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Recording Opportunities for Soloists and Composers with String Quartets and Orchestras THIS IS A PRODUCTION PROJECT, fees apply Performers Apply HERE Composers Apply via GetAcceptd Upcoming recording dates: April 29, 2026 - Orchestra Manhattan, New York, Applications open June 8-9, 2026 - Moravian Philharmonic Olomouc, Czech Republic, Applications open July 1, 2026 - Lehner Quartet, USA. New String Quartets by living composers. Applications open November 25, 2026 - Orchestra Manhattan, New York, Applications open December 2-5, 2026 - Camerata de Coahuila, Mexico. Applications will open soon! January, 2027 - Orquesta Filarmónica Municipal de Guayaquil, Ecuador. Applications will open soon! March, 2027 - Butler Philharmonic Orchestra, Hamilton, Ohio, USA. Applications will open soon! April, 2027 - Orchestra Manhattan, New York, Applications open Orchestra Manhattan Record orchestral compositions, instrumental Concertos and vocal works with one of the leading Orchestras on the East Coast conducted by world renown Music Director David Wroe. Have your recording mastered, published, and distributed by Cicerone Music and Arts (CiMA) classical music label on major audio platforms: Apple Music; Spotify, Amazon, Deezer. Optional: at Maestro Wroe's discretion some soloists and composers may be offered an opportunity to perform with Orchestra Manhattan at Weill recital Hall Learn More and Apply Moravian Philharmonic Olomouc Record instrumental Concertos, orchestral compositions, and vocal works with one of the leading and oldest Orchestras in Europe, the Moravian Philharmonic of Czech Republic, conducted by world renown Conductor Gevorg Sargsyan. Have your recording mastered, published, and distributed by Cicerone Music and Arts (CiMA) classical music label on major audio platforms: Apple Music; Spotify, Amazon, Deezer. Standard repertory prefered, contemporary works are considered on case-by-case basis Learn More and Apply Lehner Quartet The New Classics Quartet project aims at helping composers gain recognition through getting their string quartets recorded by the acclaimed Lehner Quartet . Have your recording mastered, published, and distributed worldwide by Cicerone Music and Arts (CiMA) classical music label on major audio platforms: Apple Music; Spotify, Amazon, Deezer. Compositions are programmed for public performance at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall within Sound Epsressivo concert seasons at Carnegie Learn More and Apply Butler Philharmonic Orchestra Record orchestral compositions, instrumental Concertos and vocal works with one of the leading Symphony Orchestra in the United States conducted by the world renown Music Director Scott Woodard. Next recording session date: MARCH 8, 2026 Recording mastered, published, and distributed by Cicerone Music and Arts (CiMA) label on major audio platforms: Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, Deezer Optional: at Maestro Woodard's discretion some soloists and composers may be offered an opportunity to perform in a concert with Butler Philharmonic Orchestra Learn More and Apply Camerata de Coahuila Recording and Public Concert combincation. Record orchestral compositions, instrumental Concertos and vocal works with one of the leading Orchestras in Latin America, the Camerata de Coahuila of Torreon, Mexico, under the baton of the renown Guest Conductor Maestro Gevorg Sargsyan. Have your recording mastered, published, and distributed by Cicerone Music and Arts (CiMA) classical music label on major audio platforms: Apple Music; Spotify, Amazon, Deezer. Recorded LIVE from the concert venue Learn More and Apply Paducah Symphony Orchestra Record orchestral compositions, instrumental Concertos and vocal works with one of the leading Symphony Orchestras in the United States conducted by the world renown Music Director Raffaele Livio Ponti Have your recording mastered, published, and distributed by Cicerone Music and Arts (CiMA) classical music label on major audio platforms: Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, Deezer Optional: at Maestro Ponti's discretion some soloists and composers may be offered an opportunity to perform with Paducah Symphony Orchestra at Carson Center, Paducah, KY Learn More and Apply Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Selected Soloists will be offered a pay-to-play opportunity to benefit their musicianship and career through a COMPREHENSIVE RECORDING and Performance PACKAGE with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the world’s most prestigious ensembles, under the baton of the RPO’s Permanent Associate Conductor Maestro Grzegorz Nowak. Inclusion of selected soloists in a public performance with RPO within one of the RPO’s concert series outside London is at the discretion of the RPO Music Director, with the decision to be made after the conclusion of recording sessions and based on the artistic merits of the recording. Dates – 2024-25 and 2025-26 concert seasons. Learn More and Apply

Our Artists Mijo Chang Piano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 28, 2026 View More Jack Nossaman Piano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 28, 2026 View More Ethan Daniel Eager Clingan Conductor Music Director, Principal Conductor Camerata de Coahuila, Mexico View More Amy Fetherolf Violin Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 28, 2026 View More Rita Costanzi Harp Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall February 19, 2026 View More Edison Barton Violin Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall February 19, 2026 View More Alexis Min-Gi Perrin Piano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall February 19, 2026 View More Zoran Velić Piano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall February 16, 2026 View More Ivan Violić Composer Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall February 16, 2026 View More Qi Zhang Educator View More Olivia Li Piano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall February 19, 2026 View More Sonya Lifschitz Piano View More Ben Kim Piano View More Jill Lawson Piano View More