< Back Previous The Kaboff Cello School, Bow Lightlys Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 4, 2024 WATCH VIDEO The Kaboff Cello School – Bow Lightlys String Ensemble The Bow Lightlys have been featured guest artists at the World Cello Congress III (2000), where they participated in an internationally broadcast cello ensemble workshop with the legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma. This collaboration led to a cello choir concert at the Sixth American Cello Congress (2001), coinciding with Mr. Kaboff’s appearance as a guest lecturer. The ensemble has also performed at the Tennessee Cello Workshop (2014) and has been featured in live radio broadcasts in Washington, D.C. Their performances include concerts at the Embassy of France, the Almas Shriners Temple, and numerous local religious and cultural centers. Committed to community engagement, the Bow Lightlys frequently perform at charity events for the American Diabetes Association and bring music to senior living communities, sharing their artistry with audiences who might otherwise be unable to attend live concerts. John Kaboff, director & cellist A resident of Washington, D.C. since 1995, cellist John Kaboff has appeared throughout the region as both recitalist and concerto soloist at major venues including The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the United States Department of State, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Embassies of Germany, France, and New Zealand, the Church of the Epiphany, and Dumbarton House. He has been a repeat concerto soloist with the JCC Symphony Orchestra and the Landon Symphonette, and has performed with the Manhattan Symphonie at Carnegie Hall. His appearance at Strathmore in North Bethesda, MD was lauded by The Montgomery County Sentinel as “beguilingly lyrical” and in “top form.” Internationally, he has performed as a recital soloist in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Australia. In the 2023–2024 season, Mr. Kaboff appears as soloist and chamber artist with Los AnCellos, a Los Angeles–based cello ensemble; as guest artist at the Tennessee Cello Workshop; at Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall; at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; and with the South Florida Symphony. He also performs in chamber settings across Washington, D.C., Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New York. Mr. Kaboff is a sought-after pedagogue whose pre-college studio has produced numerous prizewinners in local and regional competitions. Notably, his students earned top prizes across levels in the 2016 Washington Performing Arts Society competition. Two students were prizewinners in the 2015 American Protégé Competition, resulting in Carnegie Hall (Weill Recital Hall) debuts. In 2015 and 2016, his students appeared in the Classical Spotlight Showcase for Maryland Public Television. Former students have matriculated at the Curtis Institute of Music, Indiana University, University of Michigan, Cleveland Institute of Music, and Mannes College of Music, often with substantial merit scholarships. They have held positions with the Baltimore Symphony, Austin Symphony, Aspen Music Festival, Castleton Music Festival, and various European orchestras. For nearly three decades, his studio ensemble, The Bow Lightlys, has performed widely, including a featured appearance at the Third World Cello Congress in an internationally broadcast cello ensemble workshop with Yo-Yo Ma, later followed by a cello choir concert at the Sixth American Cello Congress during Mr. Kaboff’s appearance as guest lecturer. The ensemble performs annually at the Tennessee Cello Workshop, has been featured on live radio broadcasts in Washington, D.C., and has presented programs at the Embassy of France, the Almas Shriners Temple, and numerous cultural and religious venues. They frequently perform at senior living communities and charitable events, including for the American Diabetes Association. Mr. Kaboff has served on juries for the Third World Cello Congress Master Class Competition, the Johansen International String Competition, and the Washington International Competition for Strings, where he served as Chairman in 2022. Under his leadership, the competition secured significant prize funding from private donors and organizations including the Maryland Lyric Opera, and arranged the loan of fine instruments for prizewinners through Christophe Landon Rare Violins and the Brobst Violin Shop. As a frequent guest lecturer, Kaboff has presented master classes and performances at the Flinders Street Conservatorium (Adelaide, Australia), the Purcell School of Music (London), Indiana University’s Summer String Program, Michigan State University, Longy School of Music, the Music Academy of North Carolina, and the Universities of Tennessee and Rhode Island. He served as Artist-in-Residence at Appalachian State University in 2011 and was a featured artist at the 2010 Tennessee Cello Workshop. He has completed Suzuki certification through Level 10 and was invited by the Suzuki Association of Australia to present workshops, master classes, and solo recitals in Melbourne and Adelaide. Kaboff studied with Janos Starker at Indiana University and with William Pleeth at the Holland Music Sessions and at the Britten–Pears Young Artist Programme in England. He also attended the Kronberg Academy in Germany, studying with Arto Noras. His teaching has been praised by internationally renowned cellists, including Yo-Yo Ma, and has been profiled in publications such as The Washington Post, The Baltimore Sun, The Washington Jewish Weekly, The Vienna Connection, and The Montgomery Journal. Yo-Yo Ma cited him as a superb teacher of young children in the biography Musicians with a Mission. Helen Z. Altenbach, cellist Winner of the 2014 Global Music Awards for her album Grieg & Prokofiev (TROY 1485), cellist Helen Z. Altenbach (also known as Xiaodan Zheng) is a member of the LA Opera Orchestra. A graduate of Juilliard’s Pre-College Division and the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, she has participated in leading summer festivals and training programs including the Perlman Music Program, Tanglewood Music Festival, Verbier Music Festival, New York String Orchestra Seminar, and the Pacific Music Festival. Ms. Altenbach received her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, after which she held positions with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Santa Barbara Symphony, Tucson Symphony (principal cello), Long Beach Symphony, and the New West Symphony. She is also a co-founder of Los AnCellos, a Los Angeles–based cello ensemble. Matt Armbruster, cellist Cellist Matt Armbruster has performed with the National Repertory Orchestra, the Castleton Festival Orchestra, the Icicle Creek Chamber Music Festival, and the Penderecki Academy Orchestra as principal cellist, collaborating closely with renowned composer and conductor Krzysztof Penderecki. He was previously a member of the 2013 San Francisco Academy Orchestra, where he was featured as a soloist in the second performance of Mark Volkert’s Pandora alongside principal members of the San Francisco Symphony. Mr. Armbruster is currently a member of the cello section of the Austin Symphony and is the co-founder and co-director of Tetractys New Music, an Austin-based concert series dedicated to commissioning and performing works by living composers. He has also been presented as a featured artist by the French Embassy in Washington, D.C., and has appeared as a soloist with the University of Tennessee Chamber Orchestra, Old Dominion Symphony, and the Landon Symphonette. His principal teachers have included Bion Tsang, Amos Yang, Anthony Elliott (with whom he completed his Bachelor of Music degree), Janos Starker, and John Kaboff. Jonathan Lee, cellist Jonathan Lee, 16, is a sophomore at Chantilly High School, where he performs in the Chamber Orchestra. He is also a member of the American Youth Symphonic Orchestra (AYSO). In 2023, Jonathan earned 2nd place in the Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association (NVMTA) Achievement Awards Competition for Strings and was accepted into the 2023 Northern Virginia Senior Regional Orchestra. He has participated in master classes at the Tennessee Cello Workshop (University of Tennessee, Knoxville) with renowned cellists Susan Moses and Ilya Finkelshteyn. Jonathan has been a student of John Kaboff since 2022 and is a member of the Bow Lightlys cello ensemble. Evangeline Gallacher, cellist Evangeline “Evie” Gallacher, 17, has been playing the cello for three years. Prior to focusing on the cello, she studied piano, violin, and percussion. Her favorite—and most recent—solo performance is Bach’s Concerto in G Major. Evie performs in the Chamber Orchestra at Falls Church High School (Fairfax County, Virginia), but her true passion is the Bow Lightlys cello ensemble. She participates annually in the Tennessee Cello Workshop, finding the experience highly