ORCHESTRA BIOGRAPHIES ARGENTINA COSTANZA GOLDENBERG THIERY Violinist Costanza Goldenberg Thiery has performed as a soloist with orchestras including the Orquesta Juvenil Municipal de Gral San Martin, Orquesta de Cámara Municipal de la Plata, and Camerata de Radio Cultura. She is the former concertmaster of Orquesta Juvenil Nacional del Bicentenario. In 2013, she participated in the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival in Germany under the direction of Christoph Eschenbach, and in 2015, she was invited to perform Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 4 with the Orquesta de la Universidad Católica Argentina. Costanza was awarded second prize in the Young Artist Competition of Washington. She has been a member of the Orquesta Estable de Teatro Argentino de la Plata since 2011. BELIZE COURTNEY GILLETT Courtney Gillett began her violin studies at the Pallotti School of Music in Belize. She has a Diploma in Music Performance from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in London and a minor in Music from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH. Courtney was the first Belizean to become a member of YOA and has participated in two tours. She is a certified Suzuki instructor and currently teaches violin and viola at the Pallotti School of Music. She is scheduled to attend the University of North Florida to complete her Bachelor's in Music Performance this year. BOLIVIA KATHERINE VELASQUEZ Katherine Velasquez received her BM Magna Cum Laude from Boston University and is pursuing her MM at the University of Southern California, where she is the Paul Owen McLarand Memorial Music Scholarship recipient. Katherine has been a flute fellow at the National Music Festival and the National Symphony Orchestra's Summer Music Institute. Currently, Katherine holds the 3rd flute/piccolo chair with the YMF Debut Orchestra and performs with the American Youth Symphony, the Colburn Symphony Orchestra, and the Thornton EDGE New Music Ensemble. BRAZIL JESSICA ADRIANA DOS SANTOS ORNAGHI Percussionist Jessica dos Santos is currently a member of the Baccarelli Institute in Brazil, where she has studied with Ruben Zuniga and performed with the Heliopolis Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Isaac Karabtchevsky. She received her BM in percussion performance from the University of São Paulo, where she studied with Eliana Sulpicio and Ricardo Bologna. Other teachers include Adrian Tonon and Luis Fernando Teixeira.

GABRIEL POLYCARPO Gabriel Polycarpo holds a MM in Viola Performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and a BM from Rio Grande do Sul University in Brazil. He has performed with various chamber and symphonic groups, including the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, the World Youth Orchestra, and YOA Orchestra of the Americas. Gabriel won the 2016 National Viola Competition in Paraíba, Brazil; 2015 Indiana University Concerto Competition for Viola; 2014 Indiana University Kuttner Quartet Competition; 2012 Porto Alegre Symphony Orchetra Concerto Competition; and 2010 SESI/Fundarte Concerto Competition. DAVID SANTOS David Santos began his musical studies at age 14 on trumpet, switching to trombone a year later after joining the NEOJIBA program in Bahia, Brazil. He has performed as a member of the Bahia Youth Orchestra, including touring in the United States and Europe, and was also a member of the International Youth Orchestra, with whom he performed at the United Nationas anniversary celebration in New York. He has participated in masterclasses with Miguel Sanchez, Bart Claessens, Andrea Bandini, and Reymond Munnecon, among others. David is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in trombone at UFBA. CANADA CAROLINE BUCHER Caroline Bucher began her instrumental music studies at age five on piano, before moving on to percussion at age twelve. She has played timpani and percussion with the Winnipeg Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, and the Canadian Mennonite Orchestra. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance at the University of Manitoba. In addition to her studies, she works at Henry G. Izatt Middle School as an Educational Assistant in the band program and teaches percussion at the Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts. STÉPHANIE CAPLETTE A native of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Stéphanie Caplette holds a MM from the Conservatory of Montreal. She is a core member of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, a member of the Halifax-based Trio Ciel, and recently joined Consortium Aurora Borealis, a Thunder Bay-based Baroque chamber ensemble. Stéphanie has studied on scholarship at the Banff Centre for the Arts, the Orford Arts Centre, and also competed at Montreal’s prestigious Prix d’Europe. She is actively engaged in the local Thunder Bay community through volunteering and teaching music, transmitting her passion to students of all ages.

KATRINA CHITTY Beginning her musical studies at the age of four, Katrina Chitty enjoyed performing on violin and piano for numerous years before switching to viola. With a BM from Wilfrid Laurier University and a MM from McGill University, Katrina has studied with many different teachers across Canada, as well as internationally. Katrina has worked in many different musical fields throughout her career, the most unique circumstance being an entertainer on a cruise ship and recently being featured on the "Assassin's Creed" video game soundtrack. This passion for music and travel allowed her to experience many cultures, different musical traditions, and a fascination for bringing people together through a common interest. Currently, she performs with orchestras as a freelance musician. TALIA HATCHER Talia Hatcher was accepted to the Conservatory of Music of Montreal in 2010 to study double bass and was chosen by the Conservatory on two separate occasions to participate in the series of concerts Virtuose en herbe. In 2013, Talia was a finalist and recipient of a grant from the Canadian Music Competition where she received fourth place, and in 2014, she participated in a tour with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. She is currently a member of the Conservatory Symphony Orchestra, working with guest conductors including Julian Kuerti, Kent Nagano, and Yannick Nézet-Séguin, among others. ALEXANDRE LAVOIE Alexandre Lavoie is currently completing his Master's degree in Percussion at Université Laval, where he has performed with various ensembles, including the Symphony Orchestra, the Wind Orchestra, the Baroque Music Ensemble, and the Percussion Ensemble, in addition to several other professional music ensembles. Alexandre recently participated in prestigious competitions including the Canadian Music Competition, in which he earned first prize as a soloist, and the OSM Standard Life Competition, where he won second prize in percussion, the award for best performance of a Canadian work, and a scholarship for a program at the Banff Centre. JULIE ROCHUS French horn player, Julie Rochus, has performed and taught across Canada, the United States, and Latin America. Her most recent orchestral experiences include performing as Principal Horn with the Champaign-Urbana Symphony and Section Horn with Sinfonia Da Camera. Julie was a member of YOA in 2013 and 2015, and is also an alumna of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, the National Academy Orchestra, and MusAid. Additionally, she was a solo competition prize winner at the 2014 International Women’s Brass Conference. Currently, Julie is a Teaching Artist with Sistema New Brunswick, a member of Tutta Musica, and performs with Symphony New Brunswick.

