Our Violins

Michael Dejesus

Associate Concertmaster

Michael de Jesus is one of the Southeast’s most in-demand and versatile string players, celebrated for his expressive musicianship and artistry on both the violin and viola. Equally at home on the concert stage and in the recording studio, de Jesus has built a reputation for musical excellence, stylistic versatility, and a deep commitment to collaboration.

A graduate of Florida State University, where he earned his Master of Music in Performance, de Jesus refined his craft under the mentorship of renowned faculty and artists. Following his studies, he was appointed Violinist and Violist-in-Residence with the critically acclaimed Thouvenel String Quartet in Midland, Texas, where he performed throughout the region and helped advance chamber music education and outreach.

While in Texas, de Jesus held principal positions with several orchestras, including the Midland Symphony, Big Spring Symphony, Abilene Philharmonic, Ash Lawn Summer Festival Opera Orchestra, and Opera Festival di Roma Orchestra. His dynamic career later brought him to Florida, where he performs regularly with leading ensembles such as the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, Sarasota Opera Orchestra, Florida Lakes Symphony, The Florida Orchestra, Southwest Florida Symphony, Space Coast Pops, The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Florida West Coast Symphony.

As a chamber musician and recitalist, de Jesus has appeared in concert venues across the United Kingdom, Canada, Africa, Japan, and France, captivating audiences with his expressive playing and commanding stage presence. Whether performing the lyrical lines of a romantic violin concerto or the rich sonorities of the viola repertoire, Michael de Jesus continues to inspire listeners through artistry that bridges passion, precision, and beauty.

Evgeny Komarnitskiy

Assistant Concertmaster

Evgeny Komarnitskiy began his musical journey at the age of four, setting in motion a lifelong devotion to the art of violin playing. What began as a childhood fascination quickly evolved into a passionate pursuit of mastery, guided by exceptional teachers and a deep curiosity for musical expression.

A graduate with honors from the Vano Muradeli School of Music, Komarnitskiy studied under Irina Yerusalimskaya before continuing his training at the Sergei Prokofiev Music College under the guidance of Polina Podmazova. His education culminated at the renowned Gnesin Russian Academy of Music in Moscow, where he earned his degree under the mentorship of the esteemed Professor Leonid Bulatov. These formative years instilled in him both the technical brilliance and interpretive insight that have become hallmarks of his artistry.

Following his studies, Komarnitskiy joined the orchestra of the Kolobov Novaya Opera Theatre of Moscow—one of Russia’s premier operatic institutions—where he performed in more than seventy operas across the repertoire. His work there encompassed the great masters of the genre, including Wagner, Puccini, Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, and Korngold. The experience provided him with a profound understanding of the operatic tradition and cultivated an ability to navigate its drama, lyricism, and intensity with commanding artistry.

Since relocating to the United States, Komarnitskiy has swiftly established himself as a dynamic and respected performer. He has appeared as guest concertmaster with numerous ensembles, including the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, the Villages Philharmonic Orchestra, the Brevard Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players. His performances are distinguished by a warm tone, technical assurance, and an expressive style that resonates with both audiences and colleagues alike.

In addition to his orchestral work, Komarnitskiy maintains an active career as a soloist and chamber musician, performing across the United States and abroad. Whether leading from the concertmaster’s chair or captivating listeners in recital, he continues to bring his artistry to audiences with passion, elegance, and a deep reverence for the universal language of music.

Paul Jackson

Principal Second

Paul Jackson is a respected violinist, educator, and ensemble leader whose career reflects more than two decades of dedication to performance and music education across Central Florida. A founding member of your Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, he has served as Principal Second Violin since the 2012–2013 season, contributing to the orchestra’s signature sound and artistic growth from its earliest days.