enriching. Outside of music, Evie enjoys competitive swimming, serves as an officer in the National Honor Society, and is pursuing an LPN in her nursing program. Jorge Laboy-Bulancea, cellist Jorge Laboy-Bulancea, 15, has enjoyed music from an early age. He began classical guitar lessons with Roger Taylor at age 3 and discovered the cello in 4th grade. The following year, he joined the Capitol Symphonic Youth Orchestra and began studying with John Kaboff. Jorge has earned numerous awards, including 1st place in the Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association (NVMTA) Achievement Awards Competition for the lower string elementary division in 2021 and the lower string intermediate division in 2022. In 2023, he received honorable mentions in the Junior division of the Tennessee Cello Workshop competition and placed 2nd in the NVMTA Achievement Awards Competition’s lower string senior division as an 8th grader. This school year, Jorge has performed with the District 12 Senior District Orchestra and received an honorable mention in the senior division of the Asian American Music Societies (AAMS) Piano, String, Voice, & Woodwind Competition. Mary Gallacher, cellist Mary Gallacher, 14, began playing the cello in 4th grade, inspired by her brother’s long-time cello playing. She is now a 9th grader and performs in the Chamber Orchestra at Falls Church High School (Fairfax County, Virginia). Mary began studying with John Kaboff, quickly discovering a deep passion for the instrument. She has been a member of the Bow Lightlys cello ensemble for four years, performing in recitals and community events. Her favorite piece is Boccherini’s Concerto No. 3 in G Major. Outside of music, Mary enjoys spending time with family and friends, swimming on Falls Church’s varsity swim team, and reading. She plans to continue playing the cello throughout high school and beyond as a lifelong hobby. Carson Mitchell, cellist Carson Mitchell, 12, began playing the cello in his school’s beginner orchestra in 4th grade. He started private lessons with John Kaboff in December 2020 and has performed with the Bow Lightlys cello ensemble since 2022. In 2024, Carson participated in master classes and seminars at the Tennessee Cello Workshop. Outside of music, Carson enjoys playing basketball and flag football, and cheering for his favorite team, the Baltimore Ravens. Leo Gonzalez, cellist Leo Gonzalez, 13, is a student at Williamsburg Middle School in Arlington, Virginia. He began studying cello with John Kaboff in Fall 2020 and has served as principal cellist in both the Arlington Juniors and Honors Orchestras since 2021. Outside of music, Leo enjoys the beach and exploring underwater landscapes while scuba diving. Katherine Reskusic, cellist Katherine Reskusic is a 9th grader at George C. Marshall High School in northern Virginia, where she is pursuing the International Baccalaureate diploma. She has been playing the cello with the Bow Lightlys for two and a half years, and also enjoys other artistic pursuits, including photography, drawing, and architecture. Katherine likes trying new activities, and this year began running track as well as hobby-running with friends outside of school. She also enjoys studying Spanish and German. Shinjini Ray, cellist Shinjini Ray, 17, is a senior at Langley High School and has been playing the cello since the fourth grade. Shortly thereafter, she began studying with John Kaboff. She performs in her school orchestra and with The Capital Symphony Youth Orchestra (TCSYO). Shinjini received second place in the Senior Lower Strings division of the 2022 Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association competition. She hopes to continue playing cello throughout her life and to incorporate music into hospitals and a future medical career. Owen Koch, cellist Owen Koch, 15, lives in Fairfax, Virginia and is a freshman at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. He began playing the cello in third grade and currently performs in his school’s symphonic orchestra. Owen is a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, participates in Academic Decathlon, enjoys Automotive Engineering Club, and swims for the York Swim Club. Through his diverse interests both in and out of the classroom, he looks forward to continuing to grow his musical and academic talents throughout high school. Joseph Xu, cellist Joseph Xu, 14, began playing the cello in fourth grade, joining his school orchestra and later Chamber Strings. He began private lessons with John Kaboff in 2019 and has since developed a deep enjoyment of playing and listening to classical music. In 2020, Joseph joined the Potomac Valley Youth Orchestra and has twice competed in the National Federation of Music Clubs Festival, receiving Superior ratings both times. He currently attends Georgetown Day School in Washington, DC, and plans to continue playing the cello as a lifelong hobby.

< Back Previous Jacqueline Liu Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 24, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Jacqueline Liu, a seventh-grader from North Carolina, began studying piano at age eight under Florence Ko, a distinguished teacher recognized in the Steinway & Sons Hall of Fame. Jacqueline has earned numerous awards, including First Prizes in the NCFMC State Royalty Competition, NC Young Artist Auditions, American Music Talent Competition, and the State Maxine Taylor Fountain Award. She is a Grand Prize Winner of the 2023 Concert Artists International Competition and has performed multiple times at Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall. Internationally, Jacqueline has performed as a soloist at the Guangxi Culture and Art Center in China and with the Nanning Symphony Orchestra, receiving repeat invitations for her outstanding artistry. In 2024, she won first prize in the Peter Perret Youth Talent Search, performing with the Winston-Salem Symphony, and her online audition with the Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonics (FBM) Orchestra in the Czech Republic was highlighted by Conductor Gevorg Sargsyan for her delicate touch and mastery. In addition to piano, Jacqueline excels in vocal performance, winning international competitions including the 2023 American Protégé International Vocal Competition (Classical Repertoire Category), and has been selected for the NCMEA Honors Chorus two years in a row.

< Back Previous Olga Khroulevitch Next WATCH VIDEO As a child Olga began her violin studies with her mother, herself a noted teacher and performer who had studied with Auer’s student Miron Poliakin at St. Petersburg Conservatory and there received the teachings of the great Leopold Auer. Olga subsequently continued her studies with world-class teachers at St. Petersburg Conservatory with Rebenkov, and at Moscow Conservatory with Yankelevich and Bronin, an assistant to Leonid Kolgan. Olga’s pedagogical technique is firmly grounded in the great Russian School through the lineage of instruction from Leopold Auer and modified by her own experience in teaching young students. Olga came to the United States, having been awarded a special green card for extraordinary ability. She was a master teacher for several years at Levine School of Music and later opened her own violin studio in Virginia. Today Olga enjoys national recognition as one of the premier violin teachers of gifted students in the United States. If you or your child are interested in becoming part of the legacy of the great violin masters of the Russian School, Olga Khroulevitch is a proven teacher who is known for her extraordinary ability to combine technical skill and passion to make beautiful music that can transform your life. The journey is just beginning.

< 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 Previous Mike Raposo Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Mike Raposo is a versatile multiple-woodwind instrumentalist and educator based in New York City, performing on all flutes, clarinets, saxophones, and bassoon. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Hartford’s Hartt School of Music and a Master’s degree in Multiple Woodwind Performance from New York University. Raposo maintains a diverse performing career across symphonic, commercial, and theatrical settings. He regularly subs for Broadway shows and performs with the Waterbury and Hartford Symphonies. He has been featured as a concerto soloist with the Hartford Symphony, Hartt Wind Ensemble, and Tri-County Symphonic Band. As a founding member and baritone saxophonist of the award-winning Resurgam Quartet, Raposo’s debut album, Breaking Point, is available on all streaming platforms. He has also shared the stage with world-renowned singers, including performing the low reed chair for Aretha Franklin’s 75th Birthday Celebration at the Mohegan Sun Arena. A passionate educator, Raposo serves on faculty at Grace Church School and the University of Hartford, inspiring the next generation of musicians with his extensive expertise.

