Music Blog and Catalogue < Back Joseph Russo During 2020 and 2021 Joe completed work on his Fourth Symphony, Fantasy for French horn and Strings and Fantasy for Trumpet and Strings…all awaiting their world premieres. Over the years Joe has composed many pieces for flute. Fantasy for Flute and Piano Joseph Russo 00:00 / 07:22 Music Blog and Catalogue Composer Joseph Russo studied with Robert Starer and Vincent Persichetti (among others) at Juilliard and with Luther Noss at Yale, attending composition/music theory classes at both schools. Russo has developed and continues to develop his own personal melodic and tonal compositional style. He has composed numerous chamber and orchestra works including “Elegy and Prayer” for Strings (1985), “Concordance” for Double Brass Quintet (1991) Flute and Oboe Concerto (1994), “Celebration” for Orchestra (1999), Triple Flute Concerto (2000), “In Memoriam” 9/11 - for Strings (2001), “Tribute” (2002) for Concert Band (commissioned by Northeastern University), First Symphony (2004), Kyrie & Gloria(2005) for choir and chamber orchestra, to name just a few. Russo’s First Symphony (2004) was premiered by Orchestra New England in New Haven on May 1, 2004. His Triple Flute Concerto (2000) was given its west coast premiere in La Mirada, California in October 2007. His Septet “Distant Light” for Flute, Clarinet, Harp and String Quartet – commissioned by the Fontenay Chamber Players – was premiered by the commissioning ensemble in April 2007 in Wilton, Connecticut. On November 2, 2008 Russo conducted the European premiere of his “Concordance” for Double Brass Quintet in Hanover, Germany. His “Mourning Mist” for Guitar and String Quartet (2008) was premiered at the Long Island Guitar Festival in 2013, his Four Pieces for Strings “Homage to Bach” (2009) was premiered by Orchestra New England in 2009 and his one movement brass quintet “Hannoverture” (2008) was premiered in Germany in 2008. His trombone quartet “Seasides” (2010) in three movements was given its world premiere in the UK. Joe’s Symphony #2 (2012) was premiered by Orchestra New England in New Haven in 2013. Joe was commissioned by the Palisades Virtuosi (NJ) to compose his Friendship Trio (2016) for flute, clarinet and piano – this piece was given its world premiere in November 2016 by the commissioning ensemble. His tone poem “New England Portrait” (2016) for chamber orchestra was premiered by Orchestra New England in February 2017. His Third Symphony (2016) was given its world premiere by Orchestra New England on March 9, 2019 in Battell Chapel in New Haven to celebrate the orchestra’s 45th birthday. In the fall of 2017 Russo was commissioned by flutist Helen Rosenblatt to compose music for the newly formed Connecticut Flute Orchestra – the premiere of his “American Robin” and “Mountain-laurel” for Flute Orchestra was given in September 2018 at Wesleyan University (CT). In 2018 Joe’s ballet music “New England Portrait” (…with the same instrumentation as Copland’s original Appalachian Spring ballet) was given its world premiere performance by Orchestra New England. In the summer of 2018 Russo completed work on three orchestra works: “Forever Young”, “Remembrance”, “Elegy” and “In Memoriam”. “Remembrance” had its world premiere along with his Third Symphony on Orchestra New England’s March 9, 2019 concert. His overture “Forever Young” was first performed at New Haven’s Memorial Day concert in 2019. During 2020 and 2021 Joe completed work on his Fourth Symphony, Fantasy for French horn and Strings and Fantasy for Trumpet and Strings…all awaiting their world premieres. In October 2023 Joe oversaw the recording of his First and Second Symphonies by the Navarro Symphony in Pamplona, Spain. On May 4, 2024 Joe’s Fifth Symphony will be given its world premiere by Orchestra New England in New Haven, Connecticut. Over the years Joe has composed many pieces for flute. Other samples of Joe’s compositions may be heard on his website: www.JosephMRusso.org Composer Joseph M Russo contact information: Phone: 203 226 1416 Email: JoeR12161770@gmail.com Previous Next

