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AADARSH PARAMESWARAN
INSTRUMENT: Bassoon
AGE: 16
NEIGHBORHOOD: Hoffman Estates
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Midwest Philharmonic Orchestra
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: The summer of 2025, I had the opportunity to perform in Indianapolis at the International Double Reed Society Conference alongside members of the Summer Bassoon Workshop. We performed the 4th movement of Eroica Symphony by Beethoven and it was an incredible experience.
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: I absolutely love Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov. Besides classical, I listen to hip-hop and R&B a lot. Some of my favorite songs are Samurai by Lupe Fiasco and Best Part by Daniel Caesar.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: I love exploring its city-life, trying new foods, and taking in the architecture and lakeside views. It’s a city full of creativity and culture that always feels alive.
ADAM EL YAKINE
INSTRUMENT: Violin
AGE: 14
NEIGHBORHOOD: Elk Grove Village
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: Seeing the Chicago Symphony Orchestra live
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: Right now it’s Csardas by Monti
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: You can’t ever be bored in the big city
AKI SANTIBANEZ
INSTRUMENT: Violin
AGE: 16
NEIGHBORHOOD: Prairie District
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Merit School of Music
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: The most significant musical experience I’ve had so far is having the opportunity to study with Professor Kalinovsky. Jacobs School of Music is one of the schools I would love to apply to for college and considering that Professor Kalinovsky teaches at that school it was such an amazing experience being able to study with him and hear his insights which I found very different to what I typically hear. I learned so much from him and I hope to get the opportunity to study with him again in the future!
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: My favorite piece of music is either Moszkowski Piano Concerto in E Major movement 2, or Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No.2.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: The convenience of being close to everything like restaurants, museums, concert halls, etc.
AMIRAH MUHAMMAD
INSTRUMENT: Violin
AGE: 15
NEIGHBORHOOD: Crete, IL
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: NOI Music Ensemble and Musical Arts Institute
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: Probably playing for my math teachers engagment
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: Humoresque by Dvorak
ANGELO ACOSTA
INSTRUMENT: French Horn
AGE: 12
NEIGHBORHOOD: Cicero, IL
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS:
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: Can't help falling in love was a great one that I liked. But also eye of the tiger. Dont remember the composers name.
BEATRICE VALENZUELA
IINSTRUMENT: Violin
AGE: 14
NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmette, IL
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: Ravinia is such an amazing summer tradition in the Chicago area. In 2024, I had the opportunity to share the stage with and play for Maestro Gustavo Dudamel. My beloved abuelita, Rosa Valenzuela, who passed away in January 2025, was there to watch me live through that experience of a lifetime.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: Chicago is my father's hometown and even though I was born in California, I consider Chicago's location, food, and people, as the best in the world. I have traveled to many places for my music and for vacation and I have yet to find a city as beautiful and vibrant as my home.
BRYAN HERRERA
INSTRUMENT: French Horn
AGE: 13
NEIGHBORHOOD: Cicero, IL
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: Getting into CMPI. Playing in ILMEA and Bandtastic; those programs made me want to play more ever since.
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: Richard Strauss Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks, Op. 28
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: The buildings, atmosphere, and the views.
CALIEL MOSLEY
INSTRUMENT: Clarinet
AGE: 16
NEIGHBORHOOD: Crown Point, IN
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Merit School of Music
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: I got to witness the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra perform the Enigma Variations live with an organ for their season closer, and it was the most beautiful performance I've ever heard live. It made me fall more in love with orchestral playing and want to work harder to achieve that dream.
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: Edouard Destenay Trio in B Minor for Oboe, Clarinet, and Piano, Op.27
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: I love my family and culture. I'm originally from a far south neighborhood in Chicago. I love the culture grown between the friends and family on my old street. I love the cookouts and get-togethers where we eat homemade food and play spades in the basement. I love the restaurants like I-57 RIB House that we get on every occasion. I love our visits to the Kroc Center, where I went to swim and my dad to play basketball. The culture and identity I developed are heavily rooted in South Side, and I appreciate who it made me into today.
CARMEN MERINO
INSTRUMENT: Flute
AGE: 17
NEIGHBORHOOD: Matteson, IL
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Merit School of Music
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: The most significant music experience in my life so far has been when I played with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra in their All-Star Wars Youth Concert.
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: My favorite piece of music that I’ve performed is Midway March by John Williams.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: I like seeing everyone walking around outside and engaging in their own activities. The atmosphere feels really nice.
DELIA MENDOZA
INSTRUMENT: Flute
AGE: 14
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Merit School of Music
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: When I spent a day at the Chicago Flute Club with my private lesson teacher. That was when I started getting serious about music and I got to test out a lot of different flutes.