< Back Claire Eichhorn Clarinet/Chamber Learn More Videos About Clarinetist Claire Eichhorn, Artistic Director of the Ensemble da Camera of Washington , was born in Stuttgart. She has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra, Kennedy Center Orchestra, Baltimore Opera, Virginia Chamber Orchestra, Washington Concert Opera, National Gallery Orchestra and for ten years was a member of the Washington Chamber Symphony. She has been heard in many venues throughout the area including at the Library of Congress, National Gallery of Art, Corcoran Gallery, French and German Embassies, The Highlands Chamber Music Festival in Highlands, N.C. among many others. She has been a frequent guest artist at the annual Brahms Festival at Florida Atlantic University and among the artists with whom she has collaborated are members of the NSO, the Shanghai String Quartet, the Sistrum New Music Ensemble, cellist Tsuyoshi Tsusumi, pianist Judith Burganger(Claire's Mom!), and the Stratford Chamber Players. Ms Eichhorn recorded for the Vernissage Records Label. Her most recent CD, released Spring 2003, is dedicated to the composer Johannes Brahms. She and members of the National Symphony Orchestra - violinist Ricardo Cyncynates, violinist Jane Stewart, violist Nancy Weller and cellist Steven Honigsberg - perform the Brahms Clarinet Quintet. Ms. Eichhorn is a sought after teacher, both at The Eichhorn Clarinet Studio in Fairfax County ( www.claireeichhorn.com ) and as a faculty member of the Levine School of Music , where she spearheaded the Clarinet Workshop for high school students, an intensive one-week camp which ran for 10 years. She also led the development of the clarinet curriculum for Levine. Her students regularly place in the top chairs at District and State auditions. She is a sought after adjudicator, judging the Inaugural Sound Espressivo Competition , the NVMTA Concerto Competition and Woodwind Achievement Awards and the SidneyForrest Competition. Claire was instrumental in developing the Chamber Ensemble Program at the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras . Now in its 9th year, the program is highly successful and continues to receive support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Students receive coaching from the acclaimed Ensemble da Camera of Washington, have public master classes and are given performance opportunities throughout the year. On March 10, 2016, a quartet from the AYPO Chamber Ensemble Program performed in the East Landing of the White House for guests entering the Canada State Dinner, which was hosted by The President and the First Lady. Ms. Eichhorn is a graduate of the University of Michigan having also attended Indiana University. Among her teachers were Alfred Zetzer, Fred Ormand, Sidney Forrest and Bernard Portnoy. She also worked with Menachem Pressler, Rostislav Dubinsky, and James Buswell in Chamber Music. In 1983 she was the recipient of the Alfonso D’Emilia Award given by the School of Music at Indiana University. Previous Next

< Back James Welch Piano,/Music Theater Learn More Videos About Known for his performances on three continents, JAMES WELCH maintains an active career as a piano soloist, chamber musician, conductor and instructor of piano at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Fredonia School of Music. He was a prize winner in many piano competitions including the John Pierce Langs and the Bradshaw and Buono International. He has performed solo and lecturer recitals for the SUNY at Buffalo; the SUNY at Fredonia; Morgan State University; East Carolina University; Jamestown Community College; all throughout the Portland, OR area; Lucca, Italy; and festivals throughout southern France. His chamber music performances have been heard on the stages of the Rocky Ridge Music Center in Estes Park with the Southwest String Quartet and a premiere performance with saxophonist Grant Larson of Philip Wharton’s Prohibition ; the Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Music Society in Ontario with the Antero Winds; the Sydney Music Conservatorium in Sydney, Australia with soprano, Lianna Valente on the premiere performance of Dr. Timothy Brown’s Dreams Kept, Dreams Deferred ; the many stages of the SUNY at Fredonia with various artists and repertoire including John Corigliano’s Mr. Tambourine Man and Lukas Foss’s Time Cycle ; The Bop Stop in Cleveland, OH with The META Trio; stages along Italy’s Adriatic Coast with the Postacchini String Quartet; and his Carnegie Hall Debut in New York with violinist, Kaden Culp. His performances have been praised for his creative artistry by composers Lee Hoiby, John Corigliano, Eric Ewazen, Ian Clarke and Jason Robert Brown; to name a few. He has worked under the batons of Glen Cortese, Joann Falletta, William Weinert, Hugh Floyd, Joel Revzen, and Hans Schellevis. Additionally, he has played in workshops for William Eddins, Thomas Sauer, Renee Fleming, Giuseppe Sabatini, Victoria Clark, and Karen Akers. You can hear some of James’s performances with Jacob Swanson on their premiere recording titled, Invisible Cities . James is also an active conductor and director of musical theatre. Recent credits include: Sweet Charity, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Ordinary Days (the Buffalo, NY premiere performance); The Last 5 Years (in performance for the composer, Jason Robert Brown); Spring Awakening; Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson; Godspell (2012 version); Little Shop of Horrors; Little Women; Once Upon a Mattress; Annie Get Your Gun; The Pirates of Penzance; and John & Jen; with theatre companies Sierra Repertory Theatre in Sonora, CA; University of Fredonia in Fredonia, NY; East Carolina University; O’Connell & Company, and New Buffalo Productions. Concert highlights include: A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt with headliner Yesnia McNett; a revue of Jason Robert Brown’s music (with Jason Robert Brown), and a Broadway revue concert featuring singer/actor Keith Buterbaugh on the Chautauqua Institute’s Amphitheater concert series. Other musical and operatic credits include: The Pirates of Penzance, Pippin, Kiss Me Kate, The Sound of Music, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Urinetown, Chicago, Anything Goes, Don Giovanni, Suor Angelica, Così fan tutte, La Cenerentola, The Abduction of Figaro and Carmen. In recent years, James has arranged many workshops and benefit concerts to help support education, performance, and fundraisers. Highlights include: Workshops for singers and actors with Judy Kuhn (Disney’s Pocahontas); Tony Award winning musical director, Brian Usifer; an alumni piano recital to support endowments for the SUNY at Fredonia School of Music; and a church benefit concert which raised over $5,000 to build a self-sustaining medical clinic in LeCayes, Hatti. James also has over 20 years of experience as a singer, conductor, educator, and administrator. Currently he is the pianist for the Western New York Chamber Orchestra; and a collaborative pianist for the Rocky Ridge Music Center in Estes Park, CO. In previous years, he worked for the New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA) Choral Program; the Interlochen Summer Arts Camp; the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus; Director of many church music programs including choral, handbell, contemporary, orchestral, and instrumental chamber ensembles; and served as the board President for the Akron Community Band of Akron, NY.James received his MM in Piano Performance from East Carolina University, and his BM in Piano Performance and Performer’s Certificate from the SUNY at Fredonia; with additional studies in piano from Music at Ambialet (now Music at Chateau D’AIX) in France; and operatic coaching and conducting at the Accademia Europea Dell’ Opera (AEDO) program in Lucca, Italy. His primary piano instructors have included, Robert Jordan, Dr. Paul Tardif, Paul Roberts, Brian Preston, and Mark Westcott. Additionally, James has studied conducting with Dr. Daniel Bara and Simone Luti; voice from Beverly Panten; and stringed instruments from Holly Meides. “ Music is an artistic cornerstone that brings together math, history and art/imagery. It can be appreciated by many, but never be perfected. While performing, a musician must be able to simultaneously count beats, subdivide beats into duplets, triplets, quarters, quintuplets and beyond all within a steady pulse. Music highlights many cultures, many of our world’s biggest historical events, and continues to inspire stories, movies, dance, and social gatherings. Every student begins their musical training at different skill levels and varying abilities, and within any standard or curriculum there will always be varying results from one musician to the next. Some key ingredients to strong musical training include supportive instructors, supportive family, a disciplined practice routine, and much exposure to other musical artists. This combination will aid to produce endless musical possibilities. I am thrilled to be working with the Progressive Musicians team where I continue with the privilege of educating, encouraging, and rewarding musicians of all ages. ~ James Welch ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ James Welch is on the faculty for The SUNY at Fredonia School of Music as an instructor of class piano. He also serves on the faculty for the Rocky Ridge Music Center in Estes Park, CO, as a collaborative pianist. In past years he has worked on the faculties for the Interlochen Summer Arts Camp, and The New York State Summer School of the Arts Choral Program. He has performed for