Laureate Gala Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall June 20, 2023, at 7:00pm EST Instrumentalists, Vocalists, Ensembles & Composers From Around the World Program Concertos and Arias with New York Chamber Players Orchestra Giacomo Franci , conductor Visit Carnegie Hall site for tickets for upcoming Gala concerts CONCERTOS BY Bach, Vogler, Haydn, Peskanov, W.A. Mozart, Chopin, Vivaldi, Mendelssohn, Glazunov Lutao Guo, piano Nahvy Baek, violin Amelia Xu, piano Julio Reyes, guitar Doron Hazan, saxophone Aria Zhao, piano Andrew Chukwuka Egbuchiem, voice Uno Yanagi, piano Anastasiya Squires, flute Louise Ting, piano Wenzheng Mu & Guangzhao Huang, clarinet duo Ben Batalla, piano SOLO PERFORMANCES: Vincent Yang Michael Kim Catalina Wert Sophia Zhang Yung-Hsuan LEE Sonya Wert Adriana Zarzu Ting-Yu Liu Elinor Dixon Samuel Rhoades Chinnawat Themkumkwun Venicia Rasmussen Francesca Bartolo Alexis Dyche Valerija Iljinaite Courtney Daniels Narmina Sultanova Dates and Deadlines CHAMBER ENSEMBLES: Aria Cheregosha &Lauren Spaulding, Viola Duo Teresa Laiz Monsalve & Marta Casas Vázquez, Soprano and Castanets Duo Nayoung Kim & Nayoung Lee, Violine & Cello Duo NEW COMPOSITION BY: Peter Dickson Lopez Gala Laureates INTERVIEWS WITH STEVE ROBINSON JUNE 19 in New York City Steve Robinson is an American radio manager, producer and executive producer. He has held senior management positions with numerous American radio stations, including WFMT and the WFMT Radio Network/Chicago, WBUR/Boston, WGBH/Boston, WCRB/Boston, KPFA/Berkeley, WBGO/Newark, Vermont Public Radio and Nebraska Public Radio Network.ork. Robinson served as general manager of the statewide Nebraska Public Radio Network (1990-2000) and WFMT and the WFMT Radio Network from 2000 until October 2016. A 50-year radio veteran, he has produced programs ranging from classical music documentaries to public affairs programs and has directed over 100 on-air pledge drives. In 1984, he co-founded AIR, the Association of Independents in Radio, a service organization to assist independent radio producers in the United States. Robinson wrote AIR’s first two successful grants from the New York State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. James Adler Audience Favorite AWARD $250 "It is very important to have the audience participate in this competition! It engages the listener and encourages our wonderfully talented contestants. I am delighted to co-found the James Adler Audience Favorite Award for the Sound Espressivo Global Music Competition. Sit back, listen, enjoy -- and please vote!" ~James Adler, Pianist and Composer Photo: Frank Gimpaya Repertoire Artists from Around the World Sample Compositions from All Periods of Classical Music Kaleidoscope of Genres, Instruments, Ensembles Age is Not a Limitation of Artistry! Performers are Aged 7-80 Age Groups snd Categories iClassical Academy AWARDS iClassical Academy provides Recognition Awards to Winners and Participants of Carnegie Gala Auditions We believe that anyone, at any time, should have access to the wonderfully beautiful world of music Our mission is to provide new generations of musicians, from any part of the world, the possibility to improve their skills and enjoy a wide audience iClassical Academy is based in Switzerland iClassical Awards International Panel of Judges Judges provide immediate on-air feedback to participants during the Live Audition stage. To learn more about the Judges, and to see their bios click here Laureate Gala! OUR STORY Laureates' Journey to Performance in New York Cit y at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall Hosted by STEVE ROBINSON, the world renowned producer of classical music radio programs SEE FULL BROCHURE Carnegie Auditions Play Video Play Video 35:56 Announcing Winners of Auditions for Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall Announcing Winners of Auditions for Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall held live on our previous Broadcasts on April 29 - May 2, 2023 Musicians were auditioning for an opportunity to perform at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, in Gala concerts in New York City. The Gala Auditions are organized by Sound Espressivo, Progressive Musicians, and Virtual Concert Halls. Auditionees from many countries are seeking guidance and support from the Judges, through live comments which you will hear after each performance The Sound Espressivo Global Competition is an online, live-streamed competition. It combines a competition and live performance experience. Progressive Musicians is an organizer of many competitions and concerts at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall. Virtual Concert Halls is an Internet TV broadcaster providing artists with a virtual stage and ability to reach audiences beyond the walls of conventional concert halls. The goal of these Auditions is to encourage, nurture, and reward musicians who are proactive about sharing their art and developing their careers. Sound Espressivo and Progressive Musicians together are providing opportunities for musicians to discover their unique artistic voice, take initiative, present themselves on their own terms, and carve out their own career paths. Thank you Judges! Gr 1 - Avguste Antonov. Masterclasses in Italy. Talent Summer Courses Gr 2 - Emil Chudnovsky Gr 3 - Vera Danchenko Gr 4 - Giacomo Franci