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: I like the piece Syrinx by Claude Debussy
DESI JOHNSON
INSTRUMENT: Cello
AGE: 13
NEIGHBORHOOD: North Lawndale
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Sistema Ravinia
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: At Blue Lake, playing music I have NEVER SEEN before, harder music than I usually play, and yet I got it in the first week there
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: Mostly the tall buildings and lots of stores that look pretty or I haven’t been in
DMYTRO SALDAN
INSTRUMENT: Violin
AGE: 16
NEIGHBORHOOD: Ukrainian Village
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Merit School of Music, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: The Spain Tour with CYSO is probably the most significant experience of my life so far, as it opened up my mind to the opportunities in Europe. We were able to present the work that we have completed in the past few months to so many audiences, and all of them loved it.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: Chicago is very big, and you can never run out of new experiences. The people are very welcoming, and the architecture downtown is very beautiful. I also love how Chicago becomes so warm during the winter season, and we are always able to enjoy a nice Christmas.
ELYSHIA RAJPUT
INSTRUMENT: Cello
AGE: 12
NEIGHBORHOOD: Buffalo Grove, IL
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS:
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: The most amazing musical experience I’ve had was going to the CSO concert at the Ravinia Festival in August 2025, where Sheku Kanneh-Mason was the featured cellist. Seeing him performing live was amazing, his playing was so emotional and powerful. The best part was that, I got to meet him after the concert!! We even got to take a group photo with him.
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: One of my favorite songs I’ve learned on the cello is the Gavotte in Book 3 by J.B. Lully. I’m super excited to learn “The Swan” by Saint-Saëns. I think it’s in Book 6, so I still have a lot more to practice before I get there.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: I like walking by Lake Michigan with my family. The Chicago skyline looks amazing, especially when you see it from near the Adler Planetarium. There are also lots of cool places to go, like Millennium Park, the Field Museum, and Lincoln Park Zoo.
EMILY PEREZ-OJEDA
INSTRUMENT: Clarinet
AGE: 17
NEIGHBORHOOD: West Englewood
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Chicago High School for the Arts, Merit School of Music
HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT CMPI: I heard about it from my classmate and friend, Kaylee Johnson
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: My most significant experience was playing in the Brevard Music Center, because it was a very large orchestra and together we were able to make incredible music.
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: My favorite piece is the Nielsen Clarinet Concerto
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: I love the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and can't wait for this upcoming season!!
EZRAEL LUKMAN
INSTRUMENT: Cello
AGE: 17
NEIGHBORHOOD: Wood Dale
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras
SUMMER EXPERIENCES: CYSO Tour Launch Millennium Park Concert, CYSO Spain Tour, Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, CYSO Lollapalooza performance
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: Spartacus: Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia (1954) by Aram Khachaturian
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: Opportunities for everything music, from CSO performances to resources like CMPI, MIC and others. I also appreciate the sightseeing in industrial advancement from O'Hare International Airport's plane-spotting opportunities, to seeing frequent hypercar delivery trucks.
FABIAN PEREZ
INSTRUMENT: Bassoon
AGE: 16
NEIGHBORHOOD: Mount Prospect, IL
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS:
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: I saw Lakecia Benjamin play live at Notre Dame and it was really inspiring seeing how much passion she had for her music
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: All blues by miles Davis
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: I like how there’s always events happening nearby whether it’s music related or not
GABRIEL MARTINEZ
INSTRUMENT: Violin
AGE: 15
NEIGHBORHOOD: Mundelein, IL
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: While my preferences change, I am currently drawn to Samuel Barber's Essay for Orchestra.
GABRIELLA JOEW
INSTRUMENT: Flute
AGE: 13
NEIGHBORHOOD: Lincoln Park
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, Merit School of Music, Midwest Young Artists Conservatory
HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT CMPI: I learned about CMPI from CYSO's newsletter and from my friends who were studying flute
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: Performing at world-renowned concert halls such as Carnegie Hall and Walt Disney Concert Hall has been an unforgettable experience for me. However, my most meaningful musical experience so far has been participating in the Chicago Philharmonic community concert. Sharing symphonic music in a relaxed setting—without the formality of tuxedos—and helping more people connect with and appreciate it made this summer especially meaningful.
GEORGE WANG
INSTRUMENT: Violin
AGE: 12
NEIGHBORHOOD: Chicago, IL
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Music Institute of Chicago, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras
HANNA MARSZALEK
INSTRUMENT: Violin
AGE: 16
NEIGHBORHOOD: Algonquin, IL
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras
MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCES: Performing with the Piano Guys, attending Shkolnikova Academy.