Peter Schickele, Renee Fleming, Lee Hoiby, Dawn Upshaw, Jake Heggie, Ian Clarke, Eric Ewazen, and Jason Robert Brown. Recent performance highlights include his debut at the Kitchener-Waterloo Music Society with the Antero Winds Quintet; his music directing debut with O’Connell & Company in Buffalo, NY; a premiere recording with euphoniumist, Erik Lundquist of a sonata from euphonium and piano by Neil Flory; a debut performance with violinist Kaden Culp in Weill Recital Hall in New York, NY; an album release titled Invisible Cities with soprano saxophonist, Jacob Swanson; the New York State premiere performance of Amanda Harberg’s sonata for clarinet and piano with clarinetist, Elizabeth Widzinski; and the Australian premiere of Timothy Brown’s Dreams Deferred at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. James holds a M.M. in Piano Performance from East Carolina University and a B.M. in Piano Performance and a Performer’s Certificate from The SUNY at Fredonia, with additional studies in piano at the Music at Ambialet summer piano festival in Ambialet, France; and in collaborative piano and opera at the Accademia Europea Dell’ Opera in Lucca, Italy. He was the second prize recipient of the 2007 Bradshaw and Bouno International Piano Competition. Teaching Interests Exercises and techniques that aid in the development of the fundamentals needed for rudimentary keyboard use in all the professional disciplines of music and the arts. Instrumental Repertoire, Vocal Repertoire, Opera, Musical Theater, Jazz, Rock, Pop music. Research Interests New and innovated beginning keyboard techniques. Studies from young adults that teach beginning keyboard technique and incorporate numeric and sequential analyses of exercises and physical movement. (This study is currently under trial/discovery and has yet to be titled) Theoretical Analyses and Historical Research of music, pertaining to the improved styling of practice and performance. Previous Next

Sound Espressivo is the first online LIVE streaming Competition for classical musicians of all ages. Contestants and judges focus on unique artistry of every performer, awarding prizes offered by music management companies. UPCOMING EVENTS Upcoming Live Broadcast All Categories Play Video Play Video 43:02 Virtual Concert Halls Interview with creators of "Hansel and Gretel", movie-opera by Bel Cantanti Opera, Guests: 4:44 Katerina Souvorova (Music Producer, Director) 12:27 Catrin Davies (Stage Director) 20:15 Ksenya Litvak (Costume Design, Puppets) 23:07 Genevieve Wall (Narrative Segment Writer) 32:13 Brydon Geisler (Video Director/Photography/Editor) 35:31 Eric Gramatges (Camera Operator) Filmed in October 2020 live the movie, Hansel and Gretel is a rare performance created in time of quarantine. Opera in costumes, staged. Sung in English with English narrations. With singers, puppets and a lot of magic. Interview with cast members watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZXtUefe3GM https://www.belcantanti.com/ Button Featuring the winners of the 2020 Sound Espressivo Competition. Sunday, March 28 @2:00 pm EST Sound Espressivo Competition presents Winners' Recital Donate here Watch here Featuring the winners of the 2020 Sound Espressivo Competition. Saturday, March 27 @2:00 pm EST Sound Espressivo Competition presents Sadie Goodman, flute Donate here Watch here Featuring the winners of the 2020 Sound Espressivo Competition. Saturday, April 10 @2:00 pm EST Sound Espressivo Competition presents Mio Imai, violin Donate here Watch here Featuring the Laureates of the 2020 Sound Espressivo Competition Saturdays, April 3 , May 1 , June 5 @10:00 am EST Piano Masterclass with Avguste Antonov For tickets and more information please click on each date above. Watch here Featuring the Laureates of the 2020 Sound Espressivo Competition Saturday, April 17 @2:00 pm EST Sound Espressivo Competition presents Ryan Huang, piano Donate here Watch here Featuring the Laureates of the 2020 Sound Espressivo Competition Sunday, April 11 @2:00 pm EST Sound Espressivo Competition presents Simon Yao, piano Donate here Watch here Featuring the Laureates of the 2020 Sound Espressivo Competition Sunday, April 18 @2:00 pm EST Sound Espressivo Competition presents Mira Kardan, cello Donate here Watch here Featuring the Laureates of the 2020 Sound Espressivo Competition Saturday, May 8 @12:00 pm EST Progressive Musicians Festival presents Winners in a live music Recital Watch an interview with the Artistic Director James Welch below: Music Works! Podcast Watch Season 1 OUR ARCHIVE BROADCASTS Saturday, February 13 @2:00 pm EST Circuit Bridges features saxophonist Drew Whiting Watch below: Drew Whiting presents the works of composers: Christopher Chandler, Alexis Bacon, Spencer Arias, and Monte Taylor Thursday, January 28 @2:00 pm EST Interview with creators of the movie-opera "Hansel and Gretel" Watch below: Guests: Katerina Souvorova (music director, producer); Catrin Davies (stage director); Ksenya Litvak (costumes, puppets) Brydon Geisler, Genevieve Wall, Eric Gramatges Sunday, February 7 @2:00 pm EST Unjustly Neglected Works For Cello And Piano Click here to watch the concert Igor Zubkovsky (cello) and Susanna Kolker (piano) perform rarely heard works by Haydn, Franck, Davydov, Kahn, Tariverdiev and Kapustin. Thursday, February 4 @2:00 pm EST Interview with cast of the movie-opera "Hansel and Gretel" Watch below: Guests: Katerina Souvorova (music director, producer); Kelly Curtin (Gretel), Ashley Kay Armstrong (Hansel), Max Zander (Witch), Daniel Neer (Father), James Brown (Sandman and Narrator) Thursday, February 18 @2:30 pm EST Mini Concert and reception Watch below: Igor Zubkovsky (cello) and Sousanna Kolker (piano) perform two short masterpieces for cello and piano by Mikael Tariverdiev and Nikolai Kapustin Saturday, February 27 @6:00 pm EST New York Chamber Players Please visit the fundraising page here Featuring the winners of the 10th Annual Concerto Competition. They are ages 13 to 16 and of the highest level. FIRST COMPETITION TO LIVESTREAM CONTESTANTS' PERFORMANCES IN REAL TIME Sound Espressivo Global Competition Join the one-of-a-kind classical music competition of the year that reinvents competing during these difficult times. Discover Competition Meet Judges First Classical Music Online Global Competition Win Prizes Reserve Your Spot Now for Fall/Winter 2020 Join Sign Up Announcing Winners at 12:00pm EST on December 13 first place winners Jade Chan, piano 10 & Under, Lyrical Hong Kong / SAR Joseph Yoon, piano 10 & Under, Lyrical USA, VA Mio Imai, violin 10 & Under, Virtuosity USA, PA Ryan Huang, piano 10 & Under, Virtuosity Canada Simon Yao, piano 10 & Under, Miniature USA, CA Matthew Brand, piano 11-14 Innovative USA, NY Mira Kardan, cello 11-14 Virtuosity USA, CA Avagail Hulbert, violin 15-18 Ambassador Recognition AwardUSA, MD Sameer Agrawal, violin 15-18 Lyrical USA, IL Ukki Sachedina, piano 15-18 Profound USA, CA Daniel Hughes, piano 19-25 Ambassador USA, UT Lourdes de la Pena, cello 19-25 Lyrical USA, VA Ka Long (Chris) Au, piano 26+ Ambassador Australia Maria Narodytska, piano 26+ Profound Ukraine / Germany all rounds are REAL-TIME No pre-recorded rounds. Everyone performs in real-time LIVE in front of a distinguished panel of judges and a world-wide audience Virtual Concert Halls Virtual Concert Halls delivers the most streamlined, hassle-free and cutting-edge live streaming technology experience. Our TV quality broadcasts are brought to you by Virtual Concert Halls , a pioneering start-up founded by internationally-acclaimed musicians and music technology and production experts. Visual Concert Halls ensures the best possible audio and visual quality and are committed to staying ahead of the game in all things live- streaming. Virtual Concert Halls Live Broadcasts hard-pressed to hire a recording studio? no need! First entry round is not your typical "best recording battle," but instead takes place online where you get one on one technical help before playing live. You then meet our judges and hear their feedback right away worried about equipment discrepancy making uneven playing field? We're leveling it All contestants must follow our parameters on equipment. For audio we only allow USB microphone and we require contestants to provide the exact brand and model that they are using so that judges can take variation in equipment into consideration when comparing contestants. Are steep entry fees a deal breaker for you? Pay only a fraction of the entry fee upfront. Don't pay for all the rounds before getting to them. Our Preliminary Round entry fee is only $75. Only pay the rest of the fee ($100) if you're accepted to the live show rounds! F.A.Q. What are the repertoire requirements? There's no specific requirement! We are a classical music competition so please choose repertoire accordingly, but we do not request specific pieces or time periods. Choose whatever represents your artistic merit best Do I have to play the same pieces in all rounds? There are no specific requirements for that. You can play the same pieces; or you can play completely different program; or you can play a combination of both. You decide everything about your repertory yourself. What makes this competition unlike any other? It's fully virtual with many innovative elements you can view above in the slides and boxes. Our Broadcasts are made using TV technology (NOT Zoom!) How do I know I'm good enough to compete? All levels are welcome to compete! With many categories to excel in and multiple age groups to win in, this competition provides one of the biggest lineups of winners and prizes out there. Do I need a recording