Gr 5 - Giacomo Franci Gr 6a - Avguste Antonov Gr 6b - Avguste Antonov Gr 7 - Giacomo Franci Gr 8 - Giacomo Franci Gr 9 - Giacomo Franci Gr 10 - Avguste Antonov and Vera Danchenko Gr 11 - Gevorg Sargsyan and Emil Chudnovsky ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ These public broadcasts are brought to you by Virtual Concert Halls: Anna Ouspenskaya, Igor Zubkovsky, Frane, Rusinovich, James Welch, Fedor Ouspensky, Ante Bozc-Kudric, Chris Au. These programs are offered to public free of charge. https://virtualconcerthalls.com/ https://www.soundespressivocompetition.com/ https://www.soundespressivocompetition.com/ Play Video Play Video 02:30:17 Laureates Gala Auditions Group 11 Laureate Gala Auditions April 29 - May 2, 2023 Candidates present their chosen programs to International Panel of Judges, for an opportunity to perform at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. Instrumentalists, Vocalists, Ensembles & Composers. Concertos and Arias to be performed with New York Chamber Players Orchestra, Giacomo Franci, conductor. Program: Tuesday May 2 GROUP 11 12:00pm-2:00pm Recitalists Yiqun Zhao, Flute, United States 6:36 - Cecile Chaminade - Concertino for flute, Op. 107 Christopher Rocha, Piano, United States 17:54 - Chopin - Waltz in B Minor Op. 69 No. 2 Valerija Iljinaite, Voice (dramatic soprano), United Kingdom 25:20 - Tchaikovsky - Liza’s aria from queen of spades 29:50 - Rosephanye Powell - Dying from ‘Then, Here and Now’ Chinnawat Themkumkwun, Guitar, Austria 38:49 - Olga Amelkina-Vera (b. 1976) - Western Vista Vlad Krik , Composer/Pianist, Germany 1:01:49 - Vlad Krik - NEW AGE 2022 Marcio Candido, Violin, USA 1:14:41 - Paulo Bosisio Aboio - e Dança Negra for solo violin Sophie Lu, Cello, United States 1:33:40 - David Popper - Hungarian Rhapsody op 68 Janelle Bai, Piano, USA 1:47:30 - R. Shchedrin - A la Albeniz Francesca Bartolo, Voice (Mezzo-Soprano), London, United Kingdom 51:44 - G. Rossini - Cruda Sorte!….agio so per pratica Produced and presented by Progressive Musicians, Sound Espressivo, and Virtual Concert Halls Play Video Play Video 02:30:10 Laureates Gala Auditions Group 10 Laureate Gala Auditions April 29 - May 2, 2023 Candidates present their chosen programs to International Panel of Judges, for an opportunity to perform at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. Instrumentalists, Vocalists, Ensembles & Composers. Concertos and Arias to be performed with New York Chamber Players Orchestra, Giacomo Franci, conductor. Program: Monday May 1 GROUP 10 9:00am-11:00am Recitalist Candidates Courtney Daniels and Narmina Sultanova, Voice, US 14:22 - S. Moniuszko - Halka's Aria Bruce Leto, Jr., Piano, United States 29:30 - Maurice Ravel - Valley of the Bells Anna-Thérèse Mehra, Piano, USA Liszt - Un Sospiro Jelena Stefanic, Voice/Soprano, Croatia 43:37 G. Puccini - La Boheme / Donde lieta, Mimi's aria Neel Perdue, piano, USA 2:05:26 - E. Grieg - Wedding in Troldhaugen 2:11:22 - F. Liszt - Consolations Patricio Cadena Perez, Guitar, France 1:25:37 - Francisco Tárrega - Recuerdos de la Alhambra 1:29:30 - Antonio Lauro - Valse N° 3 Jed Wei, Piano, USA 1:47:33 - Franz Liszt - Liebestraum no. 3 1:42:44 - Frédéric Chopin - Nocturne in C# Minor Venicia Rasmussen, Voice, Germany 56:40 - Mozart - Come scoglio , from 'Cosi fan tutte' 1:03:30 - Puccini - Un bel del vedremo, 'Madama Butterfly' Produced and presented by Progressive Musicians, Sound Espressivo, and Virtual Concert Halls Play Video Play Video 41:47 Laureates Gala Auditions Group 9 Laureate Gala Auditions April 29 - May 2, 2023 Candidates present their chosen programs to International Panel of Judges, for an opportunity to perform at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. Instrumentalists, Vocalists, Ensembles & Composers. Concertos and Arias to be performed with New York Chamber Players Orchestra, Giacomo Franci, conductor. Program: GROUP 9 9:00pm-10:00pm Concertos and vocal works with ORCHESTRA Yiqun Zhao, Flute, United States Carl Philipp Stamitz - Flute Concerto in G major, Op.29 George Cheng, piano, U.S. 3:43 - Mozart - Concerto No.27 in B flat Major, K.595, III. Rondo Allegro Andrew Chukwuka Egbuchiem, Voice Countertenor, United States 24:50 - Antonio Vivaldi - Nel profundo cieco mondo 30:30 - George Fredrick Handel - Amor tiranno amor Produced and presented by Progressive Musicians, Sound Espressivo, and Virtual Concert Halls Play Video Play Video 01:30:54 Laureates Gala Auditions Group 8 Laureate Gala Auditions April 29 - May 2, 2023 Candidates present their chosen programs to International Panel of Judges, for an opportunity to perform at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. Instrumentalists, Vocalists, Ensembles & Composers. Concertos