Our Team
2024-2025
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Susan P. DeBakey, President
Karen Redding, Treasurer
Virginia Parras, Secretary
Janye Anderson
Monzer Hourani
Elina Htun
ADVISORY BOARD
Helen Arnold
Denis DeBakey
Edna E. Renfrow
Katie Salvatore
LEGAL COUNSEL
Denton’s (pro bono)
Mukul S. Kelkar
ARTISTIC DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Karen Needham
UPCOMING EVENTS
01
Mar
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