Mr. Jackson currently serves as a String Specialist with Brevard Public Schools, coordinating and teaching orchestra programs at seven schools in the Melbourne area, including Melbourne and Eau Gallie High Schools, Hoover and Johnson Middle Schools, and Harbor City, Gemini, and Indialantic Elementary Schools. His ensembles consistently earn “Superior” ratings at district and state Music Performance Assessments, and his students are frequent recipients of top honors at solo and ensemble events. Over his more than twenty years in public education, he has also directed award-winning programs at Astronaut High School and Madison Middle School in Titusville, and continues to serve as coordinator of the Brevard All-County Middle School Orchestra and as a member of the Brevard Music Leadership Team.

Originally from Michigan, Mr. Jackson earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Hope College in Holland, where he attended on the Distinguished Artist Award scholarship, and his Master of Music degree from the University of Florida. While at Hope, he directed the Hope Pre-College Chamber Music Program, coaching young string quartets and chamber ensembles to numerous successful performances — an early reflection of his lifelong commitment to mentoring young musicians.

In addition to his teaching, Paul Jackson maintains a vibrant performing career as both orchestral and chamber musician. He performs regularly with the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, the Cocoa Village Playhouse Orchestra, and The Jackson Trio — a family ensemble he co-founded with his wife and sister that has performed throughout Central Florida for more than twenty years. He also serves as Broadcast Audio Engineer for Covenant Church in Palm Bay, combining his technical expertise with his musical artistry to enhance live and recorded worship experiences.

Mr. Jackson’s career embodies a passion for performance, a devotion to education, and a belief in the power of music to inspire and connect communities.

Jordan Bicasan

Violin

Violinist Jordan Bicasan has built a career defined by artistry, perseverance, and an abiding belief in the transformative power of music. His journey — from humble beginnings in the Philippines to professional stages across Central Florida — stands as a moving testament to how passion and determination can turn a dream into a lifelong vocation.

Born in the Philippines, Bicasan’s fascination with the violin began at the age of six. Without the means to purchase an instrument, his earliest lessons took place on a cardboard cutout, a creative substitute that would become a symbol of his resilience and commitment. Even at that young age, his teachers recognized a rare focus and musical instinct that would guide him through every stage of his development. When his family immigrated to the United States, Bicasan carried with him both a violin and a vision — to turn the opportunity of a new life into a platform for artistic and personal growth.

He went on to earn a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Central Florida (UCF), where he studied under distinguished faculty who nurtured his musical voice and technical artistry. During his time at UCF, he served as Concertmaster of the UCF Symphony Orchestra, frequently performing in chamber ensembles, orchestral concerts, and solo recitals. His leadership and expressive playing quickly established him as a respected figure within the university’s vibrant musical community.

Bicasan’s artistry is characterized by a warm, singing tone, interpretive depth, and an innate ability to communicate emotion through sound. His repertoire spans the great masterworks of the classical canon to contemporary pieces, reflecting both reverence for tradition and curiosity for new expression. His performances have taken him across Florida and beyond, where he continues to appear with ensembles including the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, among others.

In addition to his performance career, Bicasan is devoted to music education and outreach, inspired by his own early experiences of limited access to resources. He remains passionate about mentoring young musicians and advocating for the importance of arts education in shaping confident, creative, and compassionate individuals.

For Bicasan, music is more than a profession — it is a personal mission. From a cardboard violin in the Philippines to concert halls in the United States, his journey embodies the power of dedication, gratitude, and the unshakable belief that every dream, no matter how improbable, deserves to be pursued with heart and purpose.

Gregory Carreño

Violin

Venezuelan violinist and conductor Gregory Carreño represents the new generation of artists shaped by El Sistema, the celebrated Venezuelan national music program that has transformed lives and inspired orchestral movements around the world. Born in Caracas in 1982 into a family of internationally renowned musicians, Carreño’s musical path was guided from the beginning by both exceptional talent and deep tradition.

He began his violin studies at the Simón Bolívar National Conservatory of Music under Susan Siman and Ulises Ascanio, continuing at the Emil Friedman Conservatory with Raimondas Butvila. He later pursued advanced training with Edgar Aponte at the José Francisco del Castillo Latin American Violin Academy, and furthered his studies in the United States with Misha Vitenson at Florida International University and Glenn Basham at the University of Miami. These formative experiences helped shape an artist of remarkable depth, musical sensitivity, and technical command.