Enrique Graf Piano View More David Dolan Piano View More Jane Coop Piano View More Einav Yarden Piano View More Florence Millet Piano View More Joel Wizansky Piano View More Irene Peery-Fox Piano View More Peter Takács Piano View More Brian Ganz Piano View More Alon Goldstein Piano View More Kevin Kenner Piano View More Lowe Finney Composer Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 21, 2023 View More Kristina Henckel & Amanda Virelle Piano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 21, 2023 View More Marie-Claire Giraud Soprano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 21, 2023 View More Stacey Stofferahn Soprano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 21, 2023 View More Qianci Liu Cello Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 21, 2023 View More Marcio Candido Violin Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 21, 2023 View More Rubén Ángel Russo Gutiérrez Piano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 21, 2023 View More Ariel Levy Saxophon Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 21, 2023 View More Antian Jiang Piano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 21, 2023 View More Marcela Gonyea Piano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 21, 2023 View More Emily Snelbecker Piano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 21, 2023 View More Olivia Zhang Piano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 21, 2023 View More Occupational Octaves Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 21, 2023 View More Chris Au Piano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 21, 2023 View More Maurizio Mastrini Piano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 21, 2023 View More William Toutant Composer Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 View More Noam Faingold Composer Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 View More Leopold Brauneiss Composer Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 View More Peter Dickson Lopez Composer Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 View More Patricio Cadena Pérez Guitar Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 View More Alisa Sadikova Harp Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 View More Elisabeth Möst Flute Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 View More Anne de Boysson Composer Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 View More Glen Carter-Varney Composer Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 View More Daniel Espen Composer Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 View More Jacques-Pierre Malan Cello Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 View More Giampiero Bugliarello Composer Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 View More Marin Vitas Countertenor Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 View More Donna Lee Violin Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 View More Grace Cho Piano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 View More Kate Shin Piano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 View More Christopher Koelzer Piano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 View More John DiSanto Bassoon Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 View More Matt Lepek Oboe Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 View More Mike Raposo Flute Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 View More Michael Chang Composer Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 View More The Boston String Academy Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 View More Ante Božić-Kudrić Piano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 4, 2024 View More Steven Song Violin Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 4, 2024 View More Gong Qian Yang Composer Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 4, 2024 View More Laura McCormick Piano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 4, 2024 View More Roland Schlieder Guitar Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 4, 2024 View More Rainer Stegmann Composer Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 4, 2024 View More Anna Maria Mendieta Harp Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 4, 2024 View More Saiya Mittal Violin Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 4, 2024 View More Aurelia Faidley-Solars Cello Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 4, 2024 View More Theodore Wang Violin Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 4, 2024 View More Ximurong Zhai Piano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 4, 2024 View More Stacey Kim Violin Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall July 1, 2024 View More Lillian Guo Singer Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 4, 2024 View More Neil Krishnan Piano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 4, 2024 View More Anastasiya Squires Flute Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 4, 2024 View More Calliope Smith Violin Upcoming Concert with Butler Philharmonic Orchestra, March 7, 2026 View More Manuel Casares Piano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall July 1, 2024 View More Alan Freiles Conductor Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 4, 2024 View More The Kaboff Cello School, Bow Lightlys String Ensemble Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 4, 2024 View More Tatiana Mikova Composer Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall July 1, 2024 View More Sophie Dunér Mezzo-Soprano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall July 1, 2024 View More Mǎdǎlina-Claudia Dǎnilǎ Piano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall July 1, 2024 View More Lucia Tang Piano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall July 1, 2024 View More Livia Teodorescu-Ciocanea Composer Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall July 1, 2024 View More Joel Feigin Composer Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall July 1, 2024 View More Jessica Thompson Soprano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall July 1, 2024 View