JULIEN SIINO Canadian cellist Julien Siino has performed in La Cour des Grands, a TV show hosted by Gregory Charles on TVA network. In 2011, he received a full scholarship for the International Domaine Forget Academy, as well as a scholarship from Canadian radio station Radio-Classique Québec after obtaining first prize in the Petit Mozart Audi Sainte-Foy Competition. On two occasions, Julien has been a national finalist in the Canadian Music Competition. As a member of the 2015 National Youth Orchestra of Canada, he performed in Canada’s major concert halls. Julien is currently completing his undergraduate studies in Cello Performance at the Conservatoire de musique in Québec. CHILE CAMILA VERONICA DEL POZO SIERRALTA Camila Del Pozo graduated with honors from the Instituto de Música de la Universidad Católica in Chile in 2012 with a concentration in oboe performance. She has participated in festivals including the Klassiak Festival Sommersprossen in Rottweil, Germany, Festival für Neue Musik in Donaueschingen, Germany, and Spitalfields Music Festival in London, England, and has been invited to perform with orchestras including the Britten Sinfonia Chamber Orchestra and Ictus Academy in Brussels. In 2015, Camila participated in the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie and began performing as Co-Principal and Second Oboe with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Currently, she is a student at the Hochschule fur Musik in Trossingen, Germany. CLAUDIO ESPEJO Claudio Espejo began piano lessons at the age of twelve in his hometown of Temuco, Chile. He is a prize winner in the Claudio Arrau International Piano Competition and the Flora Guerra National Piano Competition, among others. In 2013, he received the Audience Prize in the Thousands Islands International Piano Competition. He has performed in masterclasses with Mia Chung, Monique Duphil, and Malcolm Bilson, among others. In 2016, he performed the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 in the Teatro Municipal in Temuco. Claudio holds a BM from Eastman and a MM from the University of Michigan, where he will pursue a Doctorate in Piano Performance and Pedagogy. DIEGO PATRICIO LLANOS CAMPOS Chilean bassoonist Diego Llanos has completed music programs at the Music School of Pontificia at the Catholic University of Chile, IUNA Departamento de Artes Sonoras Carlos López Buchardo in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the Codarts University of the Arts in Rotterdam, Holland. He has participated in masterclasses with artists including Dag Jensen, Carlo Colombo, Guilhaume Santana, and Christopher Weait. Additionally, he has been invited to participate in different orchestras in Chile, Argentina, Germany, Holland, and Austria. He is currently a student at the Anton Bruckner Conservatory in Linz, Austria, while also completing a “Cycle de Spécialisation” in Strausburg, France.

COLOMBIA WILLIAM ANDRES CASTILLO ACUÑA William began his undergraduate degree in tuba performance at Conservatorio de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia in 2015. He has studied with Walter Hilgers, Andres Martin Hofmaier, and Patricio Cosentino, and he has participated in different orchestras throughout Colombia including the Filarmónica Joven de Colombia, Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional, and Fundación Orquesta Sinfónica de Bogotá. Currently, he is a member of the Banda Filarmónica Juvenil de Bogotá and an instructor in local community music schools. MIKE JIMÉNEZ FRANCO A native of Manizales, Colombia, Mike Jiménez began his musical training in violin performance at the Fundación Batuta and at the local music conservatory. He received his undergraduate degree from the Universidad de Caldas, where he studied with Jorge Budziszewski. He has participated in music festivals in Venezuela, Mexico, the United States, and Puerto Rico, and in 2006, was a finalist in the Olga Chamorro Violin Concerto Competition. He has performed as the Concertmaster of Orquesta Sinfónica de Caldas and Filarmónica Joven de Colombia. Currently, he is the Assistant Concertmaster of the Orquesta Filarmónica de Cali. GUILLERMO ANDRES OSPINA MARTINEZ Guillermo began his musical training as a percussionist at the Fundación Batuta in Bogotá, Colombia. In 2011, he completed his BM at the Music Conservatory of the National University of Colombia. Guillermo has participated in the IX Concurso Nacional de Interpretación Musical – Percusión Sinfónica, of which he was a winner in the youth division. Additionally, he performed as a percussionist and later the principal timpanist in the Filarmónica Joven de Colombia from 2010 to 2015. Currently, he is the acting percussionist for Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Colombia and is a member of Grupo de Pitos y Tambores Sambangolé and Ensamble de Percussion Wankara. LUZ ELENA SARMIENTO A native of Santander, Colombia, clarinetist Luz began music studies at the age of 9. She has been the recipient of numerous awards, including 1st place at the 2010 Young Soloist Competition UNAL, 1st place at the 2011 National Performance Competition OFB, and winner at the 2011 Student Festival Competition UNAL, among others. Luz has performed as soloist with the National University Symphony Orchestra and Symphony ProMusica. In Colombia, she has performed with the Filarmónica Joven de Colombia, Bogota Symphony Orchestra, Bogota Philharmonic Orchestra, Cadenza Clarinet Quartet, and Trio Tres Palos Ensemble. Luz holds an MM from Longy School of Music at Bard College and is currently pursuing her Doctorate degree at the University of Texas in Austin.