to enter? No, all rounds are real-time and done online How do I perform with an accompanist? If you would like to perform with accompaniment, we recommend asking them to record the minus one (accompaniment part only) in the tempo that you're comfortable with. Please have a ready .mp4/.mp3 before coming for the Preliminary Round. We recommend using wireless headphones for playing and listening to the minus one as you perform. Of course, if the social distancing requirements in your country allow you to perform in the same space with your accompanist, go for it How do I know my equipment is good enough to compete? Visit the Sign Up page and scroll down to Technical Requirements for a list of things you will need to have a stress-free time in the tech check. If you already meet the minimum, apply with confidence. If not, we recommend finding the equipment online or borrowing from friends. All of these are widely available My teacher is one of the judges, can I still apply to compete? Absolutely! Your performance will be adjudicated by the panel which will EXCLUDE your current and previous teachers Do I have to win first place, to receive any prizes? Not at all! Prizes are offered by distinguished companies with vast experience in promoting performing arts which are experts in classical music. Each company will award their prize(s) to contestant(s) of their own choice. Their decisions may or may not match those of the judges'. Some companies may choose to not award their prizes Can I win money? Yes! Competition established a Prize Pool. We will be awarding all money received through contributions to the Prize Pool, to the winners of the competition. The amounts of each Award will depend on the judges' decisions, and on the amount of money in the Prize Pool Will my teacher get recognition? Of course! Your teachers shared their knowledge and inspiration with you! the Competition will recognize teachers and schools of every contestant on the Teachers page. If you win, your teacher will be invited to join the live broadcast and receive special recognition during virtual Awards Ceremony I still have more questions. What should I do? Scroll down to the Get In Touch section and send us your question by email directly. We will do our best to answer your questions there! Meet The Team Anna Ouspenskaya Pianist, Artistic Director, production coordinator Fedor Ouspensky Violinist Production Frane Rusinovic Pianist and supervising producer Igor Zubkovsky Cellist, co-producer, and social media manager GET IN TOUCH We'd love to hear from you email us here virtualconcerthalls.com

< Back Previous Hassan Al-Mufti Next Pianist Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall February 20, 2025 WATCH VIDEO Hassan Al-Mufti — Pianist, Composer & Educator Born in Baghdad, Iraq, Hassan Al-Mufti is an accomplished pianist, composer, and educator whose musical journey spans continents. After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Music from the College of Fine Arts at the University of Baghdad, he went on to study piano at the Music and Ballet School of Baghdad under esteemed Russian pianists Igor Chernyavsky and Agnes Bashir. Before coming to the United States, Hassan spent six years teaching and performing in Amman, Jordan, where his artistry brought him invitations to perform for the Jordanian Royal Family, foreign dignitaries, and members of the Diplomatic Corps. In September 2001, Hassan arrived in the United States as a refugee, finding a new beginning in Buffalo, New York. He continued his piano studies with Kenneth Atkinson at the Community Music School of Buffalo (CMS), where he later joined the faculty as a Teaching Artist and eventually became Chair of the Piano Department. Hassan’s performances have taken him across the Middle East and the United States, where he is admired for his expressive musicianship and commitment to music education. He currently resides in Buffalo with his wife, Jennifer.

< Back Dickran Atamian Pianist, artist manager Learn More Videos About Atamian’s career evolved from a highly-excitable young artist into the maturity of a statesman of the instrument where a prodigious technical prowess was fused with rare musical acumen to deliver electrifying performances and landmark recordings. In 1975, Atamian won 1st prize at the 50th Anniverary Naumburg Competitions at Carnegie Hall at the age of 19 – the youngest person along with William Kapell and Robert Mann , ever to win that competition. For most artists, a win at an international level competition changes their career; for Atamian it changed the music industry. The subsequent Carnegie Hall recital that followed featured a new solo piano transcription of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring by New York composer Sam Raphling. This daring new work for the piano was met with such universal critical acclaim that RCA Red Seal immediately signed Atamian to record the new transcription and a host of other works for their first digital release. Recently re-released on Delos, noted music critic Allan Ulrich writing for the San Francisco Examiner proclaimed: “Twenty years later, these remain 31 of the most exciting minutes of piano playing ever recorded.” He incidentally performed the only triple world-premiere [Carnegie Hall, RCA and PBS] in musical history of any major musical cornerstone 20th century piano work. A tour of the Soviet Union and a series of nationally televised PBS specials followed including “ An Evening with Atamian ” which won ”Best of PBS” in 1981 and “ Atamian Salutes Kapell ”. (Both specials are available on YouTube.) William Kapell’s venerable career and tragic death inspired Atamian throughout much of his own tumultuous career. He included Kapell’s signature concerto, the Khachaturian Piano concerto in his repertoire and recorded the work with the Seattle Symphony. With a major competition win, a landmark recording, and a tour of the Soviet Union, Atamian quickly established himself as a force to reckon with in the piano world performing nearly 200 concerts with orchestras including performances with the Cleveland Orchestra under Lorin Maazel, the Detroit Symphony, the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Pops, the Phoenix Symphony, the Seattle Symphony, major orchestras in Poland, Russia, Mexico, and South Korea, and orchestra tours with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He worked with some of the leading conductors in the industry including Gerard Schwarz, Erich Leinsdorf, Eduardo Mata, David Zinman, Sergio Comissiona, James DePreist, Gustav Meier, Victor Allessandro, Verner Torkanowsky, Jens Nygaard, Alan Hovanhess, Grzegorz Nowak, Enrique Batiz, Michael Morgan, and Joann Faletta. Adding to the list of orchestral appearances, Atamian performed on many leading recital series in the world’s great music capitols, among them Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall and Alice Tully Hall, the 92nd Street Y, Town Hall, Carnegie Hall in New York, Orchestra Hall in Chicago, the Kennedy Center and the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, Symphony Hall in Boston, Grady Gammage Auditorium in Phoenix, Salle Gaveau in Paris, Bellas Artes in Mexico City, Victoria Hall in Geneva, Town Hall in Sidney and the Great Hall in Moscow. He has also performed at the Aspen, Marlboro, Chautauqua and Ravinia festivals. His other recordings include the Prokofiev Third and Khachaturian Piano Concertos with Gerard Schwarz and the Seattle Symphony on Delos, CDs of the Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition, selective works of Chopin and four Beethoven Sonatas. Atamian has emerged as manager Atamian and in that role he is known under the trade name Jack Price who is the founder of Price Attractions , a concert management headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma with affiliates in several cities. Atamian lives there where he is actively engaged in the careers of the artists he now represents and in the lives of his two children, Sean and Annarose. Previous Next

< Back Previous Elizabeth Haydon Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall July 1, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Renowned for her commanding presence and luminous tone, cellist Liz has captivated audiences across the globe with performances marked by artistry, depth, and effortless virtuosity. A prodigy from an early age, she quickly rose to prominence on the European stage and was soon invited to perform for royalty. Remarkably, Liz made her radio debut at just twelve years old—only two years after beginning her cello studies—astonishing listeners with her rapid ascent and natural musical voice. Throughout her teenage years, Liz continued to appear as a solo cellist on radio and in concert, earning recognition for her expressive phrasing and sophisticated musical insight. Her artistic path has also encompassed a broad spectrum of work in the fine arts, including orchestral performance, music education, and interdisciplinary artistic projects. In addition to her achievements as a musician, Liz holds a Bachelor of Science in Physiology from UNSW and is celebrated for her groundbreaking scientific research, becoming the first scientist to link hyperinsulinism mutations to potassium flux and cardiac arrhythmia—an accomplishment that remains influential in the field. Now residing in Australia after completing her Medical Science degree, Liz continues to balance her scientific knowledge with her enduring passion for the cello. Her lifelong devotion to music and her rare combination of talents continue to inspire, uplift, and enchant audiences around the world.