A founding member of the Orquesta Infantil de Venezuela, Carreño was among the earliest generation of young musicians to embody El Sistema’s vision of social transformation through orchestral collaboration. With that ensemble, he toured extensively across Europe and Latin America, sharing Venezuela’s distinctive musical spirit with audiences around the world.

Carreño’s career has placed him under the batons of some of the most celebrated conductors of our time, including José Antonio Abreu, Claudio Abbado, Gustavo Dudamel, Carlos Riazuelo, Eduardo Marturet, Sir Simon Rattle, Vittorio Negri, and his father, Gregory Carreño Sr., a distinguished conductor and mentor. As a violinist and soloist, he has performed with numerous major orchestras, including the Orquesta Sinfónica de la Juventud Venezolana “Simón Bolívar,” appearing before global leaders such as the King and Queen of Spain, Pope John Paul II (in both Venezuela and Brazil), and in special performances at the United Nations attended by Kofi Annan, Nelson Mandela, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Rigoberta Menchú.

Now based in the United States, Carreño continues an active career as both performer and conductor. He performs with the Miami Symphony Orchestra and serves as Artistic Director of the OLYMPUS System of Children’s and Youth Orchestras and Choirs, an initiative dedicated to nurturing the next generation of young musicians through high-quality orchestral training and community engagement.

A passionate advocate for the transformative power of music, Gregory Carreño brings to every performance and ensemble a blend of Venezuelan spirit, international artistry, and a profound belief in music’s ability to elevate the human experience.

Isabella Diaz

Violin

A native of Venezuela, violinist Isabella Díaz has built a distinguished career marked by international performance, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to music education. She began her musical studies at the Vicente Emilio Sojo Conservatory of Music in Barquisimeto under Gerónimo Isturiz and later continued her training in Caracas with Maestro Sergio Celis at the Latin American Violin Academy.

During her formative years in Venezuela, Díaz held prominent orchestral positions, performing with the National Children’s Orchestra of Venezuela under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle and the Lara State Youth Symphony Orchestra led by Maestro Gustavo Dudamel. As a member of the Teresa Carreño Orchestra of Venezuela, she toured internationally, performing throughout China and Japan and representing the inspiring legacy of El Sistema on the world stage.

Díaz later continued her musical studies in Boston, working under the mentorship of two-time Grammy-nominated violinist Jesse Mills at the Longy School of Music. A recipient of the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation’s Tuition Assistance Award for Young Latin American Musicians, she also performed extensively at the Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival and took part in numerous masterclasses and workshops with distinguished artists including Alexander Velinzon (Associate Concertmaster, Boston Symphony Orchestra), Peter Zazofsky (Boston University), Kevin Lawrence (University of North Carolina School of the Arts), and Rictor Noren (Boston Conservatory).

As a member of the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Díaz performed at Carnegie Hall and in some of the world’s most celebrated concert venues, including the Concertgebouw (Amsterdam), Musikverein (Vienna), Konzerthaus (Berlin), Rudolfinum (Prague), Bolívar Hall (Caracas), Kirchner Hall (Buenos Aires), Solis Theater (Montevideo), and the National Theater (Lima, Peru). She has also appeared as a soloist with the UCLA Chamber Orchestra, the Falcón Symphony Orchestra, and the Lara State Youth Orchestra.

A passionate advocate for education and outreach, Díaz has taught and conducted workshops with El Sistema Venezuela and the Latin American Violin Academy, inspiring young musicians through her artistry and mentorship. She currently serves as a music teacher and full-time substitute at Tampa Bay International School, as well as a violin instructor with the Sunstate Orchestral Program – El Sistema Tampa.

An active performer throughout Florida, Díaz collaborates with ensembles including The Venice Symphony, The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra, Southwest Florida Symphony, and the South Florida Symphony Orchestra, among others. Her performances embody a distinctive blend of Venezuelan heritage, refined technique, and heartfelt expression — a reflection of her lifelong belief in music’s power to inspire and connect communities.