and Arias to be performed with New York Chamber Players Orchestra, Giacomo Franci, conductor. Program: GROUP 8 7:00pm-8:30pm Concertos and vocal works with ORCHESTRA Joel Chen, piano, United States 8:03 - Mozart - Piano Concerto No 22, Movement 1 Susan Dantoni and Jan Koler, piano/cello, USA 16:43 - Faure - Elegy Susan - Dantoni and Cecelia Guerra, piano/soprano, USA 27:30 - Samuel Barber - St. Ita’s Vision Julio Reyes, Guitar, United States 34:08 - Antonio Vivaldi - Concerto in D Stacey Stofferahn, Voice, United States 47:40 - Lowe Finney - "Longing" Lori Qian, Piano, USA 56:08 - Beethoven - Concerto No. 2 Allegro con brio Produced and presented by Progressive Musicians, Sound Espressivo, and Virtual Concert Halls Play Video Play Video 01:18:57 Laureates Gala Auditions Group 7 Laureate Gala Auditions April 29 - May 2, 2023 Candidates present their chosen programs to International Panel of Judges, for an opportunity to perform at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. Instrumentalists, Vocalists, Ensembles & Composers. Concertos and Arias to be performed with New York Chamber Players Orchestra, Giacomo Franci, conductor. Program: GROUP 7 5:30pm-7:00pm Concertos and vocal works with ORCHESTRA Elaine Sara Lim, Piano, United States 7:36 - Mozart - Piano Concerto in A Major K488, 3rd Movement Harry Chen, Piano, United States 24:26 - Kabalevsky - Piano Concerto No 3 (Youth Concerto) in D Major, 2nd Movement Louise Ting, Piano, USA 37:33 - J. Haydn - Concerto in C major Tristan Zhu, violin, United States Ludwig van Beethoven - Violin concerto in D Major, Mvt 1 Sofia Baturina, Piano, USA 57:10 - Saint Saëns - Piano Concerto No. 2 Olivia Zhang, Piano, United States 47:48 - Haydn - Concerto in D Major, Mvt III, Rondo all'ongharese-Allegro assai Produced and presented by Progressive Musicians, Sound Espressivo, and Virtual Concert Halls Play Video Play Video 01:28:58 Laureates Gala Auditions Group 6B Laureate Gala Auditions April 29 - May 2, 2023 Candidates present their chosen programs to International Panel of Judges, for an opportunity to perform at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. Instrumentalists, Vocalists, Ensembles & Composers. Concertos and Arias to be performed with New York Chamber Players Orchestra, Giacomo Franci, conductor. Produced and presented by Progressive Musicians, Sound Espressivo, and Virtual Concert Halls Program: GROUP 6b 2:30pm-4:30pm Piano Recitalists Ximurong Zhai, Piano, Canada 10:53 - Charles Griffes - Fantasy Pieces - Scherzo Vignesh Rajagopalan, Piano, United States 20:36 - Mozart - Sonata No. 11 in A Minor,, K. 331 Tiger Stepinski, piano, USA 28:47 - Sergei Rachmaninoff - Etude OP 39 NO 6 Andrew Khayms, Piano, USA 36:15 - Chopin - Polonaise in D minor, Op. 71 No. 1 Daniel Lee, Piano/Composition, US 52:40 - Daniel Lee - Rise William Sun, Piano, US 1:01:02 - Fazil - Summer time Variations Bonnie Zhou, Piano, United States 1:11:10 - Michael Glinka - The Nightingale Variation Play Video Play Video 01:20:19 Laureates Gala Auditions Group 6A Laureate Gala Auditions April 29 - May 2, 2023 Candidates present their chosen programs to International Panel of Judges, for an opportunity to perform at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. Instrumentalists, Vocalists, Ensembles & Composers. Concertos and Arias to be performed with New York Chamber Players Orchestra, Giacomo Franci, conductor. Program: GROUP 6a 12:00pm-2:00pm Piano Recitalists Jia Li, Piano, USA 10:48 - Chopin - Nocturne Op. 9. No. 2 in Eb Major 14:59 - Mozart - Rondo Alla Turca Maggie Chen, Piano, United States 21:37 - MacDowell - Witches Dance Kristina Henckel and Amanda Virelle, Piano Duo, United States 29:01 - Sergei Rachmaninoff - Barcarolle from Six Pieces Op. 11 Antian Jiang, Piano, Canada 41:20 - Franz Liszt - La Campanella in G-sharp minor Alexis Dyche, Piano, USA 52:02 - Frederic Chopin - Impromptu, Opus 29 56:03 - Aaron Copland - The Cat and the Mouse Erin Chen, Piano, United States 1:05:52 - Chopin - Fantaisie-Impromptu In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 66 Produced and presented by Progressive Musicians, Sound Espressivo, and Virtual Concert Halls Previous Gala videos The New York Chamber Players Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Giacomo Franci is featuring world class soloists from US, Europe, Canada, Asia Premieres of newly composed works; recital soloists, and ensembles. SPECIAL GUESTS Maestro Giacomo Franci Music Director of New York Chamber Players Orchestra Alexander Peskanov Pianist, Composer Steve Robinson Honorary Host James Adler James Adler Audience Favorite Award James Adler Audience Favorite Award Jennifer Wang Gala Staff Collaborative Pianist Jennifer Wang, piano is a pianist, professional