More Jana Skarecky Composer Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall July 1, 2024 View More Giovanna Yaqi Yang Soprano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall July 1, 2024 View More Francis Schwartz Composer Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall July 1, 2024 View More Elizabeth Haydon Cello Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall July 1, 2024 View More Christina Ebersohl-Van Scyoc Viola Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall July 1, 2024 View More Ahmed Karam Composer Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall July 1, 2024 View More The Bayberry String Quartet Instrumental Ensemble Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall July 1, 2024 View More Yvonne Pang Violin Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 24, 2024 View More Wesley Wong Violin Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 24, 2024 View More Turner Guichard Violin Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 24, 2024 View More Logan Law Violin Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 24, 2024 View More Kenneth Zhang Violin Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 24, 2024 View More Load More

< Back Apply Previous Next Cairo Opera Orchestra at Cairo Opera House in Cairo, Egypt Selected Soloists will be presented at the colORCHESTRA concerts with the Cairo Opera Orchestra at Cairo Opera House in Cairo, Egypt in 2024-25 and 2025-26 concert season. The concerts will be 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 deadline - see dates on the website. October 2024, January 2025 - Live Auditions Finals. 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. For sample of accepted Concertos, Arias and other vocal works - click below "Repertory" button Accepted Concertos Meet the Orchestra The Cairo Opera Orchestra is one of the companies operating under the umbrella of the Cairo Opera House. https://cairoopera.org/en/companies/cairo-opera-orchestra/ The orchestra was formed 1994 and its repertoire includes a vast number of celebrated classic ballets and famous operas or operettas performed in collaboration with the Cairo Opera Ballet Company or the Cairo Opera Company. Sherif Mohie El-Din was appointed conductor of the orchestra in 1995. Later, the orchestra was headed by various Egyptian and international conductors. The former President, Mr. Mohamed Hosni Mubarak, President of the Republic, inaugurated the new Egyptian Opera House on October 10, 1988, after an absence of seventeen years, since the old opera house was burned down in 1971. The new Egyptian Opera House "The National Cultural Center" is one of the symbols of Egyptian-Japanese cooperation Which expresses the depth of the bonds of friendship between the Egyptian and Japanese peoples. The Japanese International Cooperation Agency ( JICA ) coordinated with the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, and it was agreed on a design that was consistent with the buildings surrounding the house, and the design was characterized by the modern Islamic architectural character. The construction area includes 22,772 square meters, while the building itself is located on an area of 13,855 square meters, with a maximum height of 42 meters. The uniqueness of this site, which is located in the southern part of the island, and the abundance of Nile water in this area and the abundance of trees in the garden surrounding this place, allowed it to be a natural content Thumbs up for the new opera house. In March 1985, the design took place, which took a year and a half, and the President of the Republic laid the foundation stone. Then, the interconnected effort of Egyptian hands in cooperation with Kajima Company was credited with completing this great work on March 31, 1988, that is, 34 months after the start of work, to become the latest cultural landmark in Cairo. In October 1988, this house was inaugurated in the presence of President Hosni Mubarak and His Imperial Highness Prince Tomohito of Mikasa, who is the younger brother of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. Japan also participated for the first time in Egypt, the Arab world and Africa in opening this cultural edifice with a kabuki show that includes fifty members in addition to artists of the highest rank in the fields of music, opera and ballet. Meet the Conductor Previous Next NADER ABBASSI - Conductor and Composer In his conducting career Nader Abbassi benefits from his wide professional experience as composer, singer and bassoonist. He made his acclaimed conducting-debut in 2002 with Verdi's "Aida" at the pyramids in Giza. His extensive work as an opera-conductor includes: “Maria Golovine”, “Hamlet”, “Un Ballo in Maschera”, “La Belle Helene”, “Aida”, “Carmen” (Marseille Opera House), “Dialogues des Carmelites” (Opéra de Bordeaux), “Aida” (Glimmerglass Festival New York, Thessaloniki Greece, Beijing China), “La Traviata”, “La Bohème” (Ireland & Russia), “Madama Butterfly”, “Barbe Bleue” (Marseille) “Kiss Me Kate” (Geneva). In the course of his career Nader Abbassi has held the positions of artistic director and principal conductor of the following orchestras: Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, Doha, Katar (2009-2012) Cairo Opera Opera Orchestra, Cairo, Egypt (2002-2011) Under his leadership these orchestras were invited to perform in many tours and festivals in Germany, Austria, France, Netherlands, Greece, South-Korea, China, Oman, Mexico, Argentina. Since 2004 Nader is the musical director of the Orchestre pour la Paix Paris, France. This orchestra was founded by the Argentinian pianist Miguel Estrella and unites young professional musicians from all over the world to promote a peaceful dialogue between different cultures and religions. With the Orchestre pour la Paix Nader Abbassi leads performances at the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Petra (Jordan), the International Court of Justice at De Hague, Théâtre de Châtelet, the Sénat de France. 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 Accepted Concertos Regulations Stay tuned for live broadcast of upcoming concert on April 30th!