Samantha Felber

Violin

Samantha Felber is a dedicated violinist and music educator from Brevard County, Florida. A graduate of Titusville High School, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of North Florida, where she studied violin with Dr. Simon Shiao and Melissa Barrett. During her time at UNF, Ms. Felber actively engaged in the university’s vibrant music community, performing in masterclasses with acclaimed artists and ensembles including the Tokyo String Quartet, Project Trio, Time for Three, and Brooklyn Rider—experiences that deepened her musical artistry and broadened her pedagogical approach.

Currently, Ms. Felber serves as the Orchestra Director at Heritage High School, where her leadership has transformed the program into a thriving center for young string musicians. Under her direction, the orchestra program has grown from three to six performing ensembles and now regularly participates in state-level Music Performance Assessments. Her commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and musical growth has helped cultivate a strong culture of achievement and collaboration among her students.

In addition to her teaching career, Ms. Felber remains an active performer throughout Central Florida. She has appeared with the Imperial Symphony Orchestra, collaborated in performances with the world-renowned Canadian Brass, and performed for numerous theatrical productions at the Cocoa Village Playhouse and other venues across the county. Her versatility as both a classical and collaborative artist reflects a deep passion for sharing music in all its forms.

Ms. Felber is an active member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the Florida Orchestra Association (FOA). Through her dual roles as educator and performer, she continues to inspire students and audiences alike, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the power and beauty of music.

Jose Antonio Guédez

Violin

José Guédez was born in San Felipe, Yaracuy State, Venezuela, and began studying violin at the age of eight under Maestro Samuel Parra at the Blanca Estrella de Mescoli School of Music. His early promise quickly led him to advanced training with esteemed teachers including Raúl Rodríguez, Jesús Sira, Gerónimo Isturiz, Rhio Sánchez, Francisco Díaz, Sergio Celis, and Luis Miguel González.

He further honed his artistry through intensive summer programs with the Latin American Violin Academy, studying with many of the region’s most respected pedagogues such as Álvaro Lares, Víctor Vivas, Pablo Vásquez, Roberto Valdés, Ana Beatriz Manzanilla, Alejandro Mendoza, Francisco Díaz, and the legendary José Francisco Del Castillo. He was also an active member of the Chamber Music department led by Professor Evelyn Soteldo at the Vicente Emilio Sojo Conservatory of Music in Barquisimeto.

Balancing his passion for performance and education, Mr. Guédez earned a degree in Music Education from the Libertador Experimental Pedagogical University (UPEL) in 2010. From a young age, orchestral music has been at the heart of his artistic life. He has performed with many of Venezuela’s most prominent ensembles, including the Yaracuy State Children’s and Youth Symphony, the Yaracuy State Symphony, the Lara State Youth Symphony, the Lara State Symphony, and the Venezuelan Children’s Symphony Orchestra. In 2005 and 2006, he represented Venezuela as Principal Second Violin with the Youth Orchestra of the Americas (YOA) on international tours throughout Europe and South America.

Mr. Guédez later joined the ranks of the world-renowned Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, performing under Maestro Gustavo Dudamel in acclaimed concerts and international tours across Europe, Asia, and the Americas—including performances in Sweden, Russia, Spain, Austria, the United States, and beyond.

Now based in Miami, Florida, he maintains an active and diverse musical career. He performs regularly as a guest violinist with the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra under Maestro Aaron Collins, The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra under Maestro Pasquale Valerio, and the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra in Punta Gorda. He also collaborates with the Miami Dade College Symphony Orchestra under Maestro Alberto Bade, serves as orchestral coach for the International School of Music under Maestra Maria Salas, and performs with the Kameristika Chamber Orchestra under Maestro Germán Marcano.

In addition to his orchestral work, Mr. Guédez is the first violinist of the Exodus Quartet, with whom he recently received an Emmy Award for his participation in a special tribute and recording of The Jackie Gleason Show music.