accompanist and collaborator based in New York and the DC area as well as Program Coordinator and Administrator Assistant at the Summit Music Festival. She received her Master Manhattan School of Music, New York, Jennifer has won numerous competitions, both in solo and chamber, performing at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, Merkin Concert Hall in NY, Palazzo del Priori in Italy, DiCapo Opera Theater in New York, Embassy of Italy, Mexican Cultural Institute, Lyceum in Alexandria, featured on Cable TV: A Holiday Recital, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Netherlands Embassy, Alden Theater Music Friends Concert, and the Kimmel Center in PA as well as giving a lecture-concert in Wuhan, China. Meet the Gala Performers

< Back Previous Joanna Chow Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 24, 2025 WATCH VIDEO Joanna Chow began her musical journey at the age of four, discovering a deep connection to the piano early in life. At nine, a new passion for tennis led her to train full-time, temporarily stepping away from music to pursue excellence in sport. Yet, her love for the piano never faded. Now 23, Joanna has returned to her first calling with renewed purpose and dedication. For nearly two years, she has been studying under the guidance of Dr. Anna Ouspenskaya, refining her artistry and preparing to share her music with audiences. Drawing on the discipline and focus developed through years of athletic training, Joanna brings a unique blend of strength, sensitivity, and creativity to her performances. She is committed to building a career as a performing artist, inspired to connect with others and to share her journey through music.

< Back Kabalevsky Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Major The Piano Concerto No. 3 in D major , Op. 50 (subtitled Youth ) by Russian composer Dmitri Kabalevsky is one of three concertos (the others are for violin and cello) written for and dedicated to young performers within the Soviet Union in 1952, and is sometimes performed as a student's first piano concerto. This sunny and tuneful piece manages to combine effective apparent pianistic pyrotechnics whilst keeping it within the range of ability of a keen student. Listen Dmitri Kabalevsky - The Piano Concerto No. 3 in D major, Op. 50 I. Allegro molto II. Andante con moto III. Presto Kate Yunseo Lee (Piano soloist) Kate Yunseo Lee , a fifth-grade student at St. Leo the Great Catholic School in Fairfax, VA, began her piano journey at the age of 4 under the tutelage of Dr. Anna Ouspenskaya, alongside music theory lessons from Fedor Ouspensky. Kate performed Yuri Polunin's Piano Concerto in A minor with the New York Chambers Players Orchestra and maestro Giacomo Franci at Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall, in November 2022. Kate has had the privilege of performing multiple times at Weill Recital Hall and Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, including as an American Protégé Judges’ Distinction Award winner in 2019 and a First- Place winner in the American Protégé International Competition of Romantic Music in the same year. In 2024, she achieved second place at the Piano Concerto Festival hosted by the Northern Virginia Music Teacher Association. Additionally, she won first place in the American Fine Arts Festival Concerto Competition in 2023, participating in the winner’s recital at Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall, the same year. Gevorg Sargsyan (Conductor) Hailed as "... one of the most inspiring artists of his generation." Gevorg Sargsyan is a Singapore based conductor and music director from Armenia. Recipient of Sir Georg Solti Award, he has been guest conductor in various venues around the world with different orchestras including Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra, Armenian National Opera as well as ballet productions, Jayakarta Symphonic Orchestra, Orquesta Carlos Chavez, among others. Gevorg studied in his native Armenia at the Yerevan State Conservatory and later continued in Vienna Conservatory (Austria) and Goldsmiths College of Music (London - UK). After moving to Asia, he is combining his career between conducting and running masterclasses and lectures. He is a visiting professor of the University of Philippines College of Music and is regularly guest-lecturing in various educational establishments across South East Asia. Gevorg is also a member of adjudication panels of various festivals and music competitions. He worked as a music director of Madison Academy of Music and SCGS String Orchestra in Singapore. He has recently been appointed an Artistic Director of Saudi Music Hub with the Ministry of Culture in Saudi Arabia. Published by Cicerone Music and Art (CiMA) Previous Next