< Back Previous Kenneth Zhang Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 24, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Kenneth Zhang, age 13, from Orinda, CA, is a violinist and pianist. A longtime student of James Greening-Valenzuela, he was selected as a soloist for Berkeley's Junior Bach Festival and has won multiple top prizes in competitions, including the Charleston International Music Competition, North California Young Talents Competition, San Francisco International Innovative Music Competition, Pelican International Music Competition, and DVC/HNU String Competition. Kenneth currently attends the Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad, CA.

< Back Previous Roland Schlieder Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 4, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Roland Schlieder is a renowned guitarist, conductor, and music educator who has toured extensively throughout Latin America, Germany, and the United States. He began learning guitar by ear at age 14, inspired by recordings of Narciso Yepes and Pepe Romero. After completing his studies in mechanical engineering and business administration in Munich, a personal encounter with Maestros Leo Brouwer and David Russell in 1995 inspired him to pursue classical guitar in the United States. Schlieder participated in masterclasses with Costas Cotsiolis, Andrew York, Manuel Barrueco, David Russell, and Leo Brouwer. In 1996, he received a scholarship to Butler University, where he studied guitar with Brett Terrell, choral conducting with Dr. Eric Stark, and orchestral conducting with Stanley DeRusha. He concurrently studied at Indiana University with Maestro Petar Jankovic. After graduating from Butler University, he pursued a master’s degree at San Diego State University (2000–2003), studying under Celin Romero of the famed Los Romeros guitar family, who guided him in developing his unique technique and musical expression. From 2000–2003, Schlieder was artist-in-residence at San Diego State University and assistant conductor under Dr. Donald Barra, combining his musical and administrative skills as orchestra manager. In 2003, funded by the Fulbright Program, he founded the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, serving as artistic director and principal conductor. He led major performances including the CAF Anniversary Concert in La Paz (2005) with 300 voices and 150 musicians, Handel’s Messiah at the VI International Baroque Festival in Santa Cruz (2006), and premiered a rediscovered work by Domenico Zipoli, Te Deum laudamus, which he published with critical notes in 2007. Schlieder was awarded Bolivia’s “Man of the Arts” prize and nominated for the TOYP Prize (The Outstanding Young Professional in the Arts). After leaving the Santa Cruz Symphony in 2011, Schlieder devoted himself fully to classical guitar performance and pedagogy, focusing on his technical method “Control Technique”, which emphasizes finger independence and advanced technical repertoire. He has performed at the San Agustin International Chamber Music Festival in Florida, the Chamber Music Summer Festival at the University of Osnabrück, Germany, and with the University of Palm Beach Symphony Orchestra (performing Concierto de Aranjuez, 2016). He has collaborated with musicians including Roberto Sechi, Felix Olschofka, Alexander Schimpf, Eugenio Urrutia, Jorge Pena, and William Grub, with a strong focus on chamber music, particularly works by Niccolò Paganini. Since returning to Germany in 2019, Schlieder has performed solo recitals and Concierto de Aranjuez with the Mainz Sinfonietta (September 2023). He is a faculty member for classical guitar at the Montabaur School of Music and teaches specialized technique masterclasses, continuing to develop his Control Technique method.

