Eric Goldberg began playing the violin at age four. Five years later, he auditioned for the Percussion Scholarship Group of the CSO Institute. He has been a member now for six years, rehearsing at Symphony Center every weekend and constantly surrounded by CSO musicians. “It is truly a blessing to be a part of such an environment,” he exudes, “and being able to perform with the dedicated and successful musicians of the CSO would be such an honor!” Eric is a sophomore at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School. A modern classical music enthusiast, Eric intends to study music in college and pursue a career as an orchestral percussionist. “When you fail, or when you struggle,” he says, “do not be discouraged. Keep going. Prove everyone else wrong, including yourself. You will find yourself in a place you never thought that you could have made it to before.” |
Shuya Gong has been playing piano since the age of four because she was “simply obsessed with being able to play a musical instrument.” Shuya joined the CSO’s Percussion Scholarship Group in 2004. “The entire experience really has influenced my entire life,” Shuya states. “Music was really one of the first things in life that I ever found truly challenging. It’s been a journey filled with failures, but it’s been a journey rich with rewards.” A sophomore at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, Shuya has performed at the Ritz Carlton, the Winspear Opera House in Dallas, and Symphony Center in last year’s YAC Finale Concert. “I want to perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra because they are one of the best orchestras in the world,” she says, “and performing with them is an experience that most people do not get.” |
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When Monika Miodragovic was very young, she would dance whenever she heard music from nearby cafes. She was soon encouraged to attend music school and develop her talent. Now a senior at Lincoln Park High School, Monika has played classical piano for twelve years. A winner of several first place prizes in international competitions, Monika believes she has developed into an individual mainly because of playing the piano. “Performing in public made me more confident in myself and my goals,” she says. “I would never believe that my dream of performing there could come true so soon,” Monika relates about her upcoming YAC performance. After graduating, she will attend the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance to focus on piano performance. She intends to continue studying music through graduate school and into a career as a professional pianist, insisting “I want my music to speak to others.” |
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Manuel Canchola has been performing for nearly eight years. “I really love learning more and getting better, because when I get up on stage, I play what I know and have fun with it. I love giving the audience something to feed off of and get into,” says Manuel. A junior at Lincoln Park High School, Manuel has performed at Symphony Center multiple times, including during last year’s YAC Finale Concert. Manuel also performed for as many as 17,000 people on Pritzker Stage in Millenium Park recently. But he relishes the opportunity to step onto the stage of Symphony Center with the CSO once again. “This is a great opportunity to play with the masters of our trade,” he exclaims. Manuel plans to attend college and study music en route to a career as a professional musician. “Performing on stage,” he considers, “makes me feel free!” |
Gerardo Fernandez began playing saxophone in fifth grade with his school’s band program, and has now been performing for seven years. “My friends and fellow musicians influence me most in my music,” Gerardo states. “They often push me to be competitive and they have always helped make music more enjoyable for me.” A senior at Lincoln Park High School, Gerardo cites his biggest accomplishment as winning the Young Artists Competition two years in a row. “My favorite performance to date would have to be last year’s performance, but I’m thinking this year might be even better,” he exudes. “The CSO is one of the most prestigious orchestras in the world and to perform on the same stage as they do is a rare opportunity.” Gerardo is set on studying engineering in college, but he adds, “I will always be playing my saxophone, and will hopefully always be playing with friends.” |
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Grzegorz Piotr Piekosz has been performing since he began playing piano at age six. A senior at Lincoln Park High School, Grzegorz has performed at the Chicago Jazz Festival, and has played at Pritzker Pavilion, opening up for Ramsey Lewis. He also performs around Chicagoland with blues-jazz group, The Lowdowns. Grzegorz’s performance at last year’s YAC Finale Concert held a special meaning for him. “I have regularly attended classical piano concerts at Symphony Center, and seeing myself on that same stage was the most inspirational moment to date,” he reminisces. Grzegorz plans on continuing his music studies in college and to one day complete graduate studies and teach at the university level.” I love teaching music because I learn so much more about what I don't know,” he considers, “and what I can improve on.” |
Diana Solis started playing the saxophone in fifth grade, “simply because it was something new to try,” she recalls. “My biggest influences were two of my older cousins that were already in the school band, and of course, Lisa Simpson.” A sophomore at Lincoln Park High School, Diana has performed at the prestigious Midwest Clinic and at Symphony Center with the Chicago All-City Band. Diana will return to Symphony Center in June as a member of the Lincoln Park High School Sax Quartet. “I want to perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra because only a few are lucky enough to play with such an amazing orchestra,” she enthuses. “The rare opportunities that music brings are the most satisfying.” |
