Alumni News: September 2024

David Bernat ’19

In July, David joined the renowned Formosa Quartet. David shared: “I am thrilled to be joining Debbie, Jasmine, and Matt in this upcoming chapter of the Formosa Quartet! From my first experience playing with the quartet, I felt a unique warmth of spirit that allowed for a thrilling spontaneity and a true sense of exploration in the music making. It is particularly inspiring that these qualities extend into their constantly evolving vision for programming and their activities as educators. I am eager to begin creating with them, and am excited for the adventures ahead.” David is also a member of Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect. David is a 2019 Fellow alumnus. His Fellowship was sponsored by Jim Morgan.

Daniel Dastoor ’23, ’24

This July, while in residence at the Festival, Daniel was named one of “30 hot Canadian Classical Musicians under 30” by the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation). Read about Daniel and other top Canadian artists here. Daniel is a 2023 and 2024 Fellow alumnus, and was a recipient of the Lewis & Adria Kaplan Scholarship both summers. 

Julian Rhee ’17

In June, Julian won the “Brussels-Capital Region Prize” and fifth place at the 2024 Queen Elizabeth Competition (Watch one of his performances here). His other recent accolades include winning a 2024 Avery Fisher Career Grant and membership of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Bowers Program, where he begins a three-season residency this fall.

Liam Ritz ’24

Liam Ritz is another Canadian artist on the “30 under 30” list. And Ritz was also recently selected as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s RBC affiliate composer for the next two (2024/25 and 2025/26) seasons. As Affiliate Composer, Liam will be working alongside TSO Music Director Gustavo Gimeno, TSO Composer Advisor Emilie LeBel, the artistic staff, and the musicians of the TSO. The program will allow him to write works for full orchestra, network with visiting Canadian and international composers, and participate in the orchestra’s educational programs. Congrats, Liam!

Composer Tyler Tayor

Tyler Taylor ’21

The San Francisco Symphony, in partnership with the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM), announced that Tyler Taylor is the winner of the fourth annual Emerging Black Composers Project (EBCP) prize. The San Francisco Symphony, led by conductor Cristian Măcelaru, will give the world premiere of Taylor’s commissioned work during the 2025–26 season. As winner, Taylor will receive a $15,000 commissioning fee, mentorship from EBCP committee members, and resources to workshop his piece with SFCM, along with a premiere of the work by the San Francisco Symphony at Davies Symphony Hall. Read more about the prize here. Tyler is a 2021 Fellow alumnus. His Fellowship was sponsored by Lorna & Jack Flynn.

Photo of cellist Kyle Victor

Kyle Victor ’23, ’24

Kyle returns to Maine this Fall to perform at the Farnsworth Art Museum’s Concert Series on November 13. Repertoire will include Bach Cello Suite No. 3, the evocative SEVEN by Casarrubios, as well as other solo works. Learn more and register. Kyle is a 2023 alumnus and 2024 Fellow alumnus. Both seasons his Festival participation was sponsored by an anonymous donor. 

 

Are you a Festival alum with a career development, competition win, or other exciting news? Please share with us here.