Eric Hoover

Violin

Bio coming soon

Kyle Hustoles

Violin

BIO COMING SOON

Carlos Jaquez

Violin

Carlos Jáquez is a highly sought-after violinist whose dynamic career spans orchestral, solo, and chamber music performance across the Americas and Europe. He performs regularly with the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, Palm Beach Pops, and Florida Lakes Symphony, and has appeared with ensembles including the Miami City Ballet Orchestra, where he served as principal violin.

An artist of international reach, Jáquez has performed extensively throughout Germany, Austria, Hungary, the Slovak Republic, the Caribbean, and across the United States. He has appeared as concertmaster for the University Baptist Church Christmas Pageant and Sociedad Pro-Arte Gratelli of Miami, and has served as principal violinist with both the Miami Symphony Orchestra and Ars Flores Symphony Orchestra, where he continues to mentor emerging musicians. In June 2000, he made his memorable Carnegie Hall debut with the Miami Symphony. He later toured Europe as principal violinist with the San Francisco Sinfonietta, also recording an album with the ensemble.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Jáquez began his violin studies in Santiago with Hilda Báez and later in Santo Domingo with Frank Hernández, Zvezdana Radojković, and Jacinto Gimbernard at the Conservatorio Nacional de Música. At just sixteen, he became one of the youngest violinists ever to join the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional of the Dominican Republic, performing with the orchestra from 1987 to 1998. He later studied in Düsseldorf, Germany, with Hans-Christian Siegert.

In addition to his performance career, Jáquez has been deeply committed to music education. He has served as a violin professor at the Carol Morgan School and the Academia Dominicana de Música in Santo Domingo, and continues to maintain a thriving private studio in Hollywood, Florida. His diverse work as an arranger includes projects for the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional and numerous pop and classical ensembles. He was also music director and producer of Mozaribe, a groundbreaking ensemble fusing merengue rhythms with classical violin.

An avid champion of new music, Jáquez has appeared as soloist and chamber musician with the New Music Ensemble of Florida International University (FIU), performing in major festivals and collaborating with distinguished contemporary composers. In 2001, he was featured at the Music of the Americas Festival in Miami, performing works by composers such as Schwartz, Flores-Chaviano, and Max Lifschitz.

From 1998 to 2002, Jáquez studied at Florida International University on full scholarship, under violinist Cathy Meng Robinson and the Miami String Quartet. He has participated in masterclasses with Peter Michalica (Bratislava), Ludwig Müller (Concertmaster, Vienna Chamber Orchestra), and the legendary Isaac Stern.

Jáquez has been invited to appear as soloist with the Czech Virtuosi on their American tour and to record a CD of Vivaldi concertos. He performs on two fine instruments—an 1891 violin by Stefano Scarampella (Mantova, Italy) and a 1972 violin by Sergio Peresson (Haddonfield, New Jersey)—and uses bows crafted by Alfred Lamy and Louis Morizot, both of Paris.

Liz Kitts McBryde

Violin

Liz Kitts McBryde is a fourth-generation professional violinist whose musical lineage and artistry have shaped a distinguished performing career. Born into a family of musicians, she began playing the violin at just eighteen months old, studying under the guidance of her parents—Saundra Buscemi Kitts (First Violinist, The Florida Orchestra) and Stewart Kitts (former Associate Concertmaster, The Florida Orchestra). Her exceptional training continued with renowned mentors Jeffrey Multer (Concertmaster, The Florida Orchestra), Dan Jordan (Concertmaster, Sarasota Orchestra), and Routa Kroumovitch-Gomez (Professor of Violin, Stetson University).

As part of her musical education, McBryde attended prestigious summer festivals, including the Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro, North Carolina, and the Meadowmount School of Music in Westport, New York—an institution celebrated for producing many of the world’s foremost violinists, such as Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zukerman, and Joshua Bell. A graduate of Stetson University, she earned her Bachelor of Music in Performance while serving as Concertmaster of both the university’s Symphony and Chamber Orchestras.