< Back Previous The Boston String Academy Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Boston String Academy is a non‑profit organization inspired by the Venezuelan El Sistema model, which believes in music as a powerful vehicle for social change. The Academy provides rigorous string instrument instruction to children in underserved communities, helping young people build a solid musical foundation while fostering qualities such as sensitivity, responsibility, creativity, and resilience. The program removes financial and logistical barriers so that mastery of a string instrument is accessible to inner‑city families. Founded in 2012 by violinists Marielisa and Mariesther Alvarez, graduates of The Boston Conservatory and El Sistema programs in Venezuela, Boston String Academy offers three main programs in Boston’s Chinatown and Allston neighborhoods, serving more than 120 students from kindergarten through high school. The Academy has collaborated with internationally renowned artists, including Midori, Gustavo Dudamel, and Sir Simon Rattle. Its students have performed nationally and internationally and have been selected for major festivals and programs such as the Dudamel Foundation’s “Encounters/Encuentros” in Mexico City, Orquestra Geraçao in Lisbon, Festival Groba in Spain, LA Phil’s YOLA National Festival in Los Angeles, Boston University’s Tanglewood Institute, Sphinx Performance Academy, Greenwood Music Camp, and Dudamel’s residency at Princeton University, among others. In 2021, the BSA Youth Ensemble was chosen to premiere “Spring Cadenzas” for violin and strings, performed by Midori herself. Boston String Academy’s students have won the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall, and they continue to build strong connections with the wider musical community through collaborations, masterclasses, and festival participation. In recognition of its impact, the founders were named among the 100 most influential people for the Hispanic community in Massachusetts in 2016, and BSA received the 2019 Commonwealth Awards for exceptional achievement in the arts, humanities, and sciences. In 2023, the Academy was honored by the Boston City Council for its contributions to supporting and promoting Venezuelan culture within the city and the Commonwealth. Mariesther Alvarez DIRECTOR Meet the Musicians Ana Isabel Cardona Ana is currently a senior at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. She began her musical journey in Venezuela’s El Sistema at age six and continued her studies with Boston String Academy after her family immigrated to the United States in 2015. At Boston String Academy, Ana progressed through rigorous ensemble and performance training before joining the studio of Gillian Rogell at New England Conservatory Preparatory School, where she studies music theory and chamber music and serves as principal violist of the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. Ana has participated in prestigious programs and festivals including Greenwood Music Camp, Boston University Tanglewood Institute, Sphinx Performance Academy, LA Phil’s YOLA National Festival, and Longy School of Music’s Sistema Side by Side Orchestra, among others. She has also performed internationally through Pequeñas Huellas in Italy and Orquestra Geração in Portugal, and she will tour Greece this June with New England Conservatory. Her collaborations include work with renowned artists such as Midori, Gustavo Dudamel, José Antonio Abreu, Rictor Noren, Michael Casimir, Carol Rodland, Miriam Fried, Donald Weilerstein, Steven Laraia, and members of the Catalyst Quartet. In addition to performing, Ana is deeply committed to music education. She serves as a teacher assistant and private instructor through Boston String Academy, Continuo Boston, BSYO ICP, and Cambridge Public Schools. With Continuo, she also performs outreach concerts at senior centers such as Goddard House in Brookline and in other community settings. At school, Ana is a leader in the Latinx Club and participates in extracurricular activities including Modern Dance Company and debate, while also organizing and contributing to community events that celebrate cultural visibility. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with friends and family. Angelina Moy Angelina Moy began her violin studies in 2014 at Boston String Academy under the guidance of Marielisa Alvarez. She has performed with ensembles and organizations including the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, Nantucket Music Center, and Rockport Music. Angelina has also performed out of state and been selected for prestigious festivals such as LA Phil’s YOLA National Festival in Los Angeles and Gustavo Dudamel’s residency at Princeton University. In June 2021, her Youth Ensemble was chosen by Midori Goto’s Orchestra Residency Program to premiere Spring Cadenzas for violin and strings, performed by Midori herself. Currently a senior at Boston Latin School, a public exam school in Boston, Massachusetts, Angelina balances her musical pursuits with extracurricular activities, including editing for the school newspaper, competing in BLS powerlifting, and volunteering in her community at Chinatown, Boston Children’s Hospital, Tufts Medical Center, and the Boston Public Health Commission. Annabelle Lee Annabelle Lee is a violinist based in Boston, Massachusetts, currently pursuing violin performance studies with Markus Placci at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. She began her musical journey at Boston String Academy, where she studied for 12 years under Mariesther Alvarez, and participated in the Longy School of Music’s El Sistema Side-By-Side program as well as chamber music studies at New England Conservatory. Annabelle has attended prestigious music festivals, including YOLA National Festival, Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, Dudamel Foundation’s Encounters/Encuentros in Mexico City, Orquestra Geração in Lisbon, Portugal, and Festival Groba in Spain. She made her soloist debut with the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra, performing Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole. Currently, Annabelle works as a teaching assistant at Boston String Academy and pursues her interests in singing, composition, and visual arts in her free time. Annie Yuan Annie Yuan began studying violin in 2011 at Boston String Academy under Marielisa Alvarez and Anthony Morales. She has participated in numerous performances and collaborations, including Boston Conservatory’s Hemenway Strings, the Annual El Sistema Showcase organized by the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, Longy School of Music’s Sistema Side by Side Orchestra, Worcester Chamber Music Society’s ChamberFest, Point Counterpoint, and as a student at New England Conservatory Prep. Annie was selected for the National Take a Stand Festival in 2016 and for YOLA National in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. She has performed and worked with internationally renowned artists including Sir Simon Rattle, Gustavo Dudamel, Edicson Ruiz, Rictor Noren, and Lynn Chang. Currently, Annie works with the Community Music School of Boston in its community engagement program in the South End. She graduated from Boston Latin School in 2022 and is a freshman at Bunker Hill Community College. Anthony Morales Anthony Morales is the Orchestra Director at Boston Latin School and Boston String Academy, and is a highly sought-after musician in the Boston area. He trained under Eva Szekely at the University of Missouri, Columbia, where he held an assistantship in the MU Graduate String Quartet, served as concertmaster of the MU Philharmonic, and as concertmaster of the Columbia Civic Orchestra. As a violinist, Anthony has performed as a featured soloist with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra as the winner of their Emerging Artists Competition, as well as with the University of Maryville and Webster University, where he won the annual concerto competition. His honors include the Allen Carl Larson Endowed Scholarship at Webster University, the Catherine and Rogers Whittemore String Award, the Leah L. Emmons Orchestral Award, and the Zoltan Szekely Performance Award. Anthony currently performs with the Vista Philharmonic Orchestra and the Boston Festival Orchestra, and regularly accompanies top Grammy-winning artists such as Andrea Bocelli and Audra McDonald. In addition to performing, he is a dedicated teacher and conductor, inspiring students at Boston Latin School, one of the top ten high