IVAN JAVIER VALBUENA PAEZ A native of Bogota, Iván began his studies at the age of eight in the Batuta Foundation and the Wind Band System of Cundinamarca, Colombia. He is the winner of the Harold Wright Clarinet Competition Merit Award, in addition to being the winner of the 2013 Concerto Competition and 2014 Honors Competition at the Longy School of Music at Bard College, and first prize winner in the Soloist Competition with the Orchestra Collegium Music at the National University of Colombia. Iván holds a BM from the Conservatory of Music at the National University of Colombia and an MM from the Longy School of Music at Bard College. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate degree at the University of Texas at Austin, where he also serves as the Clarinet Assistant Instructor. JUAN SEBASTIAN VELASCO CORREA At the age of six, Juan Sebastian Velasco Correa began studying piano. Later, he began studying the oboe in the Youth Symphony Orchestra of the Colombia Foundation. He studied at the Conservatory of the National University of Colombia, where he graduated in 2014 with a degree in oboe performance. Juan Sebastian has participated in masterclasses with Jean-Louis Capezzali, Nancy Ambrose King, Gordon Hunt, Alex Klein, Nick Deustch, David Walter, and Jacques Tys, among others. In 2014, he won the position of Principal Oboe in the Bogota Youth Philharmonic Orchestra and played there until April 2015. COSTA RICA PRISCILLA MONTALVAN Priscilla began her violin studies at the University of Costa Rica. In 2011, she participated in the music festival Alfredo de Saint-Malo in Panama, and has also been part of the Orquesta Juvenil Centroamericana and Filarmónica Juvenil Centroamericana. She has participated in the Sewanee Summer Music Festival in Tennessee and the Music Festival of Santa Catarina in Brazil where she studied with Daniel Guedes and Simon Bernardini. She participated in YOA's 2014 Caribbean Tour, the 2015 Academia Orquestal de Teatro del Lago in Chile, and the Castleton Festival. She currently studies at the Academia de Música Ivan Galamia in Málaga, Spain. CUBA FERNANDO MUÑOZ Fernando began his musical training at the Manuel Saumell Music Academy. In 2007, he earned his Bachelor's degree in violin performance from the Instituto Superior de las Artes in Havana, Cuba. He has been the recipient of many awards, including the Amadeo Roldán Violin Competition and the Musicalia Chamber National Competition sponsored by Instituto Superior de las Artes. He has toured in Cuba, Peru, Mexico, Aruba, Curaçao, Venezuela, Angola, Spain, Korea, Italy, Costa Rica, Canada, Nicaragua, and the United States. He was recently appointed the assistant concertmaster at the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica.

ARMANDO RIOS RODRÍGUEZ Armando Rios Rodríguez is a conservatory-trained musician who studied at the Escuela Nacional de Artes in Cuba. He appeared as soloist with Oratorio San Felipe Neri, performing works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Pablo Sarasate. He has also participated in music festivals including Esteban Salas and Festival del Son, and has performed with the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Cuba and Orquesta Sinfónica del Liceum Mozartiano. Last year, he was invited to perform a recital as part of the seventh season of Ciclo Música in the Cathedral of San Pablo in Zaragoza. Currently, Armando studies at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Aragón in Spain. SUSANA RIVERO CANGAS Susana began her music training in double bass at the Escuela Olga Alonso under the instruction of Tomás Moré. She graduated with honors from the Conservatorio Amadeo Roldán and the Instituto Superior de las Artes in Havana, Cuba. She received her Master's degree from the Conservatorio Liceu de Barcelona in Spain, and has studied at the Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofía since 2013. She is a member of the Orquesta Sinfónica Freixenet of Reina Sofía, and has also been a member of the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Cuba and the Orquesta del Liceo Mozartiano de la Habana since 2006. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ERIC DALMAU Eric began his violin studies at the age of nine. He studied at the National Conservatory of the Dominican Republic with Mercedes Ariza, in addition to having studied conducting with Dante Cucurullo and served as concertmaster of the Juan Pablo Duarte Orchestra. He was a scholar of the Gabriel del Orbe Violin Program, where he studied with Paul Kantor and Timothy Kantor. Eric is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree at Western Michigan University where he studies violin with Renata Knific and conducting with Bruce Uchimura. ECUADOR JACOB ORMAZA VERA Jacob graduated from the Conservatorio Sergei Rachmaninov in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where he was awarded the Sociedad Fondo Jóvenes Talentos y Luise-Marie Imsbusch Stiftung Scholarship. In 2013, he completed his Bachelor's degree in Music at the Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo. He has performed as a soloist with many symphony, chamber, and youth orchestras in Ecuador. In 2012 and 2013, he participated in YOA Orchestra of the America’s summer tours. He has served as the concertmaster of the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra of Guayaquil, Idyllwild Summer Music Festival in California, and Guayaquil Municipal Orchestra. He currently studies at the Lübeck University of Music in Germany.