McBryde’s performing career has taken her to concert stages across the globe, including appearances at Haydn Hall in Esterházy Palace (Vienna, Austria) and Carnegie Hall (New York City). She has toured Japan multiple times with the Hollywood Concert Orchestra (2017, 2019, 2023, 2025) and has performed throughout Canada as an aerial violinist with Cirque Musica.

Equally versatile across musical genres, McBryde has appeared with a wide range of celebrated artists, including Rod Stewart, Sting, The Eagles, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Michael Bublé, Mannheim Steamroller, ELO, Adam Levine, Martina McBride, Johnny Mathis, Frankie Valli, and “Weird Al” Yankovic.

Originally from Florida, McBryde performs with numerous orchestras across the southeastern United States. She has also recorded extensively in Nashville, Tennessee, at Ocean Way Studios, contributing to soundtracks for video games, television, and film. A former Assistant Concertmaster of the Jackson Symphony (Tennessee) for seven years, she has recently returned to Florida, where she enjoys spending time outdoors, fishing, and cooking.

Elena Komarnitskiy

Violin

Bio coming soon

Israel Mendez

Violin

A distinguished Venezuelan violinist, Israel Méndez has earned recognition as both an orchestral and chamber musician of exceptional artistry and dedication. For fourteen years, Méndez was a member of Venezuela’s world-renowned Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra (OSSBV), the flagship ensemble of El Sistema, performing in more than seventy cities across the globe. His tenure with the orchestra marked a defining chapter in Venezuelan musical history, with performances in such legendary venues as the Musikverein, Carnegie Hall, Berliner Philharmonie, Teatro Colón, La Scala, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Palau de la Música Catalana, among many others.

Throughout his distinguished career, Méndez has performed under some of the most celebrated conductors of our time, including Sir Simon Rattle, Claudio Abbado, Lorin Maazel, Gustavo Dudamel, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Daniel Barenboim, Herbert Blomstedt, Rafael Payare, Diego Matheuz, and Christian Vázquez. His artistry has also brought him into collaboration with many of the world’s greatest soloists, among them Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zukerman, Sarah Chang, Joshua Bell, Alexis Cárdenas, Salvatore Accardo, Lang Lang, Yo-Yo Ma, Yuja Wang, and Anna Larsson.

As a recording artist, Méndez has contributed to eighteen albums with the OSSBV under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel for Deutsche Grammophon, including Fiesta (nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best Classical Album) and Guaco Bidimensional (winner of the Latin Grammy for Best Contemporary Tropical Album). He also participated in the soundtrack recording for The Liberator, composed by Dudamel and nominated for Best Original Score at the 2015 Platino Awards.

A passionate advocate for music education, Méndez embodies El Sistema’s mission to share music as a tool for social transformation. He has taught violin across numerous Sistema centers in Caracas and throughout Venezuela, and was part of an extraordinary outreach project in Canaima, Ciudad Guayana, where he and his colleagues trained a string ensemble composed entirely of Indigenous musicians. Méndez has also taught internationally, offering masterclasses and collaborative performances with the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (YOLA) during OSSBV’s U.S. residencies.

Deeply committed to chamber music, Méndez has performed in a wide range of ensembles—from string quartets and trios to duos of violin and viola or cello—and has received advanced coaching from members of the Berlin Philharmonic String Quartet. As a soloist, he has appeared with the Miranda State Symphony Orchestra performing Dvořák’s Romance for Violin and Orchestra, and with chamber orchestras in Venezuela, including memorable performances of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons alongside young musicians he mentored.

Born in Caracas, Méndez began his violin studies at the El Sistema center of San Agustín and later attended the Simón Bolívar Conservatory of Music. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the National Experimental University of the Arts, studying with Edgar Aponte, and participated in masterclasses with distinguished teachers such as Marylou Churchill, Oliver Charlier, Roberto Valdés, Felicitas Hofmeister, Francisco Cabán, José Francisco del Castillo, Sergio Celis, Víctor Vivas, Ulises Ascanio, and Luis Miguel González.

