson Center for the Performing Arts, the PSO encompasses a wide range of ensembles, including a professional orchestra, an auditioned adult chorus, a youth and children's chorus, as well as other music education programs and services. The orchestra members, all paid professionals, are drawn from over 30 communities in Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and Alabama. The audience is even more diverse, representing over 60 communities in a five state area. As the scope and quality of the organization's programs have grown, so has its operating budget. From a $45,000 budget in 1981-82, the Paducah Symphony's operating budget has grown to over $1 million. For over 40 years, the PSO has served as the premier musical organization in Paducah and the surrounding region, expanding its appearances through collaborations with community partners and enhancing the area's cultural reputation. Meet the Conductor Previous Next "Internationally recognized Italian Conductor, Raffaele Livio Ponti is one of the most exciting, and popular conductors of his generation." An artist of Dynamic Personality, Charismatic Performances, and Superb Musicianship, known for his powerful musical interpretations, rich and unique quality of sound, and breath of colors that he inspires, and draws from every orchestra he conducts. Making his mark as a model for today’s conductors, Raffaele Ponti is recognized for his commitment to creative artistry, innovative programming, and to audience and community engagement. https://www.priceattractions.com/raffaele-ponti-conductor Raffaele Livio Ponti is the Music Director of Paducah Symphony Orchestra. Maestro Ponti maintains an active worldwide conducting schedule with the Lviv National Philharmonic of Ukraine, Sofia Symphony of Bulgaria, and multiple return engagements with the orchestras of Roma, Pescara, Siena, Arezzo, Pistoia, Lucca, Pisa, Firenze, Grosseto, Venezia, Padova, Pienza, Treviso, Spello, Milano, Perugia, Massa, Terni, Bologna, Ferrara, Ripatransone, Pesaro, Civitavecchia, San Gimignano, Genoa, Sinalunga, Cortona, Tocco da Casauria, Montepulciano, Montacatini Terme, Bagno Vignoni, and Prato. In the United States the Buffalo Philharmonic, Elgin Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, Austin Symphony, Youngstown Symphony, Paducah Symphony, Billings Symphony, Binghamton Philharmonic, Charlotte Symphony, Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes, Utica Symphony, and Schenectady Symphony. Learn More Application and Audition Process Application form is DUE by the posted DEADLINES throughout the season. Upload video of any piece (with or without accompaniment). YouTube or Google Drive links are accepted Application fee $75 Selected musicians will be invited to audition live on a public Internet TV Broadcast* and will receive a preparation tech session with VCHS Broadcast Engineers. You will meet the Judges during Live Audition. Live Auditions are held virtually. Live Auditions are judged in real time. Judges provide participants with immediate on-air feedback. During the live audition participants will be able to speak with Judges. • The judges’ decisions are final and may not be contested. • To participate in the live online auditions, each musician must prepare required technical setup Live Audition Fee - $250 *Fee includes the Technology Preparation session with A/V and Broadcast engineers You will be notified about your acceptance into the colORCHESTRA program Fees Application and video pre-screening - $75 Live Audition - $250 Performance - NO FEE ($0) Selected soloists are expected to cover their own travel expenses. Upon request colORCHESTRA provides supporting documentation for selected soloists' visa applications. Selected soloists may request press releases, letters of recommendation, confirmations of their participation in the concert, in support of the soloist's grants applications. Apply Standard Concertos and Arias About PSO The Carson Center for the Performing Arts Welcome! We are glad you are here! The Carson Center for the Performing Arts , also known as The Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center, is your regional, multiple-use facility with beautiful spaces for public and private events of all types. Enjoy superb staging and near-perfect acoustics for a wide variety of entertainment, cultural, and education programming. The Carson Center is located in downtown Paducah, Kentucky, and overlooks the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers. It is a significant component of Paducah’s downtown area revitalization and serves a diverse population from a four-state region and beyond. The stage tower is ten stories tall and can house performance equipment necessary for staging large productions, including 63 line sets for scenery, lighting, and curtains. The main theatre hall seats 1806 people, with the farthest seat only approximately 112 feet from the stage. The Paxton Family Foundation Lobby features terrazzo flooring, two sweeping staircases on either side, a stunning view from the balcony overlook, food/beverage areas, and cloakrooms. A commissioned hand-painted mural spans the entire back wall of the lobby that depicts the four rivers region on a quilt backdrop. (Home of the American Quilt Museum, Paducah is known as “Quilt City, USA”.) The Myre River Room overlooks the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers and provides an ideal space for small performances, dinners, dances, corporate training seminars, and other events. Adjacent to the River Room is the Williams Family Terrace. This second-story patio overlooks the Ohio and Tennessee rivers and can be used for receptions, dinners, and medium-sized get-togethers. The Ingram Founder’s Room, located on the 2nd floor, offers an intimate space for small receptions, lunches, private meetings, and more. The Carson Center is a not-for-profit organization (501(c)(3).

