About our Young Artist Program
Shaping Future Talent with Hands-On Experience
Cactus Pear Music Festival is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians in South Texas. Through our Young Artist Program (YAP), talented high school and college students are given the opportunity to study and perform chamber music alongside professional artists.
Led by Education Director Craig Sorgi and Artistic Director Jeffrey Sykes, YAP has supported and inspired over 120 young musicians since its launch in 2004—continuing our mission to pass the torch and keep chamber music thriving for years to come.
Introducing our rising stars
PERA SONORA
Clara Chun,
VIOLIN
Sponsor: Anonymous
Michelle Liu,
VIOLIN
Sponsor: Anonymous in honor of the Tatum Family
Mary Pechman,
FLUTE
Sponsor: Robert Shivers & Nancy Taylor Shivers
Sofia Ramirez,
CELLO
Sponsor: Dr. Jan Gaverick
Margaret Stephenson, VIOLA
Sponsor: Dr. Jan Gaverick
Elana Xu,
CELLO
Sponsor: Anonymous in honor of the Tatum Family
Young Artist Schedule
Join us on July 18 for a special Young Artist Program concert, Stand Up and Be Counted, showcasing the exceptional talent of our scholarship winners. This free performance at Diane Bennack Hall at the University of the Incarnate Word is your chance to support the next generation of chamber musicians.
Thursday, July 10 | 10 am
Barshop JCC, Jewish Community Center | San Antonio, Texas
Open to the public | No registration needed
Friday, July 11 | 1:30 pm
Blue Skies of East Texas | San Antonio, Texas
Blue Skies residents
Wednesday, July 16 | 3pm
Meadows Retirement Community | San Antonio, Texas
Meadows residents
Friday, July 18 | 7 pm
STAND UP AND BE COUNTED
Diane Bennack Hall, UIW | San Antonio, Texas
Open to the public | Registration required at the button above