< 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 Ka Long (Chris) Au Piano, Program Host, Board Member, Social Media Manager Learn More Videos About As of December 2021, Chris Au is a multiple prize winner of the 2021 Sydney Eisteddfod: in particular, earning 1st Prize in the all the Open Age categories of Chopin Piano, 19th Century Piano, and Russian Piano. In August 2021, the Young Concert Artists International Piano Competition of the WPTA Thailand awarded Chris with the Gold Award and WPTA Thailand Artist Award for his performances of Beethoven and Chopin. Celebrated for his ‘intimate dialogue between him…and the audience’ (Barrie Examiner), Chris Au is a 1st Prizewinner of the 2020 Sound Espressivo Global Competition (specializing in the Music Ambassador Category), Prizewinner of the 2020 Texas State International Piano Concerto Competition, Semi-Finalist of the 2020 Maestro Art Taiwan International Piano Competition, and Prizewinner of the 2016 Shean Piano Competition. Since his return to Sydney, he has presented Charity Concerts to raise money for Arthritis NSW and raise awareness to Auto-Immune Chronic Diseases and to encourage others who may be suffering. So far, he has raised over $4000. His virtual concerts with Virtual Concert Halls and Polyphony Arts have been internationally acclaimed. Most recently, he was invited by the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC to perform at the New South Wales Government House. Chris Au was born in Hong Kong and raised in Sydney, Australia. He began serious studies at the age of 14 upon his acceptance in the studio of renowned Australian pedagogue Margaret Hair. Since studying with her, Chris received accolades such as 1st Prize in the 2010 Sydney Eisteddfod Recital Award and at the Parramatta Eisteddfod. His progress was significantly hindered for a few years when he was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 16. Under the care of Dr. Jeffrey Chaitow, he continues to take fortnightly biologic injections to keep the condition under control. His first musical experience overseas brought him to Germany, where he won the Audience 1st Prize at the 2010 Klaviersommer Bad Bertrich whilst under the tutelage of Professor John Perry. Inspired by this experience, Chris began to pursue a career in music. Chris began his Undergraduate studies at The Colburn School with Ory Shihor, and continued them John Perry and David Louie at the Glenn Gould School of Music of the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto. There, he also attained his Artist Diploma. During that time, he was generously sponsored by the Full-Tuition Joan and Jerry Lozinski Scholarship, and has performed in Koerner Hall. In May of 2020, Chris completed his Masters of Music Degree with Jean Saulnier and Jeanne Amiele at the University of Montreal. He is currently pursuing his D.E.P.A. at the University of Montreal with Jean Saulnier and Charles Richard-Hamelin. He has won scholarships to many summer festivals including the Banff Centre, the Orford Music Festival, the John Perry Academy, the Gijon International Piano Festival, the International Holland Music Sessions, and the Kawai Sydney International Piano Festival. He has had the great opportunity to work in Masterclasses with legendary artists such as Menahem Pressler, Leon Fleisher, Richard Goode, Krzysztof Jablonski, Daniel Shapiro, Anton Nel, Andre Leplante, Marc Durand, Marietta Orlov, and Robert McDonald. His inspired performances have secured multiple re-engagements particularly at the Barrie Concert Association, where he is a regular guest artist of the Midday with Shigeru Concert Series, as well as their Pianofest. He is also a regular guest artist at both Concerts@100 of Toronto and Clearly Musical Home Concerts. Chris also works at Virtual Concert Halls as Live Broadcast Host, Social Media Manager, and Judge of the 2021 Sound Espressivo Global Competition. https://chrisaupiano.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCol9jU9Ae8crNLSMj-h76qQ Previous Next

< Back Previous Grace Cho Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Grace Cho is a freshman at Lynbrook High School who began playing piano at the age of seven. She has earned recognition in several competitions, including the US Open Music Competition, California Association of Professional Music Teachers (CAPMT) Competition, and the Pelican International Music Competition in both Baroque and Contemporary categories. Grace was also invited to perform at the MTAC State Convention after receiving branch and state honors through the Certificate of Merit program. In addition to piano, Grace plays the flute and enjoys art and field hockey.

