Mission Statement

Virtuosi of Houston was formed to create a pre-professional climate and performance opportunities for Houston’s most focused young musicians (11-18 years of age), regardless of race, religion or financial status and to bring an expanded repertoire of chamber music works to Houston audiences.

Virtuosi of Houston is celebrating our 18th season as a 501(c) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping gifted young instrumentalists between the ages of 11 and 18 fulfill their dreams of becoming professional musicians. Each fall, Townsend musicians from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and the greater Houston area are selected by audition for their ability to play at the exemplary level required for a smaller chamber Orchestra. Orchestra members receive unparalleled instruction and performance training under the direction of two acclaimed Moores school of music University of Houston professors. our students thrive in a supportive but challenging environment that encourages positive interaction with other highly motivated musicians intent on pursuing careers in music. Program graduates say they are better prepared to face the intense competition for admission to prestigious music schools and conservatories.

Filling the music education gap

Houston offers few options for advanced music education the students between the ages of 11 to 18. Even the most talented young musicians must rely upon weekly lessons from private teachers and limited school band orchestra instruction. Virtual's if Houston feels this gap with programs specifically designed for serious students seeking comprehensive musical education and performance opportunities to help them reach their full potential. Virtuosi programs include 90+ hours of pre-concert rehearsals in our custom designed studio in Memorial City Mall, a concerto competition with $10,500 in prizes to help students with their music expenses, coaching and master classes from leaving Houston area professional musicians and teachers, a small ensemble program, and the small ensemble summer workshop.

Chamber music performances

bringing an expanded repertoire of chamber music works to Houston is an integral part of rituals if Houston's mission. Our emphasis onpreprofessional performance training contributes to fine arts offerings by making chamber music accessible to a broader audience through theater district concert and small ensemble performances in a wide variety of public and private venues. This season's schedule includes two concerts at the Hobby Center, a concert performance at Jones Hall for the Youth Orchestra Festival, and a dinner and concert fundraiser at a prestigious Houston Hotel. The public is welcome to Austria rehearsals and events.

Future Professionals

Virtuosi of Houston's foremost goal is to develop emerging young musicians in order to give them an advantage when additioning for premier conservatories and music schools. Over the past three years, 100% of Virtuosi graduating seniors have pursued a higher education and over 70% of them continue their music education at the college level as performance or music education majors. it is with great pride that we include the alumni spotlight and each of our concert programs. The successes of Virtuosi alumni as they continue their pursuit of careers in music demonstrate the effectiveness of our programming in furthering their aspirations to become professional musicians.

Small ensemble programs

as an extension of our fabulous orchestral training program, Virtuosi of Houston musicians are encouraged to perform in small, chamber ensembles such a string quartets, trios, and wind quintets. The students enjoy regular coaching from Houston's top performing artists and teachers. last year, Virtuosi string and wind ensemble gave over 100 performances at charity events, private parties, weddings, and as a community service at venues such as the MD Anderson, Texas Children's Hospital, retirement communities, the British Consulate, the Texas music festival, Jones Symphony Hall, the Houston Public Library, the contemporary arts Museum, and many many more. To find out more about the small ensemble program, or to have us perform for your event, please call or email.

The successes of Virtuosi alumni as they continue their pursuit of careers in music demonstrate the effectiveness of our programming in furthering their aspirations to become professional musicians.