Olivia Thoelke

Olivia Thoelke is an 18 year-old senior attending Wittenberg Academy She began playing cello when she was 5 years old. She is also accomplished on the piano and organ. She’s has played in various youth orchestras in the St. Louis area. Most recently she was a part of the Young People’s Symphonic Orchestra under the direction of Patrick Jackson and
the PREP program at Webster Community School. She has also had the honor of being a part of
the Illinois All-State and All-District orchestras along with receiving superior ratings at Illinois Solo and Ensemble Competition. She currently studies cello with Ken Kulosa. Olivia has participated in church choir, theater, scholar bowl, book club, philosophy club, yearbook club, welcome team, and games with her family. In her free time she enjoys cross stitch and embroidery.

UPCOMING EVENTS

03 May

CONCERT III - SEASON FINALE

7:30 pm

Testimonials

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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