schools in the U.S., and Boston String Academy, the premier El Sistema program in the country. Anthony has participated in masterclasses with renowned musicians including Ray Chen, Sherry Kloss, Mimi Zweig, Donald Weilerstein, Paul Bliss, Julie Rosenfeld, Philharmonia Quartet Berlin, David Kim, Aaron Rosand, and David Halen, and has studied privately with Lucy Kaymakanova, Amy Oshiro, David Gillham, Eva Szekely, and pianist Daniel Schene. His energy, passion, and commitment to music education make him a uniquely inspiring mentor to young musicians. Bonnie Mai Violist Bonnie Mai began her studies in 2014 at Boston String Academy under the guidance of Marielisa Alvarez. She has performed in a variety of ensembles and collaborations, including the Longy School of Music’s Sistema Side by Side Orchestra, Boston Landmarks Orchestra, Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, Nantucket Music Center, and Rockport Music. Bonnie has performed both nationally and internationally and has been selected for prestigious festivals such as Kinhaven, Festival Groba in Spain, and LA Phil’s YOLA National Festival in Los Angeles. She also studies chamber music at the New England Conservatory. Bryan da Costa Cellist Bryan O. da Costa began his studies in 2019 at Boston String Academy, initially studying with Taide Prieto and currently under Michal Shein, Cello Faculty Chair at Boston String Academy and New England Conservatory faculty member. Bryan has participated in numerous performances and collaborations, including Longy School of Music’s Side by Side Orchestra, Boston Landmarks Orchestra, the Chineke! Orchestra, Nantucket Music Center, and Rockport Music. His musical experiences extend beyond the Boston area—he has performed both nationally and internationally and has been selected for prestigious festivals such as Orquestra Geração in Lisbon, Portugal, Festival Groba in Spain, the World Orchestra El Sistema in Caracas, Venezuela, and the Boston University Tanglewood Institute in Lenox, MA, among others. Currently a senior at Waltham High School, a public high school in Waltham, MA, Bryan continues his musical studies with Boston String Academy and through programs at New England Conservatory. He has also studied with cellist Allison Eldredge, an internationally renowned soloist and teacher. Camila Martinez Violist Camila Martinez began her violin and viola studies in 2015 at Boston String Academy under the guidance of Marielisa Alvarez. She has performed in numerous ensembles and events, including the Annual El Sistema Showcase, Boston Philharmonic Orchestra Gala, Longy School of Music’s Sistema Side by Side Orchestra, and collaborative performances with the Boston Landmarks Orchestra and Celebrity Series of Boston. Camila has had the privilege of performing for renowned international artists such as Yvonne Frye, Shaw Pong Liu, Midori Goto, and Gustavo Dudamel, and her Youth Ensemble participated in a masterclass with the Cuarteto Latinoamericano. Camila has been awarded full scholarships to attend prestigious programs and festivals, including Point CounterPoint, New England Conservatory’s BEAM program (where she studied violin with Magdalena Richter for a year), Greenwood Music Camp, LA Phil’s YOLA National Festival, and Festival Groba in Spain. She has also performed at the Nantucket Music Center and Rockport Music. Currently a sophomore at Boston Latin Academy, a public exam school in Boston, Camila continues her musical studies at Boston String Academy. In addition to performing, she volunteers at her school to raise funds, plays viola in her church, and teaches young children in her community. CJ Klinman CJ Klinman is a cellist at Boston String Academy (BSA) and an 8th grader at Boston Latin School. A passionate musician, CJ is a member of BSA’s Youth Ensemble and plays in the Elementa String Quartet alongside fellow BSA members. CJ has participated in programs and festivals including YOLA National Festival, Greenwood Music Camp, and Point Counterpoint, and has performed as a soloist with the Newton Philharmonic Orchestra as well as in smaller ensembles such as an octet. Through BSA, CJ has developed new musical skills, techniques, and meaningful friendships, embracing the opportunities the program offers to grow as a young musician. Estrella Sanchez Estrella began her violin studies in 2013 at Boston String Academy (BSA). She has performed in numerous ensembles and collaborations, including Boston Conservatory’s Hemenway Strings, Sphinx Virtuosi, Longy School of Music’s Sistema Side by Side Orchestra, Boston Landmarks Orchestra, and Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. Estrella has performed both nationally and internationally, and has been selected for prestigious festivals such as Orquestra Geração in Lisbon, Portugal, LA Phil’s YOLA National Festival in Los Angeles, NEC Summer Orchestra Institute, Dudamel’s residency at Princeton University, and Festival Groba in Galicia, Spain. In 2019, BSA received the Commonwealth Award for outstanding achievement in the arts, which included a side-by-side performance with members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In June 2021, her Youth Ensemble was selected by Midori’s Orchestra Residency Program to premiere Spring Cadenzas for violin and strings, performed by Midori herself. Currently, Estrella is a senior at St. Joseph Prep School in Boston, Massachusetts, and continues her music studies at Boston String Academy. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering at pet shelters and going to the gym. Fiona Yuan Fiona Yuan is a senior based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a dedicated violinist whose musical journey has been rooted in the Boston String Academy (BSA), where she first developed her passion for ensemble performance. At BSA, she serves as concertmaster of the Youth Ensemble, performing frequently throughout the New England area. The Academy’s students have been selected for major regional and international festivals, including Orquestra Geração in Lisbon, Festival Groba in Spain, and LA Phil’s YOLA National Festival in Los Angeles, among others. Fiona is also a member of the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (BPYO) under conductor Benjamin Zander, an acclaimed youth orchestra known for ambitious repertoire and international touring. With BPYO, she has performed at Boston Symphony Hall and participated in a “tour of possibility” to South Africa, engaging in cultural exchange concerts that underscore music as a force for social connection. Internationally, Fiona has represented the U.S. as assistant concertmaster of El Sistema’s World Orchestra in Venezuela, performing alongside young musicians from around the globe under the shared El Sistema philosophy. She has attended distinguished music festivals such as Interlochen Arts Camp, where she served as concertmaster of the World Youth Symphony Orchestra, Orquestra Geração, Festival Groba, and YOLA National Festival, where she sat as assistant concertmaster of the Symphony Orchestra performing at Walt Disney Concert Hall under the baton of LA Phil conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Fiona was the winner of the 2020 Longy School of Music Side by Side Concerto Competition and continues her studies with Mariesther Alvarez and Anthony Morales. She has participated in masterclasses with renowned artists including Midori Goto, Rictor Noren, and Lucia Lin. Outside of music, Fiona is active in writing and editing for her school newspaper and leads cultural and community service initiatives that celebrate arts and diversity. Gisele Francisco Gisele Francisco, a freshman at Boston Latin School, has been playing violin since the age of four with Boston String Academy (BSA) under the guidance of Mariesther Alvarez. She has participated in numerous summer programs across the country, including YOLA National Festival, Greenwood Music Camp, and Point CounterPoint. Gisele was a participant in NEC’s BEAM program for two years, receiving a full scholarship to study violin, chamber music, music theory, and orchestra under Magdalena Richter. While she has extensive orchestral experience, she currently performs in the Element String Quartet with fellow BSA members. Beyond the violin, Gisele enjoys exploring other creative pursuits in her free time. Jennifer Gamez Cellist Jennifer Gamez began her studies in 2015 at Boston String Academy (BSA) under the guidance of Michal Shein. She has performed in numerous ensembles and collaborations, including Ravinia’s National Seminario, Longy School of Music’s Sistema