April Guo

April Guo is a freshman and was born in Calgary, Canada. April had started playing the harp since she was in sixth grade and has been playing the piano since she was five. In the past, she participated in the middle school All-Region contest and the Solo & Ensemble contest while she attended Fort Settlement Middle School. She qualified as the first chair harpist in the Symphony Orchestra in her second year of playing the harp and earned a bronze and silver medal for the Solo and Ensemble contest, performing a harp solo and trio with her classmates. She transferred to the Awty International School as an eighth grader and joined the Virtuosi of Houston. She enjoys music, playing the Harp, and has participated in various Harp performances outside of school. She is learning the Harp with the help of Mrs. Susanna Campbell and studying piano with Dr. Yan Shen.

UPCOMING EVENTS

03 May

CONCERT III - SEASON FINALE

7:30 pm

Testimonials

This would be a fine professional orchestra in many places. It shows the depth of talent and the amount of fine training that these young people get. You have to have a good conductor, a good program and it all comes together.

David DewhurstLieutenant Governor of Texas

They played beautifully, and everyone was impressed not only by their talent but also by their professionalism! Although I thanked them publicly last night, I just wanted to let them know again, how much we appreciated their music. Please pass on my gratitude on behalf of the M.D. Anderson Faculty and Family Organization, particularly Adriel who did a fabulous job as the first violin.

Jane CooperVirtuosi of Houston Parent

I was extremely impressed with the high caliber of the musicians in the orchestra. They are truly the best of the best. They had a very challenging repertoire and played it at the highest level. The Orchestra has become a treasure to the Houston Arts scene that rivals the Houston Symphony and many other major arts organizations in the city. The overall management of the group and public image is impeccable.

Ivo van der WerffMasterclass Teacher at Small Ensemble Workshop - Professor of Viola, Shepherd School of Music, Rice University

It’s rare to find a performance program that cares about giving a well-rounded experience to their students. The entire workshop was well run and organized, focusing on exposing students to an in-depth study of the string quartet and its literature… With top-notch staff, faculty, facilities, and a clear vision, it would be difficult to find something better in Houston.

The Dawson FamilyArlington, TX

I left my first Virtuosi concert telling everyone that this group of musicians could play in any orchestra pit in America.

Beatriz MaciasVirtuosi Alumnae - Principal Flutiest Royal Opera House in Brussels, Belgium

I recently had the opportunity to work with some of their students for a program we had here at Kawai Piano Gallery. It is unusual to see young people who are so professional and poised under pressure and this is a direct result of the leadership they receive from the people at Virtuosi of Houston. The students were asked to perform in front of a crowd of people and then have their performance critiqued by a professional musician. This is a daunting situation for even the most advanced college s… Read more

Andy RiordanGeneral Manager, Kawai Piano Gallery

As a professional flutist, I am a prime example of the benefits that Virtuosi so proudly gives. Eight years ago, I was looking for a way to share my talent. Virtuosi took me in and watched me flourish: it was a formative experience for me both socially and musically. Maestro Krager and Maestro Grabiec gave me knowledge and love for a wide variety of music, repertoire that is not often experienced because it is intended only for chamber orchestras. I developed skill and the sensitivity required f… Read more

Arne-Christian PelzVirtuosi Alumnus - First Principal Cellist of the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra in Germany

Virtuosi exceeded our expectations from the beginning. We believe that Sara’s success in music can be traced back to the education, support and encouragement she received at Virtuosi.

Nelson and Catherine Ordóñezparents of Sara, Virtuosi Alumni & currently Julliard Pre-College Division

It is vital that Virtuosi of Houston continues to develop and maintain the resources required to carry on its admirable efforts and perpetuate its positive influence in the Houston arts community.

Peter C. RemingtonVirtuosi Board Member

Like all parents, we always want our children to have the best opportunity to learn, to exceed, to succeed, to experience, to blossom, to be happy, to be confident, to develop to their full potential in life. At age 17, our son Anthony had the opportunity to join Virtuosi of Houston. We did not know where it would lead him and where it would take us, but we had no doubt except two things: First, how are we going to find time to meet the rehearsal schedule as a senior student? Second, how are we … Read more

Annise ParkerFormer Mayor, City of Houston