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: Either Brahms' Double Concerto or Sibelius' Violin Concerto
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: I love all the beautiful cultures and the people you get to meet!
ISRAEL FERNANDEZ
INSTRUMENT: Cello
AGE: 12
NEIGHBORHOOD: Skokie
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, Merit School of Music
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: Being a part of the CMPI community because I got friends who love and show me how we can make good sound and practice better. I love to have musicians friends because the music is a language that is important in the world.
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: Elgar Cello Concerto
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: I love the famous pizza of Fontano's, the Michoacana Ice Cream Bar, and walking with my dog Canelo in Navy Pier.
ITZEL SOTELO
INSTRUMENT: Flute
AGE: 16
NEIGHBORHOOD: Crete, IL
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Merit School of Music
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: One of the most meaningful musical experiences I’ve had was the first time I played with an orchestra. Sitting in the middle of the sound and hearing everyone blend was truly unforgettable. That moment showed me just how much I enjoy orchestral playing and helped me realize that my dream is to be part of an orchestra one day.
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin
IVAN CALDERON
INSTRUMENT: Tumpet
AGE: 16
NEIGHBORHOOD: Hoffman Estates, IL
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras, Merit School of Music
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: Our first play-through at District 7 ILMEA because the quality of the ensemble was something that I had never experienced before and it was truly eye opening.
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: Amazing Grace (Arranged by Luis Maldonado). I played this over the summer and it was a really great experience of trumpet sound and harmony.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: There are so many opportunities to experience the arts and music at different levels, and the atmosphere of walking around in the city is always nice.
JARED SANCHEZ
INSTRUMENT: Trumpet
AGE: 16
NEIGHBORHOOD: Westchester, IL
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Merit School of Music
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: The most significant is when I fell in love with music. At first I though practicing my instrument was a waste of time and my parents were just making me do it just because. However coming into highschool I came with a passion to not be the best but to be better. My band teacher told me about a Honors Band at UIC and me and my friends went. The first song we rehearsed was Halcyon Hearts and it touched my soul. I began tearing up and it felt beautiful. It was just the first rehearsal but it sounded as if it had already been perfected by the band I was in. There are no words to explain what I felt that day but it changed my whole view of life and of my instrument, it will forever be my most memorable and significant because it has led me to be the musician I am now.
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: My favorite piece of music is L'Oiseau de feu, K10: X. Khorovo (Ronde) des princesses by Igor Stravinsky.
JAZMYN IRONS
INSTRUMENT: Flute
AGE: 17
NEIGHBORHOOD: South Chicago
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Merit School of Music
WHAT HAS BEEN YOU MOST SIGNIFICANT MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: Being able to play in Lutheran Summer Music and being able to build connections with the same people I was able to play music with.
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: Intermezzo - Giacomo Puccini
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: I love the scenery of Chicago. The scenery has so much variety that you can travel across the city to where it's very urban with a lot of tall buildings, or you can go to the botanic garden and see a place with a lot of plants and nature.
JORGE CRUZ-HERNANDEZ
INSTRUMENT: Bassoon
AGE: 17
NEIGHBORHOOD: Schaumburg, IL
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Midwest Young Artists Conservatory
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: Having an in person audition for CMPI as it taught me MANY lessons and tips that I have used to make me become better as a musician and person to this day. The whole experience from the very beginning was a roller coaster of emotions and learning a difficult piece to audition with has helped me become even better then I was when I first started signing up for CMPI.
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: Mozart Bassoon Concerto in Bb major, K191 - W.A Mozart
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has to be one of the best things about Chicago. I have been fortunate enough to see some of their concerts in person with some of my best friends and every time they have left us feeling inspired to want to become like the performers on stage. The best way to describe CSO is as simple as the word magic, what they create and produce from that stage is incredible and unforgettable music that will touch people’s hearts in many ways.
JULIANA DOOLIN
INSTRUMENT: Cello
AGE: 12
NEIGHBORHOOD: Munster, IN
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Hyde Park Youth Symphony, Merit School of Music
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: I love the architecture of the buildings along the lakefront.
KAYLEE JOHNSON
INSTRUMENT: Flute
AGE: 17
NEIGHBORHOOD: North Austin
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Sistema Ravinia, Chicago High School for the Arts, Merit School of Music
SUMMER EXPERIENCES: I went to Spain with CYSO, the Lutheran Summer Music Program, and played in Lollapalooza with CYSO.
MY MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE: Attending camp was one of the most significant musical experiences so far because I got to look into what like would be similar to as a musician in college.