EL SALVADOR GILBERTO JOSÉ REYES FIGUEROA Gilberto began his violin studies at the age of 14 with Veglio Garay and Maira de Ayala. Some years later, he was accepted into the Symphony Youth Orchestra of El Salvador, where he was concertmaster. He has participated in a number of festivals including the Young Orchestra of the Community of Madrid (JORCAM), the Central American Youth Orchestra (OJCA), Studenten-Sinfonieorchester Marburg (SSO), and YOA. He is currently Principal Second Violin with the Symphonic Orchestra of El Salvador, with which he debuted as a soloist in 2013, part of the Sharberg Quartet, and is a founding member of the Youth Orchestra of El Salvador (JOCA). ESTONIA MIHKEL KALLIP Mihkel Kallip began his musical training at Heino Eller Tartu Music High School. He completed his BM at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, and attended the Trossingen University of Music in Germany. He participated in the Estonian Classical Music TV Competition “Klassikatähed 2013” and is a prizewinner of many national and international competitions. He has participated in masterclasses with artists including Wolfgang Guggenberger, Reinhold Friedrich, Gábor Tarkövi, and Enrique Rioja. He has also participated in the Pärnu Music Festival Orchestra and in many other Estonian orchestras. GUATEMALA MANUEL TOC Violist Manuel Toc began his musical studies at the age of five in his hometown of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. At an early age he received a scholarship to the Jesús Castillo Conservatory, where he studied for seven years. During his time there he performed as a soloist, founded the Symphonic and Chamber Ensembles of Los Altos, and participated in tours throughout Central and North America with the Los Altos Quartet. He continued his studies in the Germán Alcántara Conservatory in the City of Guatemala and later performed with the Youth Orchestra of the State of Mexico. He currently resides in Germany, where he is a freelance musician and teacher at the Leipzig International School. HAITI SARAH COLIMON Sarah began her violin studies at the age of six in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. In 2010, she participated in a tour with the Holy Trinity Music School to the United States, and in 2012, she participated in the second bi-national festival Acordes de Esperanza in the Dominican Republic. She has performed with Traveling Notes in the Dominican Republic and has also represented her home country of Haiti in YOA Orchestra of the Americas. In 2015, she participated in the Loyola International Violin Institute in New Orleans. Currently, she is

the head of the Music Department of her former high school, teaches violin, and is a member of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Holy Trinity. HONDURAS MARIO RIVERA Mario began studying the viola at age 13 under with Mario Funes at the Victoriano Lopez Music School. He has performed in concerts in Honduras and internationally as a soloist, a chamber musician, and an orchestral player. Mario has won both national and international competitions, including the gold medal at the Juan Tutto Diffent Competition in 2006 and 2007, the VSO Concerto Competition in 2013, and the MTNA Chamber Music Competition with the Columbus String Quartet. As an orchestral player, Mario has performed concerts in 14 countries, playing with the OCSPS Chamber Orchestra, the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Honduras, the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica, YOA Orchestra of the Americas, and the Columbus Symphony. He is currently the Assistant Principal Viola with the Albany Symphony Orchestra in Georgia. JAMAICA JOVANI WILLIAMS Jovani Williams, a recipient of the LTCL on violin in 2015, started his violin studies at the age of 13. Six months thereafter, he captured 3 trophies at Jamaica’s premier performing arts festival and 4 trophies the following year, in addition to having earned the ABRSM Highest Distinction Award for Jamaica. He studied for two consecutive summers at the Interlochen Summer Camp and with teachers including Paulette Bellamy, Lisa Walker, Stephen Woodham, and Carol Cole. Currently, he is a string tutor for the National Youth Orchestra of Jamaica and the concertmaster of the Kingston College Chapel Choir Chamber Group. MEXICO ANNA ISABEL CHAN FLORES Anna began her musical training at the age of four under the tutelage of her father, José Luis Chan Sabido. She has performed as a soloist with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Yucatán and the Orquesta de Cámara de Mérida in Mexico. In 2013, she graduated with honors from the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, Austria. She recently was accepted into the studio of renowned cellist Julian Arp to earn a Master’s of Music degree with a concentration in cello and baroque cello performance. Apart from her graduate studies, Anna and her sister, violinist Dory Venice Chan Flores, formed the duet Salut d’amour, and have performed in many countries in Europe. RAÚL FERNANDO DOMÍNGUEZ CORTEZ Raúl Fernando began his musical training at the Orquesta Esperanza Azteca in the city of Juárez, Mexico. He has participated in the Orquesta Sinfónica Infantil y Juvenil de México

and the Orquesta Sinfónica Esperanza Azteca Nacional, and in 2014, he was awarded a scholarship to attend Curtis Summerfest. He has performed alongside musicians including Joshua Bell, Plácido Domingo, Yo-Yo Ma, and Valery Gergiev. Currently, he is student at Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez (UACJ), where he is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Music and is the Assistant Principal Viola in the university orchestra. JESÚS ANTONIO FLORES DÍAZ A native of Puebla, Mexico, Jesús began his musical training with his father, Antonio Flores. Afterwards, he started private trumpet lessons and was admitted to Centro de Capacitación para Música de Banda, a music school dedicated to symphonic band musicians. He was a member of Orquesta Sinfónica Infantil and Orquesta Sinfónica Juvenil de Mexico, where he performed as a soloist on several occasions. He has also participated in La Academia Internacional Teatro del Lago in Chile. Currently, Flores holds the principal trumpet position with the Orquesta Sinfónica Juvenil Carlos Chávez. CARLOS ROBERTO GÁNDARA GARCÍA Carlos began his violin studies at the age of eight. He has been member of the Orquesta Iberamericana, Orquesta Sinfónica Infantil y Juvenil de México, Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería, concertmaster of Orquesta Sinfónica Carlos Chávez, and principal second violin of the OFUNAM. In 2014, he was the winner of the Summer Academy of the Quartet St. Petersburg concerto competition in Kansas. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music performance at Centro Universitario de Estudios Musicales in Ciudad de Querétaro, México. Currently, he is pursuing a master’s degree in violin performance in Vienna, Austria. JESÚS GONZALEZ Jesús González began his music education in 2004 at the Faculty of Music at the University of Veracruz, Mexico, where he studied with Andrzej Dechnik. In 2010, he moved to the Czech Republic to study at the Janaček Academy of Music in Brno with Miloslav Jelínek, and shortly thereafter began his studies at the University of Music in Graz, Austria with Ernst Weissensteiner. Jesús has performed with the Youth Orchestra of Veracruz, the Xalapa Symphony Orchestra, the Double Bass Orchestra in Brno, and in many different chamber groups and orchestras in Austria. Jesús is currently studying for a Master’s degree and is part of an exchange program at the Hochschule für Musik Würzburg in Germany. JORGE HERNANDEZ A native of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, Jorge began his musical studies as a choirboy at the age of 10 in the Instituto de los niños cantores del Gobierno, later beginning bassoon and his primary instrument of the double bass. He has participated in the Orquesta Sinfónica Infantil y Juvenil, Orquesta Sinfónica Juvenil Carlos Chávez, the Chicago Youth Music

