Mani Hourfar
Mani Hourfar, 14, is a freshman pianist at the Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA) under the direction of Rodolfo Morales. He has been playing piano since the age of 9. He currently studies with Richard Marshall in the Michael P. Hammond Preparatory program of the Shepherd School at Rice University, where he also studies advanced music theory and composition with composer Alex Berko. Mani will debut his first piano composition at the Rice Preparatory World Premier composition concert in December. He is currently working on his ABRSM Grade 8 piano certificate, and is excited at the unique opportunity to expand his skills on the harpsichord through Virtuosi of Houston this season. Passionate about music, Mani has also played violin since the age of 6. His other hobbies include chess, reading, and playing chamber music with his friends. He volunteers as a piano tutor with the organization Teaching To Give, and has been teaching piano for over 2 years.