Hearing Your Voice
By Evan Calbi
“The Maestro Foundation brings hope to young musicians,” says USC Thornton alum Dongfang Ouyang (GCRT ’18), first violin of the LA Opera Orchestra and recipient of a priceless instrument from the acclaimed foundation. “The violin’s voice has become part of my voice.”
Launched 30 years ago by Aaron Mendelsohn, the Maestro Foundation provides instruments of the highest quality to young musicians. “I’m passionate about the Maestro Foundation because I see a need every day in my school for high quality instruments,” says Robert Cutietta, Dean of USC Thornton and a member of the Maestro Foundation’s Board of Directors. “For the past 30 years, the Maestro Foundation has been impacting students and launching their careers.”
This year, the foundation will celebrate its 30th anniversary season, presenting concerts to raise visibility and funds for the Instrument Lending Program. The roster of artists featured includes Christian Gerhaher and Gerold Huber, Nicholas Phan with the Jasper String Quartet, Sergei Babayan, Dunedin Consort, Ricardo Castro, Robyn Bollinger with Sergey Schepkin, Jerusalem Quartet, Hagen Quartet, and Jean-Efflam Bavouzet. For more information, visit www.maestrofoundation.org.