Festival, the Campus Internazionale di Musica in Italy, and the Curso Internacional de Música in Spain. In 2014, Jorge became the youngest member of the Orquesta Sinfónica del Instituto Politécnico Nacional. He is currently studying at the Conservatory of Amsterdam with Olivier Thierry. NADINE QUIROZ GERSDORF Nadine Quiroz Gersdorf began her violin studies at the age of 8. Since 2001, she has won several prizes at the Jugend Musiziert Youth Competition in Germany, and at the age of 14 began her studies at the University in Würzburg as part of the pre-collage program. In 2008, she began her studies in Karlsruhe and later in Detmold. She has participated in masterclasses with Saschko Gawriloff and Stephan Picard, among others. In 2013, she performed at Musikverein Wien as part of a masterclass with members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. NICARAGUA ZURIEL BERMÚDEZ CISNE Zuriel began his violin studies at the Conservatorio de Música UPOLI. He has participated in various youth orchestras, including JOCCA and OJCA. In 2015, he was a participant in a masterclass in Yale University, and has participated in masterclasses and performed with the orchestra at the Festival Torre del Lago, Italy. Currently, he is a violin instructor at the Conservatorio de Música UPOLI, and Academia Nicaragüense de la Música. Additionally, he is member of Camerata Bach, Orquesta de Cámara UPOLI, and is the concertmaster of the Orquesta Sinfónica Juvenil de Nicaragua Rubén Darío. PANAMA DANTE BATISTA Dante graduated from the Conservatorio Nacional de Música in Panama with a Bachelor’s Degree in Diversified Arts. He is the Principal Trombonist of the Banda de Música de Bomberos in Panama, and he has participated in the Alfredo Saint Malo Festival and the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra in New York. Currently, he is an instructor at the Centro en Artes Diversificadas. PARAGUAY ERNESTO ESTIGARRIBIA A native of Asunción, Paraguay, Ernesto received his BM in viola performance from Pittsburg State University and a Master’s in Viola Performance from the University of Minnesota. His teachers have included Richard Marshall and Korey Konkol. He was a member of the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Paraguay, the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, and the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra. As a soloist, Ernesto has performed with the Camerata Lara Bareiro and the Southeast Kansas Symphony Orchestra. His festival appearances include the Festival de Musica de Santa Catarina in

Brazil, the International Festival Week of the St. Petersburg Conservatory in Russia, the Academia Internacional Teatro del Lago in Chile, and YOA Orchestra of the Americas. This past spring, he was selected to play Bach’s St. Matthew Passion in performances in the United States and Germany. PERU ALFREDO OTONIEL CARRIÓN MERINO Alfredo is the Principal French Horn with the Symphony Orchestra of the National Conservatory of Music in Peru and a member of Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional Juvenil. He has participated in many festivals, including the VII International Festival Isla Verde Bronces in Argentina, the International Festival FEMUSC 2015 in Brazil, and the International Festival of Invierno in Campos in Brazil. Alfredo has participated in masterclasses with André Cazalet, Scott Bohannon, Luiz Garcia, Tod Bowermaster, Martin Owen, and Nikolay Genov. HUBER WILFREDO LÓPEZ CALLUPE Huber began his music studies at the age of 16 at the Daniel Alomia Robles Music School in Huánuco, Peru. He continued his studies at the National Conservatory of Music in Peru, where he studied trumpet performance. Currently, he is Principal Trumpet of the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional Juvenil in Peru and a trumpet instructor at I.E. Hno Ancelmo María and Orquesta Sinfónica Infatil in Chancay. TAIDE ODEMARIS PRIETO CARPIO Peruvian cellist Taide Prieto is one of the founders of the Boston String Academy and is on the teaching faculty at Longy School of Music where she works with their El Sistema Side by Side Orchestra Program. In Peru, she has performed as a soloist and as a regular member with various orchestras including the National Symphony Orchestra. Taide joined the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra for their 2012-2013 season, and in 2013 founded the Children’s String Orchestra Program at the American School Foundation of Chiapas in Mexico. Taide holds a Professional Studies Certificate from Boston Conservatory, a BM degree from Texas Christian University, and a MM degree from Eastman School of Music. JESUS SAENZ Jesus began his violin studies at the National Conservatory of Music in Peru. He won the National Violin Competition of Peru, and has served as concertmaster with the National Youth Orchestra of Peru, the Irving Symphony, and the San Angelo Symphony. As a soloist, Jesus has performed with all the major orchestras of Peru and in the United States with the New Irving Philharmonic, and the Irving and San Angelo Symphonies. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University and a Performer’s Certificate from Southern Methodist University. Currently, he is pursuing his Master’s degree at the University of North Texas.