< Back Previous Gianluca Greco Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 24, 2025 WATCH VIDEO Gianluca J. Greco is a distinguished flutist, conductor, concert performer, and educator whose multifaceted career spans more than 25 years across Italy and abroad. He graduated in Musical Disciplines with concentrations in Interpretation and Composition, Music Education, Flute, and Orchestral Conducting, and serves as a lecturer at Music High Schools and State Conservatories throughout Italy. As a concert performer, Gianluca has appeared as soloist, chamber musician, and music director, earning numerous national and international awards. He has collaborated with some of Italy’s most renowned concert institutions, performing in prestigious venues including the Teatro Regio di Torino, Teatro alla Scala di Milano, and Teatro La Fenice di Venezia. Winner of the First Prize at the Three-Year Specialization Course held by Maestro Angelo Persichilli at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia (AIF, Rome), Gianluca has conducted many leading orchestras, among them: The Symphony Orchestra of Milan The Symphony Orchestra of the Goldoni Theatre of Livorno The Symphony Orchestra of Sanremo The Orchestra of the Musical Institution “O. Respighi” The Symphony Orchestra of the Accademia Pescarese The Symphony Orchestra of Benevento Eufoniarchè The International Symphony Orchestra of Campania The Symphony Orchestra of the City of Grosseto The Symphony Orchestra of the Mediterranean The Symphony Orchestra 131 of Basilicata The Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra of Bari Former Artistic and Musical Director of the “Giuseppe Ragni” Philharmonic of Termoli, Gianluca founded the Molise Symphony Orchestra in 2003 — a symphonic institution under private law of the Molise Region — with which he has toured extensively throughout Europe. His repertoire embraces a vast range of styles, from Baroque to contemporary, encompassing major symphonic and operatic works. He has made numerous recordings and televised performances in collaboration with RAI and RAI Sat International. Gianluca J. Greco currently serves as Associate Music Director of the Symphony Orchestra of the Goldoni Theatre in Livorno.

< Back Previous Aida Mastrodonato Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 24, 2025 WATCH VIDEO Aida Mastrodonato is an accomplished soprano, singing teacher, concert performer, and educator from Italy. She holds a degree in Musical Disciplines with specializations in Interpretation and Composition, Music Education, Singing, and Social Sciences, and serves as a Music Education teacher at the Ministry of Education and Merit. With over 20 years of concert experience, Aida has performed extensively as a soloist, chamber musician, and artistic director of cultural events, concert seasons, and music courses. From 2002 to 2022, she held the position of President of both the Civic Music School of Molise and the Molise Symphony Orchestra, leading the latter on tours throughout Italy and abroad. A laureate of numerous national and international music competitions, Aida has collaborated with major concert institutions and appeared in prestigious Italian theaters. A versatile and inquisitive artist, her repertoire spans Baroque, Classical, and Romantic opera and chamber music, as well as jazz. She has performed leading roles in celebrated operas such as La Traviata, Rigoletto, Tosca, La Bohème, Gianni Schicchi, L’Elisir d’Amore, and Cavalleria Rusticana. In addition to her performing career, Aida is deeply engaged in the study of music therapy and art therapy. Her thesis in music therapy reflects her enduring interest in exploring how music serves as a powerful tool for both artistic expression and personal growth.