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Just over a year ago, Zoëy Bergstrom was resigned to complete vocal rest for two months because of a vocal cord condition. “Those two months without making music made me realize how important music is to me,” she recalls. A senior at Northside College Prep, Zoëy has been performing musical theatre since she was nine. “My theatre community really became a family,” she says. Zoëy performed at Symphony Center during last year’s YAC Finale Concert, but that did not deprive her of the special meaning the venue holds for her. “I’ve been going to Symphony Center with my grandma since I was really young,” she relates. Although Zoëy does not plan to major in music in college, she knows music will always remain a part of her life. “I don’t think I could stop singing,” she states, “even if I wanted to.” |
Nina Coomes started performing in Kindergarten, doing vocal cameos in her father’s jam sessions, and dancing in a ballet company in Japan. A senior at Northside College Prep, Nina grew up with two musical parents. She continued her family tradition by studying and performing music, an act she calls “life-giving.” “Studying and performing music really makes it come to life,” she says, “transmitting emotion and power.” Performing for her second consecutive YAC Finale Concert, Nina is excited to perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, considering it “an honor.” With her musical upbringing and many accomplishments, Nina has a unique perspective on music. “As someone with interests in international relations, I think music is a great medium to cross cultures,” she states. “I hope to use my musical talents in the future to bridge gaps between otherwise incompatible countries.” |
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Zosia Maria Bernadette Holden has been a pianist for fourteen years, but is a folk singer at heart. ”Music has always given ordinary people a way to make a thing of beauty fully their own,” she states. A senior at Northside College Prep, Zosia has attended performances at Symphony Center since she was very young. This June, she will perform on that very stage for the second consecutive year. After graduation, Zosia plans to study classical voice, ethnomusicology, and music education in college, on her way to becoming a private piano and vocal coach. But she won’t rule out performing for an opera company, and certainly not continuing her work with folk music. “I will devote all the time I can get to studying musical traditions and performing the songs I learn,” she affirms. “I need music and I need to perform.” |
Rachel Miklaszewski has been performing for fourteen years, ever since her parents enrolled her in cello lessons at the age of four. “I love performing with people,” she says. “I love the interaction with other musicians.” Among her many performances, Rachel has sung the National Anthem at Wrigley Field and at U.S. Cellular Field, and performed for the Chicago Gala 2016 Olympic Bid Committee. She looks forward to her performance at Symphony Center with much excitement, calling it “a golden opportunity to perform with musicians of great talent, experience and maturity.” A senior at Northside College Prep, Rachel is an opera and musical theatre enthusiast who plans to continue her musical studies in college. “I’m not sure where it may lead,” she says, “but I am excited about the journey!” |
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Some years ago, Zoe Netter attended a camp where she had to choose either to play sports or participate in a musical. “I hated sports,” she says, “so I chose the musical and caught the performing bug.” She has been performing ever since. A senior at Northside College Prep, Zoe had “such a great experience last year” performing at Symphony Center, that she is excited to do it once again. “Just getting to be on the stage at Symphony Center is such a treat,” she enthuses, “the view is stunning!” With jazz and a cappella among her many interests, Zoe plans to continue with music in college, performing in musicals and possibly majoring in music therapy. “My favorite part of music is the community,” she says. “Singing with people builds this bond of trust, respect, love, and the incredibly powerful shared experience of performance.” |
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Eden Rivera grew up in a musical family, listening to her mother sing and her father play many different genres of music. Eden has performed with several choirs in a cappella and ballad styles, as well as in the genres of contemporary Christian, alternative, gospel, and R&B. She and her sister Melisa have been performing together since they were very young. Eden particularly cherishes leading her church congregation in singing her original compositions. “It has been amazing to hear thousands of people passionately singing something very intimately connected to me,” she considers. Having already experienced performing at Symphony Center as a violinist during middle school, Eden eagerly anticipates the chance to now perform at the elite venue as a vocalist. A senior at Pritzker College Prep, Eden plans on studying music after she graduates. “I have been given a great honor and opportunity,” she exclaims, “to express myself through song.” |
Melisa Arais Rivera has been around music her entire life, performing since the age of six. The younger sibling of the Rivera Sisters, Melisa is passionate about her art. “I love making people happy when they hear me and my sister sing,” she enthuses. “It feels nice to know that we touch other peoples’ lives.” An avid church performer, Melisa cites her biggest accomplishment to date as the time she performed in a live recording with her sister Eden, her mother, and her aunt for church. “It was just a beautiful thing,” she recalls. A junior at Pritzker College Prep, Melisa is excited to perform at Symphony Center for the first time.Following graduation, Melisa intends to pursue art in college. She plans to combine her passions by starting an art and music school for mentally challenged children. “Singing isn’t about performing,” Melisa insists, “it’s about passion.” |
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