PUERTO RICO ANTHONNY CALDERON Anthonny began his musical studies with Luis Arroyo at age 12. In 2011, he participated in a special concert welcoming President Barack Obama to Puerto Rico. His participation with the Youth Orchestra of the San Juan Music School during the celebration of the International Music Festival at Carnegie Hall was recognized by the Senate of Puerto Rico in 2011. He is currently completing his Bachelor’s Degree in French horn performance at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music and is the Assistant Principal French Horn of the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra. JULIAN HERNANDEZ Clarinetist Julian Hernandez began his musical studies at the age of nine. Julian has performed with the Waco Symphony, Mid-Texas Symphony, Lansing Symphony, Charleston Symphony, Akropolis Reed Quintet, and was recently appointed Principal Clarinetist of the Fayetteville Symphony in North Carolina. His most recent summer festival engagements include the Brevard Music Festival, Hot Springs Music Festival, Marrowstone Music Festival, and YOA Orchestra of the Americas' Caribbean Tour. As a graduate of YOA’s Global Leaders Program, Julian has taught and presented masterclasses in the United States, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and Suriname. He is currently in his first year of doctoral studies at the Eastman School of Music. UNITED STATES NIGEL ARMSTRONG Nigel Armstrong is emerging as a dynamic and creative artist both within and beyond the realm of classical music. From his musical beginnings as a member of "The Little Fiddlers" in Sonoma, CA to collaborations with tango musicians in Argentina, he has enjoyed using the violin in a versatile manner throughout his life. As soloist, he has performed with the Dusseldorf Symphony, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, St. Petersburg Philharmonic, YOA Orchestra of the Americas, and the Boston Pops. As a chamber musician, his concerts have taken him across the US and abroad. A graduate of the Colburn School and the Curtis Institute of Music, Nigel's teachers have included Arnold Steinhardt, Robert Lipsett, Zaven Melikian, and Donald Weilerstein, among others. ERIN BUSCH Erin Busch is currently an adjunct professor of music theory and composition at Temple University in Philadelphia, where she earned both a BM in Music Composition and MM in Music Composition and Cello Performance. Erin performs regularly with her quartet, the Blue Line Quartet, and with orchestras in the Philadelphia area. She also performs occasionally as a pianist and a singer, most notably as a supporting role in the world and New York premieres of Maurice Wright's robot opera, GALATEA_Reset. Erin has

participated in several summer festivals including the European American Music Alliance (EAMA) in Paris, the Pierre Monteux School in Maine, and the American Institute of Musical Studies (AIMS) in Austria. EMMA CHURCHILL Emma Churchill began studying the cello at age four and the piano at age six. She is currently a freshman cello major at Oberlin Conservatory. Emma spent twelve years at the New England Conservatory Preparatory School studying cello, piano, music theory, composition, chamber music, and orchestra. She was a charter member of the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra for three seasons with performances in Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philarharmonie, and Boston’s Symphony Hall, among others. Additionally, Emma has volunteered for a number of social/music programs in the Boston area, Venezuela, and South Korea. JULIA CHURCHILL Julia Churchill began studying the violin at age four and the piano at age six. Currently, she is a freshman violin major at the Eastman School of Music. Julia spent twelve years at the New England Conservatory Preparatory School, studying violin, piano, music theory, composition, chamber music, and orchestra. She was a charter member of the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra where she played for three seasons with performances in Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philarharmonie, and Boston’s Symphony Hall, among others. Furthermore, Julia has volunteered for a number of social/music programs in the Boston area, Venezuela, and South Korea. JUSTIN CUMMINGS Justin Cummings has performed a wide range of solo, chamber, and orchestral repertoire in venues across the US and abroad. Recently, he has appeared as soloist with the San Francisco Conservatory of Music's New Music Ensemble, attended the Aspen Music Festival and School, performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC as part of its Conservatory Project, and embarked on a tour of Europe with the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra. In the fall of 2016, he will continue his graduate studies at the Colburn School in Los Angeles. ANNA DELOI Anna DeLoi began playing the harp at age nine. She studied at the New England Conservatory Preparatory School, serving as principal harpist with their Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. She was also principal harpist with the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and New Hampshire Philharmonic. In 2014, Anna was named a Young Arts Winner and Presidential Scholar in the Arts. In her first two years as a student at Williams College, she has performed as a soloist with their Berkshire Symphony and founded the school's first music outreach and education program.

ELIZABETH EHRLICH Elizabeth graduated from the Eastman School of Music where she developed a strong desire to dedicate time to education of all kinds. As she learned about the impact that music has on all areas of our world, she became more involved in different programs that allowed her to practice the art of outreach. Originally from Atlanta, Elizabeth now lives in Georgia where she is the 1st violinist of the Hodgson String Quartet, a member of a Contemporary Chamber Ensemble, and plays regularly with the Columbus, Chattanooga, and Charleston Symphonies, as well as the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Elizabeth has spent four summers at the MasterWorks festival, two in the National Repertory Orchestra, and one at the Bowdoin International Music Festival. KELLY HERRMANN Kelly Herrmann began her orchestral career in the Vermont Youth Orchestra. She participated in the National Youth Orchestra of Canada for their 2012 and 2013 touring seasons. Kelly is a regular substitute with The Orchestra Now (TŌN), an innovative new training orchestra for pre-professional musicians, and was invited to play with TŌN at their Carnegie Hall debut in January 2016. Kelly holds a Bachelor's degree from McGill University, where she studied with Denis Bluteau and Carolyn Christie. She recently completed a Performance Certificate at the Bard College Conservatory of Music, studying with Tara Helen O'Connor. KSENIYA KHVASHCHYNSKAYA Kseniya began her violin studies at the age of 6 at the Republic Music College, and at the age of 12 made her orchestral debut with the State Chamber Orchestra of Belarus. In the United States, she won first prize at the Schubert Club Competition. She received her BM from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music where she studied with Alexander Barantschik, and continued her studies at the Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Graz in Austria. Kseniya currently resides in Chicago where she teaches and performs, while completing her MM at DePaul University. NATE KLAUSE Nate Klause is a native of Flagstaff, Arizona, and currently a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Music in horn performance at Boston University. He is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy and will be studying abroad at the Royal College of Music in London during the fall semester of 2016. Nate has been a member of the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra since 2014, touring through the Czech Republic, Germany, and Switzerland during the summer of 2015. In addition to orchestral playing, Nate performs in new music ensembles and a number of chamber groups in the Boston area.