< Back Capital Trio Capital Piano Trio was founded in 2001 in the United States by three young Russian-born musicians, all of whom have received international acclaim as soloists. Anna Ouspenskaya, piano David Chernyavsky, violin Igor Zubkovsky, cello Mendelssohn - Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor, Op. 66 I. Allegro energico e con fuoco II. Andante espressivo III. Scherzo: Molto allegro quasi presto IV. Finale: Allegro appassionato Babajanian - Piano Trio in F-sharp minor (1952) I. Largo - Allegro espressivo II. Andante III. Allegro vivace Listen Capital Piano Trio (formerly known as Trio Moskva) was founded in 2001 in the United States by three young Russian-born musicians, all of whom have received international acclaim as soloists. The trio gave a series of six concerts of all-Beethoven programs at the Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum and was a part of the Musical Evening Series at the Corcoran Gallery; was invited to the prestigious Trondheim Chamber Music Festival in Norway and made their Kennedy Center debut in 2002. The trio performs extensively in Washington, D.C. and throughout the United States. Pianist Anna Ouspenskaya is a Second Prize Winner of the Bach International Competition in Washington, D.C. She has concertized throughout nearly twenty states, as well as Europe. She appeared as a soloist with major symphony orchestras of the former USSR, and on major venues including Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center. She has been a long-time faculty member at the Levine School of Music and has two solo CDs to her credit. Violinist  David Chernyavsky  has won several competitions in Russia, France, and the US. As a member of St. Petersburg String Quartet, he participated in such famous music festivals as Mainly Mozart, Great Lakes Music Festival, Albuquerque Music Festival, Musica Mundi (Belgium) and many others. David has performed and taught master classes throughout the United States, Mexico, all over Europe, Israel, and Japan.  He is currently a member of San Francisco Symphony, and before that he held the position of Assistant Concertmaster with the Washington National Opera Orchestra. Cellist Igor Zubkovsky is the Grand Prix winner of the Tansman International Competition in Poland. As a member of the Brahms Trio in Moscow, he won Second Prize at the Trapani, Italy, and First Prize at the Weimar Germany International Chamber Music Competitions. He has been recorded on numerous CDs, both as a soloist and a chamber musician. He is the author of numerous arrangements and transcriptions of duets and trios featuring the cello. Photo Credit: Anastasia Chernyavsky Published by Cicerone Music and Art (CiMA) Previous Next

Louisa Valentina Schewe < Back Louisa Valentina Schewe Previous Next Louisa Valentina Schewe Germany VIOLINIST Louisa Valentina has been playing the violin since the age of 6 years. She was a student of Ralf Kröger and is now a student of Stephanie Lichtmess in Hannover, Germany. She won several first prizes in national and international competitions and had master classes with Prof. Luz Leskowitz (Salzburg), Prof. Maria Egelhof (Lübeck) and Christin Blumenstein (Weimar). Louisa Valentina holds a scholarship at the Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien in Hannover.

< Back Previous Chris Au Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 21, 2023 WATCH VIDEO Celebrated for his “intimate dialogue between him…and the audience” (Barrie Examiner), pianist Chris Au is a 1st Prizewinner of the 2020 Sound Espressivo Global Competition (Music Ambassador Category), Prizewinner of the 2020 Texas State International Piano Concerto Competition, Prizewinner of the 2016 Shean Piano Competition, and Semi-Finalist of the 2020 Maestro Art Taiwan International Piano Competition. Most recently, he performed and competed in Rexxam Hall at the 2023 Takamatsu International Piano Competition. Highlights of 2023 included a Fellowship and Artistic Residency at the Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance under the mentorship of Steven Isserlis, James Somerville, and Jane Coop. He made his concerto debut with the premiere movement of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 with the Central Texas Philharmonic during the Texas State International Piano Festival and was later invited by Orford Musique to perform for Bill and Hillary Clinton at Manoir Hovey. In November 2023, Chris made his Carnegie Hall debut performing the Finale of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 with the New York Chamber Players Orchestra conducted by Maestro Giacomo Franci. Born in Hong Kong and raised in Sydney, Australia, Chris began formal studies at age 14 with renowned pedagogue Margaret Hair. He went on to win top prizes at the Sydney and Parramatta Eisteddfods. At 16, his musical development was interrupted when he was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis; under the care of Dr. Jeffrey Chaitow, ongoing biological treatment now keeps his condition under control. Chris’s first international engagement took him to Germany, where he won the Audience 1st Prize at the 2010 Klaviersommer Bad Bertrich while working with John Perry. Inspired by this experience, he pursued further studies at The Colburn School with Ory Shihor, then at the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music with John Perry and David Louie, completing both Undergraduate studies and an Artist Diploma. He was awarded the full-tuition Joan and Jerry Lozinski Scholarship and performed in Koerner Hall. He completed his Master of Music degree at the University of Montreal with Jean Saulnier and Jeanne Amiele in 2020, and pursued additional studies with Saulnier and Charles Richard-Hamelin through the D.E.P.A. program in 2021. Chris has earned scholarships to major international festivals including the Banff Centre, Orford Academy, John Perry Academy, Gijon International Piano Festival, International Holland Music Sessions, and the Kawai Sydney International Piano Festival. He has performed in masterclasses with Menahem Pressler, Leon Fleisher, Richard Goode, Krzysztof Jablonski, Daniel Shapiro, Anton Nel, André Laplante, Marc Durand, Marietta Orlov, and Robert McDonald. His inspired performances have led to frequent re-engagements, particularly with the Barrie Concert Association, where he is a regular artist for the Midday with Shigeru series and Pianofest. He is also a recurring guest at Concerts@100 in Toronto, performing alongside Timothy Chooi and members of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his performing career, Chris works with Virtual Concert Halls as a Live Broadcast Host, Social Media Manager, and Jury Member.