Abigail Brooks

Abigail Brooks, 18, is a senior double bassist and homeschool student who currently studies with Gabriel Katz. She is known for her warm, outgoing disposition and her contagious joy for music. She fell in love with the double bass in middle school and has been playing it ever since. She has earned a position in the Region 27 orchestra for the last four years, ranking first for three consecutive years. She has been a two-time prize winner at the Virtuosi of Houston Concerto Competition. Abigail was a founding member of a Virtuosi of Houston all-bass ensemble coached by Eric Larson of the Houston Symphony. She has attended the Bradetich Foundation Double Bass Masterclass Camp at the University of North Texas, and the AFA Summer Music Festival. She has studied with Jeff Bradetich (UNT), Jack Unzicker (UT-Arlington), and Andy Moritz. She is ecstatic about playing with Virtuosi for her fourth and final season, and currently serves as Principal Bass. After graduating this year she hopes to have left a meaningful footprint on the bass section at Virtuosi.

UPCOMING EVENTS

18 Jan

Concerto Competition

Virtuosi of Houston Studio

9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Testimonials

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

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

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

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 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 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

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

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

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 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