Natalie Min

Natalie Min, 14, is a 9th grader at Memorial High School. She started playing violin in the Frostwood Fiddlers at the age of 6 with Ms. Padua Canty and later Ms. Katie Hemphill. She studied under Ms. Hannah Watson and currently studies under Dr. Mauricio Oliveros. For 2 years, she participated in Houston Youth Symphony. She is playing violin in the Lyrica Orchestra under Mr. Chan and Ms. Danielle Prontka. In middle school, she was selected for the Region 27 Middle School Symphony Orchestra in seventh and eighth grade, both times as a first violinist. In 2022, she received outstanding performances in UIL Ensembles. This year in her 9th grade, she made the Region 27 High School Symphony Orchestra. Outside of orchestra, she enjoys year-round swim team, water polo, drawing digitally, and hanging out with friends.

UPCOMING EVENTS

03 May

CONCERT III - SEASON FINALE

7:30 pm

Testimonials

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

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

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

Our family had a very unique and quality experience when we meet Anthony Cooper a Virtuosi of Houston scholarship recipient. He found our daughter’s Wayne Burak cello on Craigslist and drove all the way from Houston to play it. This very talented young man was not only motivated to purchase this instrument by his passionate love of music but also by his pending scholarship from Virtuosi. We truly believe the spirit of the grant matched the spirit of the musician and a perfect match was made…… Read more

Ruth KwakProgram Director, Executive Board Member of M.D. Anderson Faculty & Family Organization

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

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

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

I was very impressed not only at the general level of the student participants but at the quality of their work and the obvious commitment they all showed. It is a feather in the cap for Virtuosi to attract the high quality of students that they do and provide an environment of high class teaching, support and encouragement.

Dr. Karl BlenchComposer, Conductor - Instructor of Music Theory at Small Ensemble Workshop

During the 2003–04 school year I received a scholarship as a member of the Virtuosi of Houston and experienced great concerts & memorable moments with that orchestra. Since I received such great support and encouragement from the Virtuosi of Houston I would very much like to come back and enjoy seeing the next generation of young artists reaching for the highest quality under such fine guidance of Maestro Krager and Maestro Grabiec. I am currently the first Principal Cellist of the Hamburg Symph… Read more

Sixto Federico MontesinosAssociate Director of Bands - Jersey Village High School

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