Side by Side Orchestra, Boston Landmarks Orchestra, Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, Nantucket Music Center, and Rockport Music. Jennifer is currently a sophomore at Central Catholic High School, a Marist college preparatory school in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and continues her musical studies at BSA. She also participates in school band. Outside of music, Jennifer is active in sports including cross country, track and field, fencing, and will begin lacrosse this spring. She also volunteers through a Marist mentoring program for young children and actively participates in school events and activities. Jiro Lind I have been playing the violin for the past five years, and through it, I’ve discovered a way to express my feelings without words, using music as my voice. I especially enjoy sharing my music while traveling and meeting new people, such as during my experience at Ravinia’s National Seminario in Chicago last summer. Beyond music, I enjoy sports like fishing and tennis, and I am part of a touring dance group. I also love traveling to new places, especially to explore and taste different kinds of food. Juna Yatsu Juna Yatsu is a 7th-grade student at Boston Latin School, an exam school in Boston, Massachusetts. She has been playing the cello since 2018, beginning at the age of seven, and currently studies with Michal Shein. Juna has participated in Longy School of Music’s Sistema Side by Side Orchestra, as well as performances and collaborations with Nantucket Music Center and Rockport Music, and has attended Kinhaven Music School. She enjoys playing music with her friends and exploring new opportunities to perform. Maienna Andersson Violinist Maienna Andersson began her studies in 2015 at Boston String Academy (BSA) under the guidance of Marielisa Alvarez. She has participated in performances and collaborations with Nantucket Music Center and Rockport Music, and has been selected for prestigious festivals including LA Phil’s YOLA National Festival in Los Angeles and Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music’s Summer Chamber Music Workshop. Notably, Maienna performed in a piano recital at Weill Recital Hall at the age of eight. Maienna is currently an eighth grader at Boston Latin School, a public exam school in Boston, Massachusetts, and continues her musical studies at BSA. In her spare time, she enjoys reading. Michal Shein Israeli-Mexican-American cellist Michal Shein is a performer and master educator dedicated to curating cross-cultural performance projects and intensive educational initiatives. She is the Artistic Director of Cellisimo, a high-level cello festival for Spanish-speaking cellists with limited resources, offering masterclasses with world-class faculty, wellness sessions, and community-building opportunities. The festival has been described as “one of the most important and unique festivals of its kind in Latin America” (Álvaro Bitrán, cellist of the Grammy-winning Cuarteto Latinoamericano). Recognized for her pedagogical approach, Michal nurtures students toward holistic and high-level musical advancement. Her students have won competitions and gained admission to top programs such as Tanglewood’s BUTI, Brevard, YOLA Festival, Greenwood, NSO, and the BEAM program. She is currently on faculty at Boston String Academy, New England Conservatory, and the University of Rhode Island. As a performer, Michal maintains a diverse career as a soloist, orchestral cellist, and chamber musician. From 2008–2013, she was Principal Cellist of the Discovery Ensemble, and she continues to perform with numerous Boston-area ensembles including the Rhode Island Philharmonic and Portland Symphony. Recent highlights include collaborations with the Celebrity Series of Boston and a new recording of Vivaldi sonatas arranged with guitarist Adam Levin, set for release in early 2024. Michal holds a B.A. in Music from UC Berkeley and a Master’s in Music from New England Conservatory. She lives in an intentional cohousing community in Jamaica Plain with her husband Jonas, an outdoor educator, and their children, Noam and Hadas. Mika Liu Born in Boston, Massachusetts, 13-year-old Mika is a violinist currently attending Boston Latin School. She began studying violin at age four at Boston String Academy (BSA), first with Marielisa Alvarez and currently with Anthony Morales. Mika has participated in prestigious festivals including YOLA National Festival, Luzerne Music Center, and New England Conservatory’s Summer Orchestra Institute. Noah Liu Born in 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts, Noah grew up immersed in Taiwanese and Indonesian cultures. He has been playing cello for nearly 10 years and has participated in music camps and festivals including YOLA National Festival, Ravinia’s National Seminario, and New England Music Camp. Noah is currently a sophomore at Boston Latin School. Outside of music, Noah enjoys soccer—playing for both his school team and an inner-city team—sailing, skiing, and powerlifting. He also works as a soccer referee. Richard Fang V iolist Richard Fang began his music studies in 2017 at Boston String Academy under the guidance of Mariesther Alvarez. He has participated in numerous performances and collaborations, including Longy School of Music’s Sistema Side by Side Orchestra, Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, and Rockport Music. Richard has also been selected to attend prestigious festivals such as LA Phil’s YOLA National Festival in Los Angeles. He is currently a freshman at John D. O’Bryant High School, a public exam school in Boston, and continues his musical studies at Boston String Academy. Scarlet Falcón Scarlet began her studies at Boston String Academy in September 2011 under the guidance of violinist Marielisa Alvarez. Within months, she demonstrated remarkable progress in violin technique and classical music reading. Over the years, Scarlet has participated in numerous performances and collaborations, including El Sistema Side by Side at Longy School of Music, Sphinx Virtuosi, Nantucket Music Center, Rockport Music, New England Conservatory, LA Phil’s YOLA National Festival in Los Angeles, and Festival Groba in Spain. She has also had the special opportunity to meet and perform with Gustavo Dudamel. Boston String Academy has nurtured Scarlet’s growth in music, arts, and cultural awareness. Despite a learning disability, playing the violin has strengthened her focus and cognitive skills. Scarlet continues to explore her creativity and hopes to pursue a career in the arts in the near future. Shu Yan Huang Shu Yan Huang is a violinist who began her studies at the age of 7 in 2018 at Boston String Academy. She has participated in performances and programs including Longy School of Music’s Sistema Side by Side Orchestra, Nantucket Music Center, Rockport Music, and Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music’s Summer Chamber Music Workshop. Shu Yan is currently in 8th grade at Boston Latin School, a public exam school in Boston, Massachusetts, where she also plays in the school orchestra. In her free time, she enjoys journaling and spending time with friends. William Parkes William Parkes began playing cello at age eight with the El Sistema Somerville program. In 2018, he joined the Boston String Academy Youth Ensemble, where he continues to perform. William has participated in numerous summer music festivals, including Point Counterpoint (Leicester, VT), YOLA National (Los Angeles, CA), Festival Groba (Ponteareas, Spain), and the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, studying extensively with Boston Symphony Orchestra cellist Mihail Jojatu. He was the winner of the 2020 Longy Side by Side Concerto Competition. William has performed notable collaborations, including the Vivaldi Double Cello Concerto in G minor with fellow cellist Bryan at the Shalin Liu Performance Center (Rockport, MA) in May 2023, and at the Hatch Memorial Shell (Boston, MA) in August 2023. He served as principal cellist of the YOLA National Festival 2023 under Gustavo Dudamel and is currently a member of the Rivers Conservatory Chamber Music Lab. William has participated in masterclasses with renowned cellists such as Joaquin Fernández, Jeffrey Ziegler, Mihail Jojatu, Alan Harris, Andrew Mark, Astrid Schween, Zlatomir Fung, and Inbal Segev. He is a senior at Somerville High School, studying cello with Michal Shein, and will debut the Shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 1 with the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra in April.