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< Back Johanna Moffitt Voice Learn More Videos About American soprano, Johanna Moffitt, relocated to Chicago 7 years ago where she has since been making a splash across the Chicago arts scene. She has performed all over the Windy City, making a name for herself particularly in the repertoire of Puccini and Mozart where her “brilliant and silvery” voice especially shines. Recent highlights include Mimí in Bohème 2.0 with /kor/ productions, Margery (cover) in The Dragon of Wantley with Haymarket Opera Company, Paquette (cover) in Candide with Music Theater Works, and the title role in Madama Butterfly with Main Street Opera. Her favorite operatic roles include Countess in Le Nozze di Figaro, Micaëla in La Tragédie de Carmen, Fiordiligi in Cosí fan tutte, Bardolfo in Falstaff, La Ciesca and Nella in Gianni Schicchi, and Bianca in La Rondine. Also at home in the realms of music theater and theater, Johanna has portrayed such versatile characters as Cathy in the Last Five Years, Reverend Mother in Nunsense, Meg March in Little Women and Madame de Rosemonde in Les Liaisons Dangereuses. As a producer, she has sought to bring opera to non-traditional venues with her company /kor/ productions, through sold out performances of Bohème in a Bar, Falstaff, Carmen, and Le Nozze di Figaro. Most recently, she has produced Bohème 2.0, an innovative online version of Puccini’s beloved masterpiece, La Bohème, using acclaimed singers from across the United States and being live streamed on YouTube. In her spare time, Johanna very much enjoys teaching in her private voice studio, performing as a storyteller, and hanging out with her adorable pups, George and Charlie. Previous Next

RUBÉN ÁNGEL RUSSO GUTIÉRREZ < Back RUBÉN ÁNGEL RUSSO GUTIÉRREZ Previous Next RUBÉN ÁNGEL RUSSO GUTIÉRREZ Spain PIANIST Born in Madrid, on June 22, 1997. He is currently studying for a Master's and Internationale Musikakademie Anton Rubinstein - Dusseldorf Germany with the supervision of Professor Gabriele Leporati (Italy) Awards: First Prize, “47 Young Pianists of Catalonia Contest”, Villafranca del Penedés, Barcelona, Spain, July 2, 2017. Second Prize and Silver Medal, International Music Competition, Moscow, Russia, September 2021. First Prize and Gold Medal, Premier Music International Competition December 2021, Budapest, Hungary. First Prize and Special Artist Gold Medal, Golden Arts Contest, Valencia, Spain, December 2021. First Prize and Special Artist Gold Medal, Golden Arts Contest, Valencia, Spain, December 2021. Fourth Prize in the London Classical Music Competition, being the only Spanish pianist awarded in all categories, February 2022. Second Prize in Nouvelles Étoiles Competition in Paris, France, June 2022. Third Prize, International Music Competition “Medici”, 2022. First Prize and Second Four Notes International Piano Competition, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 2022. Concerts: Palais Wittgenstein, Dusseldorf, Germany. Espacio Ronda Auditorium, "Portrait of a Decade" 10.05.2022, Madrid. Auditorium of the Royal Economic Society of the Country, 15.05.2022, Jaen. Official Opening Beethoven Conservatoriun, 25.05.2022, Tegelen, Nedherlands. Antoniussaal de la Maxhaus, 04-06-2022, Düsseldorf. Internationale Musikakademie Anton Rubinstein, June 24 2022, Düsseldorf. Cagnes Sur Mer, July 4 2022, France. Talent Summer Courses and Talent Summer Opera Festival, 24 y 26 August 2022, Brescia, Italy. “Viva Clasicc Live Festival” Venlo, september 2022, Netherlands.