< Back David Coleman Trumpet Learn More Videos About David Coleman – Trumpet Soloist and Chamber Musician David has received broad recognition for his skills as a performing musician and teacher, performing and presenting well over 1000 programs during the past 30 years. He has commissioned and premiered numerous solo and chamber works by some of the most distinguished composers in the world. In 1980, David founded the chamber ensemble Top Brass, touring nationally and internationally as that ensemble’s leader for more than 25 years. Mr. Coleman is a graduate of The Indiana University School of Music, where he received a BM along with the coveted Performer’s Certificate. He has won several national chamber music competitions, and his principal teachers include Allan Dean (Yale), Charles Gorham (Indiana University), Wayne Markworth, and Louis Davidson (Indiana University, Cleveland Orchestra). He has been represented by some of the most prestigious concert management firms in the U.S. Mr. Coleman holds a private pilot license and is a member of MENSA. Previous Next

< Back Previous Melanie Hill Next Collaborative Violinist Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall February 17, 2025 WATCH VIDEO Melanie R. Hill, Ph.D. is the Named Term Chair Andrew W. Mellon Assistant Professor of Global Racial Justice and Assistant Professor of American Literature in the Department of English at Rutgers University–Newark, specializing in African American Literature, Black Music Performance, and Womanist Literature/Thought/Theology. She earned her Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Pennsylvania, with graduate certificates in Africana Studies and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Dr. Hill’s scholarship explores the intersections of literature, music, theology, and Black feminist/womanist thought. She has published on the art of the sermon in African American literature, Black feminism and womanism, and the performance practices of blues and jazz vocalists Bessie Smith and Ella Fitzgerald in the James Baldwin Review, Religions, Oxford University Press, and as a reviewer for the Yale Journal of Music and Religion. She has also served as Associate Research Scholar and Visiting Assistant Professor of Religion and Literature at Yale University. Her forthcoming book, Colored Women Sittin' on High: Womanist Sermonic Practice in Literature and Music (UNC Press) examines how Black women preachers in literature, music, and sacred spaces challenge social injustice through sermon and song. The book is now available for preorder. In 2024, Dr. Hill was invited to Paris, France as keynote speaker and featured solo violinist for the James Baldwin Centennial Celebration, honoring the 100th anniversary of Baldwin’s birth. Her research and pedagogy have also been recognized by Princeton University’s Mellon Research Forum and the Teagle Foundation. Alongside her scholarship, Dr. Hill is a classically trained Gospel-Soul Violinist, performing nationally and internationally. She has appeared at the White House (twice under the Obama administration), the Kennedy Center, the Apollo Theater, the Staples Center, and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, and performed for Pope Francis’s Papal Mass during his historic U.S. visit. Her media appearances include Showtime at the Apollo, Good Day Philadelphia, Philadelphia Style Magazine, NY1, BET, and TV One. She has performed for Alice Walker, Senator Rev. Dr. Raphael G. Warnock, Sabrina Fulton, Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, Susan L. Taylor, and has opened for John Legend and Jonathan McReynolds. As part of the Mourning into Unity project, she performed at Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, D.C., honoring lives lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, and later opened for the National Council of Churches before the sermon of Bishop Michael B. Curry. Dr. Hill remains grateful for God’s blessings and is committed to uplifting others through music, scholarship, and the sacred connections between literature, song, and spiritual healing.