KEN TABUCHI-YANG
INSTRUMENT: Cello
AGE: 14
NEIGHBORHOOD: Rockton, IL
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra
SUMMER EXPERIENCES: In June, I had two opportunities to play as a guest soloist in a community orchestra in southern Wisconsin. In Beloit College and a church in Clinton, Wisconsin. I performed Haydn's concerto no.1 in C major with the orchestra. It was my first experience playing with an orchestra.
MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCES SO FAR: In May 2024, at the Rockford Dance Company's 50th anniversary event, I was invited to play and accompany a cello and piano duet with a pianist/composer and two professional dancers from the Joffrey Ballet in one scene of a pas de deux. I was 13 years old at that time. The pressure was intense while preparing for school finals, as I was enrolled in a high school course at Hononegah High School while still in middle school. However, I learned how important it is to prepare and practice music by paying attention to the details in the pieces so that I would not be in panic before an important show or event.
KEVIN SOTO
INSTRUMENT: Cello
AGE: 17
NEIGHBORHOOD: Albany Park
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, The People's Music School
SUMMER EXPERIENCES: I attended two camps which were both 4 weeks long. I had private lessons with teachers from Oberlin, Eastman, and Julliard. I attended daily masterclasses on different topics/repertoire. I also got perform a movement of a piano trio by Clara Schumann, a movement of a quintet by Glazunov, and a whole symphony by Dvorak.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: Performing at Walt Disney Concert Hall or having private lessons with amazing faculty from prestigious music conservatories.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: I love the amazing skyline. I also love the AMAZING food. Chicago's various art scenes are also top tier.
LUIS FERNANDEZ JR.
INSTRUMENT: Violin
AGE: 15
NEIGHBORHOOD: Skokie
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras
HOW I GOT MY START IN MUSIC: II got inspired to play the violin by a kid in my music school playing the violin, I somehow felt the need of playing it, it was like a call in my head.
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: Sibelius violin concerto in D minor, Op. 47 and the Hilary Hahn recording of the Beethoven Violin Concerto
MAJEED MUHAMMAD
INSTRUMENT: Cello
AGE: 14
NEIGHBORHOOD: Bronzeville
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Hyde Park Youth Symphony, Nation of Islam Musical Ensemble
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START IN MUSIC: Dad had me and my brother malik in music studios or schools since we were four years old.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: The beach in Hyde Park
MALIK MUHAMMAD
INSTRUMENT: Viola
AGE: 17
NEIGHBORHOOD: Bronzeville
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Merit School of Music, Nation of Islam Musical Ensemble
MY MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE: Joining CMPI is the most significant musical experience I have had. That is, once you consider all the great things that have happened because of it. Because of CMPI, I’ve moved from violin to viola which is a much better fit, and found a really great viola teacher, Stacia Spencer. Because of CMPI and their relationship with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, I enrolled in the Civic's 12-week young composers' program and had my song ‘Softly Blue, Suddenly Grey’, featured and performed in their online concert during COVID by Civic Fellows Joe Bricker and Hannah Christensen. Because of that experience, I was recommended to apply for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Young Composers Initiative under Meade Composer In-Residence and recent Grammy Award winner-Jessie Montgomery. I have since had two of my compositions, ‘Recoverless’ & ‘Magnitude’, performed at The Symphony Center by musicians from the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.
MYLES BASS
INSTRUMENT: Violin
AGE: 11
NEIGHBORHOOD: Oak Lawn, IL
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS:
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: My most significant musical experience is playing the national anthem for the Bulls Kids Nation.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: I really like the skyline and food.
NEAL KOTAMARTY EISFELDT
INSTRUMENT: Violin
AGE: 16
NEIGHBORHOOD: Lake Zurich
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Music Institute of Chicago
HOW I GOT MY START IN MUSIC: My father encouraged me and introduced me to my first violin.
MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE: Debuting in Carnegie Hall with Bruch Violin Concerto #1 in G minor.
FAVORITE PIECE: Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake
NEENA AGRAWAL
INSTRUMENT: Viola
AGE: 16
NEIGHBORHOOD: Albany Park
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Music Institute of Chicago
SUMMER EXPERIENCES: Music@Menlo, Young Performers Program
Center Stage Strings, Intensive Chamber Music Program
MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE: Playing the Schumann Piano Quartet at Music@Menlo with very professional and talented other students
NEVEYA MCCULLOUGH
INSTRUMENT: Clarinet
AGE: 12
NEIGHBORHOOD: Chicago, IL
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Merit School of Music
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: Minuet by Johann Kirnberger
NISHANT CARR
INSTRUMENT: Cello
AGE: 15
NEIGHBORHOOD: Lincolnwood
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Music Institute of Chicago, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra
FAVORITE PIECE: Cello Concerto No. 1 in E Flat Major by Shostakovich
MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE: Meeting people and teachers at summer camps every year.