< Back Nayer Nagui Conductor Learn More Videos About Maestro Nayer Nagui Born in Alexandria, 1970. Joined the Alexandria Conservatoire, where he studied Piano under the Italian Prof. Herta Pappo. Furthered his Musical studies in Cairo, where he obtained the advanced certificate of the Royal Schools of Music, London, in Piano performing and Theory of Music, 1996.Studied conducting with Prof. Maestro Dominique Rouits at L’Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris where he obtained his diploma of conducting in 2001. His vast repertoire ranges from Symphonic, Opera, Oratorios and Ballet conducting to Musicals, and Light Music. Among it, Rossini’s 3 comic Operas, Verdi’s “Aida”, “Rigoletto”, “Ballo in Maschera”, La “Traviata” Puccini’s “Tosca”, “La Boheme”, Donizzeti’s “L’elixir d’amore” and Mozart’s “Die Zauber flote and Cosi fan tutte”, Maroun Rahi’s “Antar wa Abla”.His Ballet repertoire includes, Prokofiev’s “Romeo & Juliet”, Ravel’s “Bolero”, Khatchaturian’s “Spartacus”, Theodorakis’s “Zorba”, Tshaikovsky’s “Nut cracker”, “Swan Lake” , Adam’s “Le Corsaire”, “Giselle”, Minkus’s “Don Quixotte”, “La Bayadère” and Stravinski’s “Fire bird”.As for Oratorios and Choral works, it includes Mozart, Brahms, Fauré and Verdi Requiems as well as Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle, Schubert Stabat Matter, Vivaldi’s and Poulenc’s Glorias, Saygun’s Yunus Emre,Prokofiev’s “Alexander Nevski” Cantata, Mozart C minor Mass, Beethoven C Major Mass as well as Orff’s Carmina Burana. He wrote many compositions and arrangements for Choir, Orchestra and Soloists, performed in Egypt and in several International Festivals around the world, amongst them the music for the celebration convened by the Ministry of Culture marking the Golden Jubilee of the nationalization of Suez Canal, the music for the celebration convened by the Algerian Ministry of Culture marking Algiers as the Capital of Arabic Culture in 2006.His Arrangements of Sayyed Darwish songs for Choir won the Silver award for Stylish interpretation of Arabic Music in “Prague Voices” Choir Competition 2012,and a Silver diploma in the “World Choir Games” competition in Sochi 2016. The Founder and the Musical Director of the “Cairo Celebration Choir”, a Choir of 120 members performing famous Chorus works and Oratorios. He is also a Musical Director of Disney’s dubbing animation in Arabic language. Former Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of Cairo Opera Orchestra , as well as sharing the baton with famous French Conductor Michel Piquemal in the yearly International Festival of “Coro de Tres Culturas” in Morocco and Spain. Recently appointed as Principal Conductor for the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Orchestra. In addition to his yearly program with Orchestras and Choirs in Egypt, he also conducted Lecce Symphony Orchestra and Calabria Chamber Orchestra from Italy, European Camerata from the U.K, Ensemble Georges Solti from Hungary, the Bonner Vokalisten from Germany, Moroccan Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Algerian Symphony Orchestra, Orquesta Joven di Andalucia from Spain, the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra, Minsk Festival Orchestra from Belarus, Shenzen Symphony Orchestra from China and Kappabachi Opera ensemble from Japan. Previous Next

< Back Evangeline Benedetti Cello Learn More Videos About Evangeline's Performing Career In 1967 Evangeline Benedetti was invited by Leonard Bernstein himself to become a member of the New York Philharmonic, the first female cellist and the second tenured woman. She remained an active and integral member for more than 40 years, during which time she played nearly 8,000 concerts and participated in countless recordings and television productions including the renowned Young People's Concerts conducted by Bernstein. Evangeline has toured the world many times over, and played alongside the world's greatest instrumental and vocal soloists, including Artur Rubenstein, Vladimir Horowitz, Isaac Stern, David Oistrakh, Mistislav Rostropovich, Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman, Itzhak Perlman, Yo Yo Ma, Luciano Pavarotti, and Joan Sutherland to name a few. In addition to playing 200 prestigious premiers, her extensive work with celebrated conductors such as Leonard Bernstein, George Szell, Pierre Boulez, Zubin Mehta, Kurt Masur, Lorin Maazel and Alan Gilbert is unique and rare, and makes her a valuable musical resource for students, emerging professionals and professional players alike. In demand as a chamber musician, she has collaborated with celebrated colleagues such as Yefim Bronfman (piano), Stanley Drucker (clarinet), and Philip Smith (trumpet). Evangeline gave her New York solo recital debut to rave reviews, with the New York Times calling her approach to playing as “strikingly similar to Casals” and praising her "technical capacity," her "big, vibrant tone" and her "enormous communicativeness." Evangeline is currently a member of the cello faculty with the iClassical Academy , an innovative master class resource that "connects young musicians with some of the worlds most accomplished teachers." She served for 20 years on the faculty of Manhattan School of Music and is