Learn more < Back Walham Forest Cello Scholarship Award Two Full Cello Scholarships (each is worth ca. $500) Online Summer Cello Master Classes will be awarded to the best cello finalists of the Sound Espressivo Competitions and Auditions 2023-24. These Scholarships are made possible curtesy and through the generosity of Czech Cellist František Brikcius and the WALTHAM FOREST CELLO FEST in London. This Award is Sponsored by Walham Forest cello Festival As in previous years there will be WFCF Cello Concerts , Underground Lunchtime Recitals (in the historic Victoria Line carriage), Cello Weekend , Make Music Day and Cello Academy (all ages and abilities are welcome!). The WFCF features cellists and young promising cello talents from Belgium, China, the Czech Republic, France, Israel, Italy, the UK and the USA . Together with cellist, Cello Museum founder and curator Brenda Neece , cellist, researcher and guest curator Erica Lessie , conductor and composer Peter Askim , percussionist Brecht Claesen , violinist and philosopher Hugh Desmond , organist and composer Irena Kosíková , violinist and conductor Jan Talich , Talich Chamber Orchestra , soprano Nofar Yacobi and narrator Jan Židlický . WCFC begins with a CELLO WEEKEND (Saturday 5th - Sunday 6th June): INDIVIDUAL MASTER CLASSES , two CELLO WEBINARS , CELLO RECITAL - INNER CELLO , interactive online INTERPRETATION MASTERCLASS , three CELLO LAUREATES , introduction to THE CELLO MUSEUM - ONLINE EXHIBITION INNOVATIONS IN CELLO-MAKING MATERIALS , REMEMBERING ANNA SHUTTLEWORTH and music documentary film MAKANNA . Other events will include virtual poetry reading SAVE THE QUEEN CELLO RECITALS, MUSICAL SOLIDARITY PROJECT , MAKE MUSIC DAY, ORGAN RECITAL . WFCF is following in the tradition of previous UNDERGROUND LUNCHTIME RECITALS in the Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum's historic Victoria Line Carriage. Waltham Forest Cello Fest will hold a CELLO ACADEMY (26th July - 1st August) of online summer cello master classes. WALTHAM FOREST CELLO FEST was created in 2019 as a cello celebration of the communities in Waltham Forest the first ever Mayor’s London Borough of Culture . The WFCF is supported by Make It Happen - London Borough of Waltham Forest. View more Visit WFCF website Previous Next

< Back Previous Cameron Wu Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 24, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Cameron, age 12, lives in Irvine, California, and began studying piano at the age of five under the guidance of Ms. Sue Farng. He entered his first competition—the Southwestern Youth Music Festival—at age seven, qualifying for his category and earning 3rd place. By age ten, he continued to gain recognition, winning 2nd place in both the Satori Summer Music Festival (qualified category) and the Pelican International Music Competition. At eleven, Cameron joined the Junior Chamber Music program in Orange County, performing a Beethoven Sonata as part of a piano–violin duo. That same year, he returned to the Southwestern Youth Music Festival and won 1st place in the qualified category. This year, at age twelve, Cameron earned 1st place in the Global Music Arts Competition (20th Century Era), 2nd place at SYMF in the open category, as well as 1st place (qualified category) and 3rd place (open category) at the Satori Summer Music Festival. He has also completed seven years of the Music Teachers Association of California’s Certificate of Merit program, passing with State Honors each year. Outside of music, Cameron enjoys playing on both a basketball league and a club team, and loves reading and playing video games in his free time.