Now based in Davenport, Florida, Israel Méndez continues to perform, teach, and inspire, dedicating his career to expanding access to music and sharing the values instilled in him by El Sistema. “The performance of the violin never ends,” he reflects. “Art never ends—there is always a new goal, a new concert, a new student, a new challenge that makes me fall in love with the violin and music all over again.”

Luisamar Navarro

Violin

Luisamar Navarro, hailing from Zulia, Venezuela, is a renowned violinist and music educator who began weaving her impressive musical career at the age of eight at the prestigious Santa Ana de Coro Music Conservatory. There, she not only mastered the violin but also delved into music theory.

With a strong commitment to perfecting her art, Navarro took part in a series of specialized courses. Between 2002 and 2008, she honed her solo performance techniques at the Latin American Violin Academy, and later, between 2009 and 2010, enhanced her music teaching methodologies. Notable institutions such as the “A New World Academy (FANM)” in 2009 and the YOLA National Symposium in Los Angeles in 2019 have marked her educational journey.

In parallel to her studies, Luisamar applied her knowledge as a member of several prestigious symphony orchestras. Her talent resonated in the Falcon Symphony Orchestra, the Maracaibo Symphony Orchestra, the Teresa Carreño Symphony, and made an international impact with the Miami Symphony Orchestra during Plácido Domingo’s 2017 tour. She has been conducted by world-class maestros such as Gustavo Dudamel, Diego Matheuz, Claudio Abbado, and Simon Rattle, and has participated in tours that have taken her across Europe, Asia, and South America.

Upon completing her academic achievements in 2012, Navarro obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Music from the Francisco de Miranda University (UNEFM). It was there that she began to develop her pedagogical vocation, imparting her knowledge at the Coro Music Center and the Caracas Music Center, becoming an integral part of “El Sistema,” an educational program founded by Maestro José Antonio Abreu, dedicated to transforming lives through music.

Luisamar Navarro’s biography reflects the image of an artist whose life is a symphony of continuous learning, performance, and teaching, a harmoniously intertwined triad to foster both personal growth and the enrichment of others through the universal language of music

Alec Ramos

Violin

Bio Coming Soon

Rebecca Simons

Violin

Violinist Rebecca Simons is an accomplished performer and dedicated educator based in Melbourne, Florida. A passionate advocate for music education and lifelong learning, she combines an active performance career with a thriving private teaching studio, inspiring students of all ages to find joy and confidence through music.

A graduate of Florida State University, Mrs. Simons earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Instrumental Music Education, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2008. While at FSU, she studied violin with Eliot Chapo and string pedagogy with Dr. Michael Allen, experiences that shaped both her artistry and her approach to teaching.

Following her graduation, she began her professional teaching career in Clearwater, serving as Orchestra Director at Largo Middle School for five years before returning to her home in Brevard County, where she led the Heritage High School Orchestra program for three years. After the birth of her first child, Mrs. Simons shifted her focus to private instruction, establishing a vibrant studio and pursuing training with the Suzuki Association of the Americas, where she is now certified through Level Three. Her work reflects the Suzuki philosophy of nurturing the whole child through music, emphasizing patience, creativity, and personal growth.

In addition to her teaching, Mrs. Simons maintains an active performance career, appearing regularly with orchestras and chamber ensembles throughout Central and South Florida, including the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra and other regional ensembles. Her playing is noted for its clarity, warmth, and expressive lyricism—qualities she strives to instill in her students as well.

Beyond her musical achievements, Mrs. Simons treasures her most meaningful role as mother to her four children—Graham, Logan, Vera, and Jake—whose curiosity and joy continue to inspire her teaching and artistry every day.

Fernando Tirado

Violin

Venezuelan violinist Fernando Tirado is an accomplished performer and educator whose distinguished career spans more than three decades in orchestral performance, chamber music, and higher education. A pillar of the Orquesta Sinfónica de Aragua for nearly three decades, he served as Assistant Concertmaster, leading the first violin section with exceptional artistry, precision, and musical insight. In this capacity, he played a vital role in shaping the ensemble’s sound and artistic direction—setting technical standards, interpreting major solo passages, and representing the orchestra in performances, educational initiatives, and cultural events across Venezuela.