ABIGAIL LORIMIER Abigail Lorimier began studying the cello at age three. She was a member of the 2013 NAfME National Honors Orchestra in Tennessee and the Boston University Tanglewood Institute in the summer of 2014. In 2015, Abigail was a National Symphony Orchestra Music Institute Youth Fellow at the Kennedy Center. Additionally, she participates in the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and the Newman Piano Trio. Abigail enjoys teaching children in private cello lessons and as a volunteer with chamber music and orchestra groups in the Boston schools through the outreach programs Crescendo! and From the Top. Abigail will begin studying at the Royal College of Music in London in the fall. CELESTE MARKEY Celeste Markey holds degrees from Northwestern University and the University of California Irvine. She performs frequently with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra in Virginia, and has also performed with the Charleston Symphony, Williamsburg Symphonia, Virginia Opera, Las Vegas Philharmonic, and the Ft. Collins Symphony Orchestra. Her other summer festival appearances include clarinet and bass clarinet fellowship positions at the Brevard Music Center, YOA's Caribbean Tour, the National Repertory Orchestra, and two summers at Spoleto Festival USA. Celeste currently works as a freelance musician and maintains an active private teaching studio in New York. MATTHEW RICHARDS Matt Richards is pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Percussion Performance at USC's Thornton School of Music. He has regularly performed with the Young Musicians Foundation Debut Orchestra, American Youth Symphony, and Thousand Oaks Philharmonic, among others. In addition to his classical exploits, Matt is also a member of the Arabic jazz quintet Zehtune, which performs frequently in the LA area, as well as in San Francisco's Reorient cultural festival. Additionally, Matt maintains a private teaching studio and serves as faculty at The Los Angeles Music and Art School and Beverly Hills Music School. VALERIYA SHOLOKHOVA Valeriya Sholokhova is a recent graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, where she had the opportunity to study abroad at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen, Denmark. Valeriya is a laureate of a number of international competitions, including the Liezen International Cello Competition in Austria. She has participated in a number of summer music festivals, for which she has served as principal cellist. Valeriya is an active freelance musician in the New York City area and also maintains a studio of private students.

MICHELLE SUNG Born in Germany, Michelle Sung started taking piano lessons at the age of five, and began flute at the age of eleven. Michelle has won several piano and flute competitions across Europe, including the International Music Competition Permio Vittoria Caffa Righetti in Italy and the Concurs Internacional de Piano in Spain. She attended the pre-college music program at the Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien, Hannover in Germany. In 2008, Michelle moved to the United States where she continued her flute studies at the Colburn School, where she was selected as a member of the Colburn Honors Quintet. Michelle is a scholarship recipient of the Young Musician Foundation and has attended the Centre d’Arts Orford. Currently, Michelle is pursuing her BM at the New England Conservatory. SABRINA TABBY A native of Philadelphia, Sabrina Tabby began violin at age 6, and quickly developed a love for chamber music playing regularly with her twin sister, a cellist. Sabrina has established herself on the new music scene, as well as in baroque circles, and even collaborates with fellow pop musicians in addition to performing orchestral repertoire Sabrina holds a Bachelor's degree in French Studies and a Bachelor's of Music in Violin Performance from the Bard College Conservatory, and recently received her Master’s degree from Northwestern University. NICHOLAS TISHERMAN Oboist Nicholas Tisherman completed his Bachelor’s Degree at the New England Conservatory. During his time in Boston, he performed with the Boston Philharmonic, Phoenix Orchestra of Boston, New York String Orchestra, and the New World Symphony. He has been featured as a soloist with the NEC Bach Ensemble, Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and on NPR’s “From the Top.” Dedicated to education and outreach, Nicholas performs and teaches with the Boston Philharmonic’s Crescendo! and From the Top’s community engagement programs in the Greater Boston area.In 2015, Nicholas was the recipient of the Mickey L. Hooten Memorial Award. CAMERON ZWEBER A native of Burlington, Vermont, Cameron began playing violin at the age of five. He has spent the last 8 summers at various music festivals around the United States, most recently the Aspen Music Festival. Cameron is an avid chamber musician and has participated in numerous master classes with artists including the Ying, Jupiter, Fine Arts, and American Quartets. Cameron is currently a student at the New England Conservatory and Principal Second Violin in the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra conducted by Benjamin Zander. He will attend Vanderbilt University in the fall of 2016.