< Back Glen Cortese Conductor Learn More Videos About GLEN CORTESE begins his first season as artistic director of the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra and his fourteenth season as artistic director of the Western New York Chamber. He just completed twelve seasons as music director of the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra and was named music director emeritus of the Oregon Mozart Players after serving as artistic director for nine seasons. His recent guest engagements have included the Eugene Opera, Madison Lyric Stage, The Three Tenors Concert in Tirana Albania to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the independence of Kososvo, RTSH Radio Orchestra (Albania) Emerald City Opera, Opera Fort Collins, Wolftrap Opera, The Charleston Symphony, the Sapporo Festival Orchestra, the Slovak Radio Orchestra the Sofia Philharmonic, the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, the Mexico City Philharmonic, Colorado Springs Philharmonic, the Paducah Symphony Orchestra, the Lafayette Symphony, the Billings Symphony, the Lyric Opera of Cleveland, and the Annapolis Symphony. He was resident conductor of the Florida Philharmonic for the 2001–2002 season and completed twelve seasons at the Manhattan School of Music where he was principal conductor from 1988 to 2000. He has appeared as guest conductor both in the United States and abroad with the Symphonies of New Jersey, Florida Philharmonic, Austin, Mexico City Philharmonic, North Carolina, Colorado Springs, Bangor, Meridian, Queens, New Amsterdam, The New Orleans Philharmonic, the International Chamber Orchestra, the Belarus Sate Philharmonic, Sofia Philharmonic National Romanian Radio Orchestra, Noorhollands Philharmonisch, Orquesta Sinfonica Carlos Chavez, San Francisco Conservatory, Cleveland Institute, and the Altenburg Landeskappele Orchestra. Mr. Cortese covered as assistant conductor to the New York Philharmonic in 1990–92 for Zubin Mehta, Leonard Slatkin, Charles Dutoit, Yuri Temirikanov, Erich Leinsdorf, Zdenek Macal and Cristof Perick. In July of 1993, he was invited by Kurt Masur to guest conduct a reading with the New York Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall. In August of 1994, Mr. Cortese began his tenure as music director of the East-West International Symphony Orchestra in Altenburg, Germany, a position that he held for seven years. He conducted over fifty concerts and two operas in seven seasons with the orchestra, made up of advanced conservatory students from ten different nations. His work at the Manhattan School of Music included the school’s debut performances at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and City Center as well as the MSM Orchestra’s first performance on “Live from Lincoln Center”. He received the honor of “Recording of the Month” in STEREOPHILE magazine for his release of Mahler’s Sixth Symphony with the Manhattan School on Titanic Records. His recording of Mahler’s Third Symphony with the Manhattan School was called “a remarkable achievement” in the American Record Guide. This season alone he will conduct five stage works, Beatirce and Benedict, Candide, Little Women, West Side Story and Othello. In 2011 he conducted the world premiere of John Musto’s new opera, “The Inspector” at the Wolftrap Opera, and his other opera credits include guest conductor with the Eugene Opera, Florida Grand Opera, New York City Opera, the Cleveland Lyric Opera, the Maryland Opera Studio, the Bowdoin Summer Music Festival Opera Theater, the Manhattan School Opera Theater, and the East West International Opera Theater. Mr. Cortese’s credits in the world of dance include performances with the Connecticut Ballet, Joffrey II Ballet, the Elisa Monte Dance Company and the SUNY Purchase Dance Corps. He appeared regularly for five years as conductor for the Erick Hawkins Dance Company at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, the Joyce Theatre and on national tours. He has conducted at numerous summer festivals including Chautauqua, Bowdoin Summer Music Festival, American Dance Festival, The New York Music Institute, Sewanee Music Festival and the Brevard Music Center. He has conducted performances of large collaborative projects including chorus, orchestra and dance at Carnegie Hall, as well as having performed in virtually every major performance venue in New York. His work in education is extensive, conducting community outreach programs, educational concerts and children's videos on classical music. Mr. Cortese has conducted concerti and solo works with many renowned performers, including Ransom Wilson, Sharon Isbin, Ruth Laredo, Nathaniel Rosen, Glenn Dicterow, Silvia McNair, Mignon Dunn and Dawn Upshaw. A strong advocate of new music, he has conducted over 150 premieres and has worked in direct collaboration with composers such as Milton Babbitt, Elliott Carter, John Corigliano, George Crumb, Richard Danielpour, Peter Maxwell Davies, Lukas Foss, Hans Werner Henze, and Ralph Shapey. In June of 1993 through 2000, he was the eight-time recipient of the ASCAP New and Adventuresome Programming Award for his work at the Manhattan School. Mr. Cortese is also an accomplished composer and winner of numerous awards including the Charles Ives Scholarship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, a two time winner of the Joseph E. Bearns Prize, and a CAPS Grant from the New York Council on the Arts. He is also the recipient of the Arthur Judson Foundation Award for a Young American Conductor and his discography includes recordings on the Bridge, Titanic, Newport Classics, Phoenix, Owl, CMS and Le Crepuscule du Disc labels. Previous Next