a sought after master clinician and guest artist. She has given master classes in Pyongyang, North Korea, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Shanghai, and at major music schools such as Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, and Mannes, The New School for Music, as well as with the San Diego Symphony. Evangeline currently lives in New York, where she teaches, continues to perform and serves on the boards of The Bloomingdale School of Music and The Violoncello Society of New York. Evangeline's Work with the Alexander Technique and Bio-Mechanics Shortly after joining the New York Philharmonic, Evangeline became a dedicated student of the Alexander Technique as a way to overcome the physical discomforts brought on by her demanding career. Her commitment to the technique, and its measurable results in her own playing, led her to earn a certification as a teacher of the Technique in 1991. She saw that there were concepts of this study that could be applied to cello playing and thus began to revamp her playing based on the Alexander Technique A few years later she met Dr. Mark Gomez, a bio mechanical engineer, who was interested in understanding and solving musicians' physical problems from a bio-mechanical point of view. The two collaborated, and from their work together evolved an approach to playing that is unique, healthy and sustainable. CLICK HERE to learn more about Dr. Mark Gomez Evangeline's Approach to Teaching and Playing the Cello Evangeline's approach to playing and teaching is a synthesis of the cellist's thought, knowledge of the dynamic properties of the instrument and bow, and knowledge of one's body to apply ease of movement to playing. In cello playing, this is ideally a perfect synergy of the mind’s musical thought stimulating the hands to manipulate the cello-bow, with the rest of the body integrated into the movement of the hands. These principles can be applied to any instrument, including the human voice, to free you to be as musically expressive as possible. Benedetti is the author of Cello, Bow and You: Putting It All Together , published by Oxford University Press. Previous Next

< Back Yael Weiss Piano Learn More Videos About A captivating presence on the concert scene, award-winning Israeli-American pianist Yael Weiss has been hailed by many of today's greatest musicians and critics for visionary interpretations of surpassing depth, immediacy and communicative power. Following a recent recital, the Washington Post portrayed her as “a pianist who delves deeply and tellingly into that cloudy area where fantasy morphs into improvisation, inventiveness being common to both.” Ms. Weiss has performed across the United States, Europe, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and South America at such venues as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Benaroya Hall, Moscow’s Bolshoi Hall and London’s Wigmore Hall. Her New York recital debut, presented by the Metropolitan Museum, was acclaimed by the New York Times as, "remarkably powerful and intense . . . fine technique and musicianship in the service of an arresting array of music." Ms. Weiss has appeared as soloist with many international orchestras, including the Prague Chamber Orchestra, Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony, Santa Fe Symphony, Israel Chamber Orchestra, and the Brazil National Symphony, to name a few. She is also in demand at international music festivals, such as Marlboro, Ravinia, City of London, Banff, Parry Sound, Caramoor, Hornby Island Festival, Changwon International Festival, and the Seattle Chamber Music Festival. A significant part of Ms. Weiss’s current touring schedule is devoted to her international commissioning and performance project, “ 32 Bright Clouds: Beethoven Conversations Around the World ” . This groundbreaking endeavor brings together composers from 32 countries of conflict and unrest throughout the world, joined together in sending a message of oneness and peace. Each new composition is inspired by one of Beethoven’s 32 Piano Sonatas, and the entire cycle of new works is unified by a single “peace motif” from Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis. Ms. Weiss has presented “32 Bright Clouds” recitals in Korea, Cuba, Austria, Canada and in venues throughout the US, performing programs that combine Beethoven with new works from around the world. Her 2020 recital for the Smithsonian Institution was featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered” and was attended by audiences internationally via YouTube Premiere. An advocate for the power of music in the service of peace, Yael Weiss has been interviewed on the WWFM Classical Network’s “A Tempo” and “Between the Keys” shows. She has also been a frequent guest on American Public Media’s Performance Today and St. Paul Sunday, on the BBC in London, and on New York’s WQXR and WNYC. Her 2016 recital from the National Gallery was selected for broadcast on WETA’s “Front Row Washington”. She has appeared numerous times on Israeli television, and presented a recital filmed live for NHK television in Japan. Weiss’s discography encompasses piano works by over a dozen composers, with such releases as “Robert Schumann: Piano