< Back Previous Felicia Carpenter Next Vocalist Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall February 17, 2025 WATCH VIDEO With a deep passion for Gospel music, Felicia Carpenter, a native of St. Louis, Missouri and now residing in Long Island, New York, has graced televised Gospel stages across the country, including McDonald’s Gospelfest, The Bobby Jones Show, Sunday Best, Azusa, and Perfecting New Generation Ministries. In addition to her solo work, Ms. Carpenter has performed background vocals for celebrated Gospel artists such as Tramaine Hawkins, Cissy Houston, Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Winans, and many others. Ms. Carpenter had the privilege of touring throughout Europe as a soloist with the Glory Gospel Singers under the direction of Phyllis McKoy-Joubert, sharing her voice with international audiences. A preacher’s daughter, Ms. Carpenter has been singing since childhood, rooted in the music of the church. Today, she maintains a dynamic and diverse repertoire that spans Gospel alongside additional musical genres. Her dream remains at the center of her calling: to share the gift God has given her and to sing on stages around the world.

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

< Back 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 Previous James Greening-Valenzuela Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 24, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Acclaimed violinist James Greening-Valenzuela has performed as a soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician across the United States, Europe, and Latin America. He made his solo debut as a teenager at France’s Bach Festival de Font’Neuve, later winning First Prize in the Shreveport Symphony National Young Artist Competition and giving celebrated debut recitals at Boston’s Symphony Hall and Carnegie Hall. He has been featured on seven solo recordings on Musical America, Locrian Recordings, and Con Brio Recordings; his 2002 album of the Bach Sonatas for Solo Violin was submitted for Grammy Award consideration. A recipient of the Elebash Fellowship Award, his doctoral research focused on the life and career of composer Ruggero Leoncavallo. Dr. Greening-Valenzuela has appeared at major festivals and venues, including the International Festival de Música in Costa Rica, Grand Teton Music Festival, Menton Music Festival (France), the Tibor Varga Festival (Switzerland), Rodolfo Lipizer Festival (Italy), New York’s 92nd Street Y, and universities including Yale, UCLA, Boston University, NYU, and Hofstra. He was the Founder and Artistic Director of the California Music Festival (2000–2008). He studied at the San Francisco and St. Louis Conservatories and the Graduate Center of CUNY, working with Henryk Szeryng, Joseph Silverstein, Zaven Melikian, Daniel Phillips, Masao Kawasaki, and others. Honored by theviolinsite.com as one of today’s most influential violin soloists, he has taught at Queens College, Brooklyn College, and Boise State University. Dr. Greening-Valenzuela maintains a thriving violin and viola studio in Walnut Creek, California. His students have gone on to top conservatories, festivals, and professional careers as soloists, chamber musicians, orchestral players, and teachers. He is also Founder and President of Vocal Artists Management, representing internationally acclaimed opera and concert singers.

4 < Back SEC Lyrical Sound Espressivo invites Musicians of All Ages to celebrate Live Music Performance by participating in the Application Deadline May 16, 2024 at 3:59:00 AM Apply Regulations Lyrical Music Competition 2023-24 What is Lyrical? Are you a Lyrical Artist? Check out the Artistic Category Description Hint: One can be a Lyrical Artist at any age and stage of learning the art of music performance! Turn to great artists for inspiration, many spoke out about Lyricism in Music: "And gentle winds and waters near, Make music to the lonely ear." — Lord Byron Competition Rounds Preliminary Round - by video submission. Selected musicians will be invited to the Final Round Final Round - Live performance on a world-wide Internet TV Broadcast. Judges from aroud the world provide on-air commentary immediately after each performance. Finalists meet the Judges and can ask questions. Musicians' supporters can write comments which will be shown onscreen Family and friends can watch and be part of your LIVE performance from anywhere in the world. Finalists receive Technical preparation session with VCHS Broadcast Directors and Engineers, in preparation for the broadcast. More about Broadcast technology for musicians here All Instrumentalists, Ensembles, and Voice performers can apply Age Groups 10 and under 11-14 15-18 Adult (19 and older) Repertory All periods and genres accepted For Preliminary Round - submit a video of one virtuoso piece Final Round - perform up to 10 min of Lyrical compositions Important DATES May 15, 2024 - Application Deadline June 2024 - Final Round of the Competition Laureates and Winners Cash Awards One in each Age Group: Adult (19 and older) - $300 15-18 - $200 11-14 - $100 10 and under - $50 Performance Awards One Laureate will receive a fully sponsored performance opportunity at Carnegie Laureate Gala (see details and dates here ) More performance, scholarships, recordings, web-profile, interviews, educational and partner-sponsored Awards here Career Development and Educational Awards here Teachers Receive recognition on Sound Espressivo website and in Virtual Concert Halls Broadcast programs, certificates honoring Teachers' contribution. Fees Application Fee - $50 Final Round (if selected only) - $100 Complete Regulations here Previous Next