URUGUAY ADRIANO FEDERICO SARDI ALONSO Federico completed his BM in Bassoon Performance at the Escuela Municipal de Música Vicente Ascone with Esteban Falconi in 2008. He is currently the principal bassoon player of the Montevideo Philharmonic Orchestra, a member of the OSSODRE (National Symphony), and Assistant Bassoon Professor of the Escuela Municipal de Música Vicente Ascone. He is a founding member of Destaoriya Tango Orchestra and has held fellowships at the Festival Internacional de Campos do Jordão, Oficina de Música de Curitiba, Festival de Música de Santa Catarina in Brazil, and Weimarer Bachakademie in Germany. Adriano currently lives in Mannheim, Germany where he is pursuing his Master's degree. VENEZUELA JOSE RAMON ALVAREZ PATIÑO A native of Tucupita, Jose has participated in the Orquesta Sinfonica Juvenil in Carabobo and in the Campos do Jordao Festival (Brazil). He has studied with Julio Madrid, Eduardo Salazar, and Duvardo Echarry, among others. He has toured France with the Epsival Festival and in Spain with the Brass Ensemble of Carabobo. ANA ANDREA APARICIO CORONADO Ana began her musical training at the age of four with the Sistema de Orquestas Juveniles e Infantiles in Aragua, Venezuela. She was previously a member of the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional Infantil de Venezuela and was the principal second violinist of the Orquesta Juvenil José Félix Ribas. She has performed solo recitals in the Teresa Carreño auditorium and Sala Simón Bolívar among others, and was awarded the Orden Bolivariana de Macaray. She obtained a diploma of music performance from Escuela de Música Federico Villena. Currently, she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in international studies at Universidad Central in Venezuela. DAYANA GUEVERA A native of Venezuela, Dayana began her musical training at the Conservatorio de Música Simón Bolívar in Caracas and continued her studies at the Núcleo Montalbán of El Sistema de Orquestas Infantiles y Juveniles de Venezuela. In 2012, Dayana completed her BM in Double Bass Performance. She has been Principal Double Bass for Banda Sinfónica Juvenil Simón Bolivar and a member of the Orquesta Filarmónica Nacional de Venezuela. In 2015, Dayana was a member of the Youth International Philharmonic Orchestra, with whom she performed several concerts in New York City under the baton of Jose Luis Gomez. Recently, Dayana has been appointed to the Principal Double Bass at Orquesta Sinfónica del Conservatorio del Liceo in Spain.

JOSÉ DAVID MARQUEZ CARRERO José began his musical training at the age of 11 at El Sistema de Orquestas Infantiles y Juveniles de Venezuela. In 2002, he became a member of the Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolivar de Venezuela under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel. He won first place at the Concurso Internacional de Violonchelo Carlos Prieto. In 2008, he studied at the Aulnay Sois Bois Conservatory in Paris, from which he received the Award of Excellence. Since 2013, José has been a member of the string quartet, Cuarteto Libertadores, and has performed with this ensemble in the Americas, Europe, and Africa. He is an active soloist, performing with many orchestras in Venezuela, in addition to receiving mentorship from Alisa Weilerstein. RODOLFO MIJARES CÓTIZ Rodolfo began his musical training at the age of 9 at the Conservatorio de Música in Carabobo, Valencia. He was member of the Orquesta Sinfónica Juvenil de Carabobo, an orchestra of the El Sistema program, in addition to participating in projects with the Orquesta Sinfónica Juvenil Simón Bolívar under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel. Rodolfo completed his BM at Staatliche Hochschule Für Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Mannheim, Germany, and has been a member of the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Friburgo in Brisgovia, Germany. JESUS EDUARDO MUJICA PARRA Violist Jesus began his musical training at the El Sistema de Orquestas Infatiles y Juveniles de Venezuela in Yaritagua. He has performed as a soloist with the Orquesta Juvenil Teresa Carreño under the baton of Christian Vazquez, and with the Orquesta de Cámara UCLA. He was a member of Sinfónica Nacional Infantil de Venezuela, performing under conductors Gustavo Dudamel and Sir Simon Rattle. Currently, he studies at the Conservatorio de Música Simón Bolivar with José Manuel Román, and he is also a member of the Orquesta Juvenil Teresa Carreño, having toured Europe and Asia on multiple occasions. WILSON PEPPER A native of Caracas, Wilson began his musical training at the age of six at the Centro Académico Infantil Montalbán. He has performed in many recitals as a double bass soloist, and he won second place in the Festival Nacional de Jóvenes Contrabajistas Competition. He was invited to perform with the Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolivar de Venezuela, with whom he has toured in Europe. Wilson has participated in masterclasses with Klauss Stoll, Nabil Sheata, and Edicson Ruiz. He is the Assistant Principal Double Bass of the Orquesta Sinfónica Juvenil Teresa Carreño and a member of the Academia Latinoamericana de Contrabajo.

FRANCISCO PIÑERO HERRERA A native of Venezuela, Francisco began his musical studies at the age of nine. He studied percussion at the Simon Bolivar Conservatorium in Caracas, and in 2007, was appointed as percussionist of the Venezuelan Youth Orchestra. He has performed with the Teresa Carreño Youth Orchestra, where he had the opportunity to work with world class conductors including Claudio Abbado, Sir Simon Rattle, Plácido Domingo, Gustavo Dudamel, Christian Vazquez, and Diego Mateuz. In 2011, he began his studies at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Francisco has played with the Simon Bolivar Orchestra, the Nederland Philharmonic Orkest, Caracas Youth Orchestra, JONDE, NJO, and Bundes jugend Orchester. KAYLET TORREZ Kaylet began music studies at the age of three in the publicly funded music program El Sistema in Venezuela, beginning French horn studies at the age of seven. From 2004 to 2014, was a member of the horn section of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, performing in concert halls including the Berlin Philharmonic, Royal Albert Hall, KKL Hall, Bonn Beethoven Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Carnegie Hall. In 2014, she was appointed the principal horn player of the National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia. Kaylet is currently a Performance Diploma candidate at the Colburn Conservatory of Music.