OLIVIA DOOLIN
INSTRUMENT: Viola
AGE: 17
NEIGHBORHOOD: Munster, IN
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Merit School of Music, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: Playing in the 2025 Equity Arc Pathways Orchestra
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: I really love Debussy and Piazzolla right now. Some pieces include Debussy string quartet and Piazzolla 4 seasons.
OSCAR SOTO
INSTRUMENT: Flute
AGE: 15
NEIGHBORHOOD: Wheeling, IL
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Midwest Young Artists (MYA)
PALOMA FURST CHAVIRA
INSTRUMENT: Violin
AGE: 16
NEIGHBORHOOD: Park Forest
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra
SUMMER EXPERIENCES: I toured Spain with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra in June, and then toured Asia with the National Youth Orchestra.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: Touring Asia with NYO/USA! We got to work with Ray Chen and Gianandrea Noseda. We played to sold out shows in amazing concert halls and also had free time to explore.
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: Rachmaninoff Symphony No.2
ROMINA TURPO
INSTRUMENT: Violin
AGE: 11
NEIGHBORHOOD: Steger, IL
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Merit School of Music, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras
WHAT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND CLUBS ARE YOU A PART OF: Church podcast and school band
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: Winter and Summer from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
SAUL CIRILO
INSTRUMENT: Trumpet
AGE: 17
NEIGHBORHOOD: Little Village
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Chicago High School for the Arts
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: Being a part of the Equity Arc Pathways Orchestra and playing at Symphony Center
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: I love the opportunities that it offers and the orchestra
TENTANA KAHAR
INSTRUMENT: Violin
AGE: 11
NEIGHBORHOOD: Lake View
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, Merit School of Music
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: The most significant musical experiences in my life were performing the second movement of Bach’s Double Concerto with Ms. Midori Goto, and playing as a soloist later at the Violin Museum in Cremona, Italy.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: I love Chicago’s rich history, amazing architecture, diverse people, great music, unique culture, international cuisines, and beautiful beaches.
VICTORIA GARCIA RUIZ
INSTRUMENT: Viola
AGE: 15
NEIGHBORHOOD: Buffalo Grove
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Midwest Young Artists Conservatory, Music Institute of Chicago
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: Participating in the 2025 Equity Arc Pathways Orchestra- it was so fun meeting musicians from all over the country and working with some of the best in orchestral music today!
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: One of my favorite pieces right now is Shostakovich's String Quartet No. 8. I got the opportunity to play both the first and second movement during the summer and I am fascinated by the unique harmony and by the nature of the piece and why it was written.
VICTORIA RODRIGUEZ
INSTRUMENT: Violin
AGE: 11
NEIGHBORHOOD: Chicago, IL
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Hyde Park Suzuki Institute
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: Participating in my first Honor Recital and performing with Rachel Barton Pine at my music school was an unforgettable experience. It was my first audition, and my hard work and practice truly paid off.
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: Anatoli Komarowski’s Concerto No. 2 for Violin and Piano
WYNSTAN WILLIAMS
INSTRUMENT: Cello
AGE: 14
NEIGHBORHOOD: Englewood
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Hyde Park Youth Symphony
SUMMER EXPERIENCES: Sphinx Performance Academy at CU Boulder
HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT CMPI: My older sister Autymn is an alum
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: Going to the Suzuki Institute summer camps with all my siblings and staying at the hotel. Also, having recitals at my house and having all the family and neighbors there.
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: Nocturne in E-flat major, Op. 9, No. 2 and Shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat major
XIRUO "CECE" WANG
INSTRUMENT: Violin
AGE: 13
NEIGHBORHOOD: Hyde Park
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Music Institute of Chicago, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: I played the Bach Double with Hilary Hahn
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: My current favorite piece is Carmen Fantasy by Sarasate. My favorite composers are Mozart, Beethoven, and Sarasate. My favorite soloists are Hilary Hahn, Midori, and Maxim Vengerov.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT CHICAGO: Museums, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the beach!
ZAPRE BENSON NORWOOD
INSTRUMENT: Viola
AGE: 12
NEIGHBORHOOD: Englewood
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS: Sistema Ravinia
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE SO FAR: Meeting professional musicians and learning from their expertise. Getting into CMPI and the opportunities I’ve experienced, and playing Hungarian Dance No.5 at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC OR SONG: Classical- Antonio Vivaldi and rock- Mitski.