< 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.

Amelia Xu < Back Amelia Xu Previous Next Amelia Xu USA PIANIST Amelia Xu is an 8-year-old third grader at Jackson School in Massachusetts. She started to learn piano from March 2019. By playing piano in her seasonal recital, senior centers, holiday festival and charity events, she actively gives her music back to the community. Amelia is kind, outgoing, creative and always curious. She has a wide range of interest in sports and music. She loves ice skating, math, drawing and Lego. Recently, she shows more interests in Star Wars, solving Rubik’s cube and playing Prodigy games. Music enriched her so much and will continue to do so. Awards: 1st Place winner, Little Mozart Competition, May 2020 2nd Place winner, MMTA Judged Festival, April 2021 Honorable mention, MMTA Bay State Piano Contest, May 2021 Honorable mention, 6th Paderemski International Piano Competition, June 2021 1st Place winner, Sempre Musick Performance Competition, May 2022 Recitals and Performances: Yidan Guo’s Studio piano recital, April 2019/ December 2019/ August 2020/ February 2021 Annual Thanksgiving volunteer performance, Cambridge Rainbow Senior Center, November 2019 NEPTA Halloween Recital, October 2020 Winner’s recital for Little Mozart Competition, November 2020 Jia Shi’s Studio piano recital, November 2021/May 2022 Fundraising Concert in support of The Home of Little Wanderers, The Parish of the Epiphany Church, August 2022

Matthew Brand < Back Matthew Brand Previous Next Matthew Brand 🇺🇸 USA PIANIST Matthew Brand was born in New York City in 2008. He is a student of Donna Weng Friedman at the Mannes School Of Music Prep Division, and is part of the Clara Mannes Scholars Program. He is in the 9th grade at Horace Mann School in the Bronx, and has been working on composition, jazz, and songwriting projects in the past few years. He studies composition with Dr. Steven Sacco at Mannes Prep, and is part of his school's Jazz Combo.

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< Back James Francisco Trumpet Learn More Videos About James Francisco James (Jamie) has served as principal trumpet for the WNY Chamber Orchestra since 2002. An active performer in the WNY area, he performs regularly with the Niagara Frontier Brass and the Rockwell Brass and is active in pit orchestras for local Musical and Opera productions including Artpark, Musical Fare Theater, and the Historic Palace Theater. James has performed with members of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra the International Baroque Soloists as well as the stage orchestras for Michael Feinstein, Dave Brubeck, Marvin Hamlisch, and Aretha Franklin. His private teachers include Frank Cipolla of SUNY Buffalo, Chuck Lirrette of the Pittsburg Symphony Orchestra and David Kuehn of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino in Florence Italy. One of James’ most prominent memories is the preparation and 3 performances of JS Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 with WNYCO. This experience provided much in the way of ‘battle scar’ stories to share with the trumpet community. He recalls that exactly 6 bars from the end of mvt III, he would lose consciousness until 1 beat before the next entrance on every occasion. A few weeks after the Brandenburg performances, he was admitted for laparoscopic hernia surgery which was no coincidence. James holds degrees from James Madison University and the S.U.N.Y at Buffalo. Retired after 32 years in Banking and Finance, he currently teaches trumpet privately and adjudicates brass for NYSSMA solo festivals. Previous Next