Equally devoted to pedagogy, Tirado has left a lasting imprint as a Professor of Violin and Chamber Music at both the Conservatorio de Música del Estado Aragua and the University of Carabobo. Over the course of twenty-seven years, he has trained generations of young musicians, emphasizing a synthesis of technical mastery, expressive depth, and collaborative awareness. His teaching philosophy, rooted in both musical excellence and human development, reflects the enduring values of Venezuela’s El Sistema tradition.

Tirado’s academic background underscores his rare balance of intellectual rigor and artistic sensibility. He holds a Master’s Degree in Music (Arts) from the Universidad Simón Bolívar and a Diploma in Higher Education for Non-Teaching Professionals from the Universidad Pedagógica Experimental Libertador, with a focus on university-level educational management. His earlier studies culminated in a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Carabobo, a discipline that informs his analytical and disciplined approach to both performance and instruction.

In addition to his musical and academic work, Tirado also contributed to the technical field as a Project Field Engineer with Inproim, C.A., where he refined his expertise in problem-solving, design interpretation, and team coordination—skills that parallel the precision and leadership required in orchestral performance.

Renowned for his integrity, musical refinement, and unwavering dedication to the advancement of classical music, Fernando Tirado continues to embody the artistry, discipline, and educational spirit that define Venezuela’s vibrant musical legacy.

Iryna Usova

Violin

Violinist Iryna Usova was born in Odessa, Ukraine, where she began her musical studies at the age of five. She received her early training at the Odessa College of Culture and Arts K.D. Dankevich and went on to earn both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Violin Performance from the prestigious Odessa State A.V. Nezhdanova Academy of Music.

During her formative years, Usova performed widely across Ukraine, appearing in numerous concerts and festivals. In 2005, she was awarded Second Prize at the International Competition “XXI Century Art,” and in 2003, she joined the Odessa Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, touring extensively throughout Spain, Italy, France, Germany, and other European countries. These experiences helped shape her artistry and solidify her reputation as a versatile and expressive performer.

After relocating to the United States, Usova continued her musical education at the University of Central Florida, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Music in 2016 and served as Concertmaster of the UCF Symphony Orchestra.

Aside from performing with your Space Coast Symphony, Usova has also performed with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra (Melbourne), the Ocala Symphony Orchestra (Ocala), and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra (Orlando).

Known for her refined tone, technical mastery, and lyrical sensitivity, Iryna Usova brings a distinctive blend of European tradition and expressive warmth to every performance. Her playing reflects a lifelong dedication to musical excellence and a deep love for the art of the violin.

Marialejandra Vásquez

Violin

Bio coming soon

Audrey White

Violin

Audrey White has been a valued member of the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra’s violin section and Board of Directors since 2010. She began studying violin at the age of nine in Columbus, Ohio, with Anthony Ginter of The Ohio State University, and later continued her training with Hindemith protégé Elena Bergen of the Columbus Pro Musica, developing a refined sense of sound and technique.

After relocating to Mexico City, Audrey studied with the distinguished Manuel Suárez (Trio México) and Viktoria Horti (Professor, UNAM), further expanding her musical depth and artistry.

Her extensive orchestral experience includes performances with The Ohio State University Symphony, the Otterbein College Symphony, the Evanston Symphony, and the Albuquerque Philharmonic. Locally, she has established herself as a dependable and expressive performer with the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, Teatro Lírico, the Bravo Chamber Orchestra, and the St. Luke Ministries Orchestra in Orlando. She has also appeared with the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra and The Villages Philharmonic.

In addition to her musical contributions, Audrey serves on the SCSO Board of Directors, where her strong analytical insight and business acumen help guide the organization’s strategic growth. She holds degrees in International Business and Marketing from The Ohio State University and pursued MBA coursework at DePaul University in Chicago.

Based in Orlando, Audrey teaches private violin lessons and coaches string sectionals for Orange County Public Schools. Outside of music, she enjoys playing tennis, spending time outdoors, and sharing life with her husband and three adult children.