The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA Launches the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Youth Virtuosi USA

The VSO Youth Virtuosi is one part of an expansion to the VSO’s education program

Vancouver, WA (June 18, 2025) – The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA announces the launch of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) Youth Virtuosi, USA, made possible through the Ruthie Keller Community Music Initiative in conjunction with the Keller Foundation. The all-star group consists of 54 student musicians selected from 11 different schools across Southwest Washington school districts, including Columbia River High School, Evergreen High School, Fort Vancouver High School, Henrietta Lacks High School, Heritage High School, Hudson’s Bay High School, Jason Lee Middle School, Mountain View High School, Skyview High School, Union High School, and Vancouver School of Arts and Academics.

Violin student musicians include:
Hannah Abero, Brian Anderson, Darien Bills, Mia Boyden, Elliot Christensen, Jessica Climer, Clementine Downing, Vitaliy Duvalko, Audra Findley, Sarah Gardner, Andilyn Halker, Zoe Hana Tambara, Norah Howard, Ari Land, Kaylee Larson, Trey Levijoki, Kaydence Mateo, Liz Nyamongo, Minnie Pham, Roselin Sanchez, Alina Seigler, Caleb Shelton, Hudson Stuart, William Todd, Sanna Tyler, and Benjamin Young.

Viola student musicians include:
Sarah Alberson, Chiara Christensen, Kanoa DeCastro, Kyle Field, Wyatt Gustafson, Kody Hartley, Taima Hang, Mea Iwata, Ingrid Morrison Garcia, and Simon Olsen.

Cello student musicians include:
Ethan Becker, Elishiya Crain-Keddie, Kai Hargis, Holly Hargunani, Ian Kim, Josh Pihl, Allison Staples, Miles Ulrich, Elizabeth Vest, and Sadie Walters.

Bass student musicians include:
Jared Bay, Layla Decker, Cyrus Holmes, Henry Laurenza, Xavier Maciel, Ethan McLitus, Collin Strebe, and Jordyn Tate.

This first-ever group of VSO Youth Virtuosi student musicians were selected by music teachers in the Vancouver and Evergreen school districts. These young students are being coached by VSO principals as well as prominent local musicians leading up to their debut performance on Saturday, August 2, 2025, for an audience of thousands at the third annual Vancouver USA Arts and Music Festival. The VSO Youth Virtuosi, will join professional musicians, in a performance on the main stage alongside GRAMMY award-winning cellist Zuill Bailey under the batons of award-winning maestros Gerard Schwarz and Ken Selden. As a part of the Vancouver USA Arts and Music Festival, this performance is free for the public to attend.

The program opens with one of the greatest cello concertos, Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1 which will feature cello soloist Zuill Bailey conducted by Ken Selden. Additionally, the VSO Youth Virtuosi will perform the second and fourth movements of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 under the baton of Maestro Gerard Schwarz.

Following the VSO Youth Virtuosi performance on August 2, world-renowned soprano Renée Fleming will join the VSO under Maestro Gerard Schwarz for a program of beloved songs and arias from Puccini to Rodgers & Hammerstein and audience-favorite orchestral masterworks. 

What: VSO Youth Virtuosi, USA performance
When: Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Vancouver USA Arts and Music Festival

  Esther Short Park – Main Stage

  605 Esther St., Vancouver, WA 98660

Tickets: This is a FREE event, learn more about the VSO Youth Virtuosi at vancouversymphony.org

The VSO education program strives to provide music education for all ages through both performance and informational programming. The programs offered by VSO not only foster a love for music but also build a sense of community, provide educational opportunities, and support the development of young artists. Through the creation of the VSO Youth Virtuosi, the VSO is working to provide local student musicians with world-class instruction and learning opportunities.

In an effort to reach the next generation of musicians and bring music into the lives of everyone in the community, the VSO has dramatically expanded its education program. The VSO’s education program includes:

• Complimentary student and educator tickets for Clark County school districts, Title 1 schools, and other students who indicate they have financial constraints

• 50% off tickets for family members accompanying students

• VSO brass and winds ensemble performances in Vancouver-area schools including sponsored “Meet the Brass Family” performances from the Columbia River Brass Quintet

• Annual symphonic concerts, performed for area elementary and middle school students at Skyview Concert Hall which serve as an introduction to symphonic music and the various instruments of the orchestra

• Classroom visits to Vancouver/Portland Metro area band and orchestra classrooms by long-time VSO Conductor Salvador Brotons

• Masterclasses from leading world-class musicians

VSO-USA has also provided a variety of educational offerings for all ages to enjoy, including:

• Soloist and small ensemble performances at senior and adult living communities that bring music to residents 

• Educational pre-concert talks

• A library of blogs and podcasts that share the history and background of composers and their works and highlight guest artists, VSO musicians, and conductors

In addition to the newly launched VSO Youth Virtuosi program, this May the VSO partnered with Beacock Music and Portland State University to present a master class featuring violin virtuoso Philippe Quint on May 14, 2025, at Beacock Music. This event provided local student musicians the opportunity to receive direct feedback and instructions from a world-class musician. Additionally, the VSO hosted elementary school-age students from the Washougal School District at a dress rehearsal prior to the VSO Chamber Orchestra performance on May 18, 2025. These students were introduced to chamber music, learned about the history of the pieces that were performed, and participated in a short Q & A with Philippe Quint.

For more information on VSO’s Education Program, please visit vancouversymphony.org/education-program

About The VSO

The VSO, now in its 46th season, has been a cornerstone of Southwest Washington's arts community, providing symphonic music of the highest caliber in live performances and through music education in schools, concert halls, and throughout the community. For more information, please visit vancouversymphony.org. 

About our Sponsors 

The VSO is generously supported by individual donors, The M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust, Realvest Foundation, Keller Foundation, Oregon Public Broadcasting, AC Hotel by Marriott, United Grain Corporation, Columbia Credit Union, All Classical Radio, Gravitate, Dick Hannah Dealerships, The Columbian, Michelle’s Piano Co., Pacific Office Automation, Steinway & Sons Portland, The VIC, Kiggins Theatre, Opsahl Dawson, and Willful Wine Company. 

###

THE VANCOUVER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
PO BOX 525    VANCOUVER, WA 98666    PHONE 360-735-7278    FAX 360-906-0355
www.vancouversymphony.org