Classical Tahoe Academy

Classical Tahoe welcomes seven Black and Latinx musicians as Fellows of this year’s Classical Tahoe Academy. We seek to promote diversity in American orchestras by providing the fellows the opportunity to network and perform in a high-level professional setting. These musicians come from around the world to be in residence in Incline Village as CT Fellows.

While in residence, the CT Fellows perform with the Classical Tahoe Orchestra and participate in a customized experience of mentorship, networking, and audition preparation. CT Fellows are professional-level musicians currently auditioning with top-tier orchestras. The ultimate goal of Classical Tahoe Academy is job placement for musicians of color in top American orchestras.

Fellows from the 2021 and 2022 Academies have been offered positions with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony, Knoxville Symphony, Classical Tahoe, Minnesota Orchestra, Phoenix Symphony, Chicago Sinfonietta, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Orchestra of the Americas, and Symphoria.

Classical Tahoe is an Orchestral Partner with the Sphinx Organization. Some of this year’s CT Fellows came to our notice through their outstanding auditions in Sphinx’s orchestral competition. We thank Weston Sprott, recipient of the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, Dean of the Preparatory Division at the Juilliard School, and frequent trombonist with Classical Tahoe, for facilitating this connection between organizations.

The CT Fellows will take the spotlight at the Community Concert on July 27. Come hear them in a delightful program of chamber music gems!

Shaping the Future of Classical Music

Classical music is entering a phase of renewal that has the potential to ensure an exciting future for generations to come. Recognition that orchestral musicians and leaders must be more reflective of our society will be central to organizations that lead us into the future.

While many classical music organizations agree and wish to be leaders in progress, they struggle to identify actionable strategies that will align their aspirations with their intentions. We believe this program provides an opportunity for Classical Tahoe to build on its tradition of musical excellence, expand its breadth, and play an integral role in shaping the future of the art form.

Classical Tahoe and Sphinx Organization share positive synergies in our shared musical ambassadors, including Weston Sprott, Billy Hunter, Demarre McGill, George Taylor, and others. Thanks to Weston Sprott for spearheading this initiative and facilitating the connection between organizations. A special thanks to Weston Sprott (pictured at left) for spearheading this initiative and facilitating the connection between organizations.

“For five years I have performed at Classical Tahoe alongside fellow Sphinx family members Billy Hunter, Demarre McGill, and George Taylor. The level of playing at Classical Tahoe is world-class, and the intersection of top-level players from across the industry is incredibly unique. For nearly a quarter of a century, the Sphinx Organization has worked to create career pathways and champion the artistry of Black and Latinx musicians. The Classical Tahoe Academy will build on the Festival’s tradition of musical excellence, expand its breadth, and play an integral role in shaping the future of the art form.”

– Weston Sprott, trombonist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Classical Tahoe trombonist for five seasons, Recipient of the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, Member of Sphinx’s National Advisory Board, and Dean of the Preparatory Division at the Juilliard School. 

The CT Fellows will perform with the Classical Tahoe Orchestra, and will be featured in the July 27 “Community Concert: Mixing it Up” at 7pm.

Works by Harris, Reger, Bunch, Mozart, and Martinů. Tickets at $15 to support the Classical Tahoe Academy program.

photo: 2022 Academy Fellows (L to R): Olivia Hamilton, Nelson Yovera, Pedro Mendez, Sebastian Brea Perez, Dana Dominguez, Sofia Schutte, Fabiola Hoyo, Eduardo Sepulveda, Julian Maddox, Clarissa Vieira.

photo: 2021 Academy Fellows after the Community Concert. back (L to R): Devan Jaquez, Steven Palacio, Sabrina Bradford, Davis Perez, Corbin Castro, Julian Maddox, Francesca McNeeley, Tamara Winston, Alex Mendoza, Juan Esteban Martínez, front: Christopher Johnson.