Works” and “88 Keys to Joy”, on the Koch International Classics label. In 2021, Toccata Classics released her premiere recording of Aviv : Concerto for Piano and Chamber Orchestra, written for her by composer Joel Feigin. Ms. Weiss is also devoted to chamber music, and tours worldwide with violinist Mark Kaplan and cellist Peter Stumpf as the Weiss-Kaplan-Stumpf Trio . Their recordings of complete Beethoven Piano Trios will be released in 2023 on Bridge Records. The Trio’s discography also includes CDs of Brahms, Smetana, Chihara, Lansky and Lerdahl trios, as well as a new-music release, “An American Tour”, featuring world premiere recordings of compositions by American composers Schoenfield, Chen Yi, Auerbach and Newman. Ms. Weiss has been honored with distinguished prizes from the Naumburg International Piano Competition and the Kosciuszko Foundation Chopin Piano Competition. She is a recipient of the Presser Award as well as grants from the America-Israel Cultural Foundation. She studied with Richard Goode and Edward Aldwell at the Mannes College of Music and with Leon Fleisher and Ellen Mack at the Peabody Conservatory. Yael Weiss has presented master-classes for top institutions worldwide and served on the faculties of Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, UC Santa Barbara and the Heifetz Institute. Away from the piano, Yael Weiss is an avid runner, regularly taking part in marathons and other long-distance races. Born in Israel, she currently makes her home in New York City. Previous Next

< Back Apply Previous Next Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine Selected Soloists will be presented at the colORCHESTRA concert with the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine in Lviv, Ukraine, at the Lviv Philharmonic Hall under the baton of Maestro Theodore Kuchar. Concert dates available in the 2025-26 and 2026-27 concert seasons. Rehearsals with Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine will be scheduled 3 days prior to concert date. The concerts will be 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 complete Concerto for Violin, Piano, or Cello Complete Concertos Meet the Orchestra The Myroslav Skoryk Lviv National Philharmonic is an artistic centre in the centre of an ancient European city and one of the leading cultural institutions in Ukraine! During 1953 to 1957, and later in 1987–1989, the conductor of the orchestra was Yuriy Lutsiv. From 1964 to 1987, the symphony orchestra was led by Demyan Pelekhaty. From 1989 the main conductor of the orchestra was Ivan Yuzyuk, the conductors were Roman Filipchuk and Yarema Kolessa. Later this position was held by Aidar Torybayev, Ilya Stupel, Taras Krysa. Since 2018, the orchestra has been cooperating with American conductor of Ukrainian origin Theodore Kuchar, who is now the main guest conductor of the orchestra. In 2006, the Lviv National Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra was awarded the title "Academic". In 2018, with the participation of this group, during the Myroslav Skoryk author's concert, the Lviv Philharmonic received "national" status. Since September, 2020, the Philharmonic has been named after this Ukrainian composer. The concertmasters of the orchestra are Honored Artist of Ukraine Marko Komonko and Mykola Gavyuk. The Symphony Orchestra of the Lviv National Philharmonic is a regular participant in international festivals. In particular, the International Festival of Musical Art Virtuosos, the international festival of contemporary music Kontrasty, the Ukrainian-Polish festival Discovering Paderewski. The orchestra has toured in many countries around the world, including Poland, Italy, Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, and China. Over the past few seasons, the orchestra has made a number of important recordings for major international labels, including Naxos and Brilliant Classics. The Lviv Philharmonic was inaugurated on 27 September 1902 in the Count Stanisław Skarbek Theatre, which was specially redesigned for the Philharmonic’s needs (today the building is home to the Mariia Zankovetska National Academic Ukrainian Drama Theatre). It was an excellent venue for public performances, as it had 1095 seats, a large moving stage (160 square metres), a concert organ, electric lighting, central heating, and fountains, a cafeteria, a restaurant, and a winter garden. Meet the Conductor Previous Next The multiple award-winning conductor Theodore Kuchar is the most recorded conductor of his generation and appears on over 130 compact discs for the Naxos, Brilliant Classics, Ondine, Marco Polo and Toccata Classics labels. He has served as the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of two of Europe’s leading orchestras, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine and the Janacek Philharmonic Orchestra (formerly the Czech Radio Orchestra) while also serving as the Principal Conductor of the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra and Slovak Sinfonietta. In the 2011-12 season he commenced his tenure as the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Orquesta Sinfonica de Venezuela and prior to that served as the Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra in Brisbane, Australia. His current positions include: Principal Conductor of the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine since 2022. Resident Conductor at the Kent/Blossom Music Festival since 2004. Artistic Director of the Nevada Chamber Music Festival since 2005. Chief Conductor of the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra from 2005 to 2012. Artistic Director of the Venezuela Symphony Orchestra since 2011. Professor of Orchestral Conducting at Houghton University since 2022. 