Mia Desalos (Instrumental ’24) performed at the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz’s All-Star Concert Gala with the National Peer-to-Peer Jazz Sextet. Mia, who plays bass, was joined onstage at the new Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York City by HSPVA alumni. Paul Cornish (Instrumental ’14) won third place in the Institute’s International Piano Competition. Pianist Helen Sung (Instrumental ’89) and tenor saxophonist Sasha Ripley (Instrumental ’19) also performed in All-Star bands.
The Black Pearl Trio, including Kanta Osako (Instrumental ‘25) and Karin Dickinson (Instrumental ‘25), was awarded first place in the American International Protégé Competition of Romantic Music. They will perform at Carnegie Hall in June 2024.
Musical Theatre students performed at the Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular and tree-lighting ceremony at Houston’s City Hall.
The Symphonic Band was selected as a recipient of the Mark of Excellence from the Foundation for Music Education for the 2022-2023 Season. This national award recognizes the top 25% of eligible ensembles.
Saj Baldwin (Visual Arts ’27) has a solo show, Florence Ave, on display at the Lanecia Rouse Tinsley Gallery now through January 5.
Bella Kalra (Theatre ’27) was one of 20 Houston high schoolers appointed to the Mayor’s Youth Council for the 2023-2024 school year.
Mariachi Nuevo Jalisco and Mariachi Los Pasajeros performed at the Alley Theatre as part of the “Yo Soy Houston” initiative before the Alley’s production of American Mariachi.
Robert Glasper (Instrumental ’97) received two GRAMMY nominations – Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance – for “Back To Love.” Watch Robert perform it live on The Tonight Show.
Jeremy Dutton (Instrumental ’12) released his debut album, Anyone Is Better Than Here. In this Houston Chronicle article, Jeremy says of his teachers and fellow HSPVA alumni: “All these people, different generations, they’ve encouraged me in different ways. They encouraged curiosity.”
Nell Teare (Theatre ’00) released her feature film directorial debut, Bolivar. Read about it in the Houston Chronicle.
Marisa Rinchiuso (Theatre ’16) was the Assistant Stage Manager of the European leg of The Weeknd’s latest stadium tour. Check out this TPI Magazine feature about Marisa and accessibility in the live event sector.
Julia Krohn (Theatre ’00) is starring in The Ugly Xmas Sweater Musical at Theatre Under the Stars. Monica Josette (Dance ‘00) choreographed TUTS’ production of Cinderella, and Betty Marie Muessig (Theatre ’11) serves as assistant director and swing. Both productions are playing now through December 24.
Ursula Andreeff (Visual Arts ’11) led an Art Encounters workshop at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Andreeff’s work has been exhibited at the Chicago Design Museum and on Adidas limited edition soccer cleats.
Adam Nelson (Theatre ’87) received the MarCom Awards’ 2023 Career Achievement Award. Read more about his 25-year career as the founding CEO of Workhouse.
Jakob Hulten (Theatre ’16) and Will White (Theatre ’16) are the creators of a new Christmas detective show, Damian Dare in the Electric Kringle Caper, playing at Houston’s Rec Room Arts. Rec Room Artistic Director Matt Hune (Theatre ’03) directs a new adaptation of Peter Pan featuring Emma McDonough (Theatre ’19), Wesley Whitson (Theatre ’13), and Francisco Zurcher (Theatre ’20). Both shows are playing now through December 30.
Mathias Lattin (Instrumental ’20) won first place at the 2023 International Blues Challenge in the band category, as well as the Best Guitarist Award. He released his debut album, UP NEXT, in September.
Kira Rai Daniel (Dance ’19) was featured in Voyage Houston’s “Daily Inspiration.” Kira is currently pursuing her master’s in arts administration at Teachers College, Columbia University.
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