American Philharmonic Young Artist Program

Envisioned and founded in 2006 by Music Director Gabriel Sakakeeny and composer and teacher Dr. Charles Sepos, D.M.A., the Young Artist Program has quickly become one of APSC’s defining activities. The mission of the Young Artist Program is to identify, develop, and recognize young and emerging classical performing artists and composers. The program provides gifted young soloists, composers, and conductors an opportunity to perform and work individually with Maestro Sakakeeny and Dr. Sepos.

An important aspect of the Young Artist Program is the annual Young Artist Award. The Music Director confers one Young Artist Award per concert season to an up-and-coming soloist, composer, or conductor who exemplifies excellence, talent, artistic expertise, and who shows great career potential. With that honor comes a modest cash stipend, private coaching, an opportunity to perform with the orchestra, and a public presentation of their award. In several instances, the award provided talented young artists that first golden opportunity to perform publicly with an orchestra.

In genuine community spirit, the program aims whenever possible to promote the talents of musicians who are from the North Bay Area.

Young Artist Award Winners
2006/07 - Nigel Armstrong, Violin
2007/08 - Joshua Weilerstein, Violin & Conducting
2008/09 - Lauren Xie, Piano