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 Complete Concertos The foundation of the Philharmonic and its first decades “Lviv should be proud of its Philharmonic and rejoice that this truly artistic institution has put it among the first musical cities in Europe.” Jan Skrzydlewski The Lviv Philharmonic was inaugurated on 27 September 1902 in the Count Stanisław Skarbek Theatre, which was specially redesigned for the Philharmonic’s needs (today the building is home to the Mariia Zankovetska National Academic Ukrainian Drama Theatre). It was an excellent venue for public performances, as it had 1095 seats, a large moving stage (160 square metres), a concert organ, electric lighting, central heating, and fountains, a cafeteria, a restaurant, and a winter garden. The Lviv Philharmonic began its activities alongside the philharmonic societies and orchestras of Prague (1901), Warsaw (1901), Stockholm (1902), and Madrid (1903). The new musical location of the city was organised on the initiative of Ludwik Heller, Ludwik Czelansky and Henryk Jarecki. In 2006, the Lviv National Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra was awarded the title "Academic". In 2018, with the participation of this group, during the Myroslav Skoryk author's concert, the Lviv Philharmonic received "national" status. Since September, 2020, the Philharmonic has been named after this Ukrainian composer. The concertmasters of the orchestra are Honored Artist of Ukraine Marko Komonko and Mykola Gavyuk. The Symphony Orchestra of the Lviv National Philharmonic is a regular participant in international festivals. In particular, the International Festival of Musical Art Virtuosos, the international festival of contemporary music Kontrasty, the Ukrainian-Polish festival Discovering Paderewski. The orchestra has toured in many countries around the world, including Poland, Italy, Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, and China. Over the past few seasons, the orchestra has made a number of important recordings for major international labels, including Naxos and Brilliant Classics. The Lviv Philharmonic was inaugurated on 27 September 1902 in the Count Stanisław Skarbek Theatre, which was specially redesigned for the Philharmonic’s needs (today the building is home to the Mariia Zankovetska National Academic Ukrainian Drama Theatre). It was an excellent venue for public performances, as it had 1095 seats, a large moving stage (160 square metres), a concert organ, electric lighting, central heating, and fountains, a cafeteria, a restaurant, and a winter garden.

< 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).

< Back Previous Lowe Finney Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 21, 2023 WATCH VIDEO Lowe Finney is a freelance orchestral arranger, composer, and orchestrator. His works and arrangements have been commissioned and recently performed by the Jackson Symphony Orchestra (Jackson, Tennessee) and the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra (Savannah, Georgia). He writes and arranges for large orchestras, soloists, and choirs across a variety of genres, including classical, pops, Broadway, and holiday productions, as well as original commissioned compositions.

< Back Previous Sara Mahn Next Flutist Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall June 28, 2025 WATCH VIDEO Sara Mahn discovered her passion for the flute at age ten, inspired by its expressive range and capacity for storytelling. One of her earliest and most meaningful memories is playing Danny Boy for her late uncle, who encouraged her devotion to music by gifting her flutes. That bond of music and memory continues to shape Sara’s artistry today. By age twelve, Sara knew the flute was more than a hobby. Recognized for her talent by her teachers, she began private studies and soon distinguished herself as first chair flute in both her school ensembles and the regional youth symphony. As a high school junior, she won the symphony’s Concerto Competition, making her solo debut with the orchestra. Sara went on to earn her degree in flute performance, serving as first chair in both the Orchestral Band and Symphony Orchestra. In her senior year, she captured first prize in her university’s Concerto Competition, affirming her artistry among peers. While rooted in the Classical tradition, she has since expanded into Jazz and Rock, embracing a wide range of musical expression. In March 2025, Sara made her international debut at Vienna’s Musikverein and the Palace Coburg as part of the Winners Recitals of the Special Venue Music Awards. Audiences praise her ability to balance technical precision with deep emotion—hallmarks that make her one of today’s most compelling young flutists.