Congratulations to the YOP class of 2026! This year, twenty students graduate from the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program. We’re excited to honor each student at our May 2026 spring concerts, on social media, and in the article below. Blurbs are written using information provided in our annual survey, and students are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Claire Barnes, RSYO viola
Claire has been a member of our Youth Orchestra Program for three years, playing in both Youth Concert Orchestra and the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra. During her time in YOP, she has assisted as a member of the social media team. After graduating from Midlothian High School, she will attend James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia to major in advertising and to minor in music. Her favorite memory from her time in YOP was playing Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 with the Richmond Symphony at Big Tent 2025. In her senior survey, she wrote “Shoutout to the viola section :)”. Congratulations, Claire!
Grace Boak, RSYO flute
Grace has been a member of our Youth Orchestra Program for two years, performing with both Youth Concert Orchestra and the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra. During her time in high school, she has also performed in district band and the Central Virginia Wind Ensemble. After graduating from the Collegiate School, she will attend Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, where she will major in biophysics on a pre-med track. Her favorite memory from her time in YOP was playing at her first and only side-by-side concert with the Richmond Symphony. Congratulations, Grace!
Elizabeth Chang, RSYO violin
Elizabeth has been a member of the Youth Orchestra Program for six years. During her time in YOP, she performed with Camerata Strings, Youth Concert Orchestra, and the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra. During her time in high school, she also participated in Central Regional Orchestra and Senior Regional Orchestra. After graduating from Deep Run High School, she will attend the University of Virginia’s Year in Wise program in Wise, Virginia, where she will major in biology. Her favorite memory from her time in YOP was when RSYO filmed and recorded a performance as part of a documentary about the Bluehead Chub. Congratulations, Elizabeth!
Porter Clark, RSYO clarinet
Porter has played clarinet with the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra for one year. After graduating from Monticello High School, he will attend Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia to study clarinet performance and music education. During his time in high school, he was selected for the All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra for two years, participated in South Central Regional Orchestra, and performed with the Raiders Drum & Bugle Corps. His favorite memory from his time in YOP was RSYO’s February 2026 side-by-side performance with the Richmond Symphony, where he enjoyed both performing with and talking to Richmond Symphony members. Porter adds, “Thanks for everything, everyone was so kind and [YOP is] a great program.” Congratulations, Porter!
Sophie Curtis, RSYO flute
Sophie has been a member of the Youth Orchestra Program for three years, performing with both Youth Concert Orchestra and the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra. After graduating from Hermitage High School, she will attend Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania to study linguistics. Sophie’s favorite memory from YOP was performing Bedřich Smetana’s Moldau alongside their teacher in RSYO’s February 2026 Side-by-Side with the Richmond Symphony. Sophie adds “Thank you so much to the YOP team who put in the work to make it possible!” Congratulations, Sophie!
Grayson Ebinger, YCO cello
Grayson has performed with Youth Concert Orchestra for three years. Following his graduation from high school, Grayson will pursue a degree in aviation maintenance and technology, with his end goal to one day become a commercial pilot. His favorite memory from his time in YOP was “playing amazing songs with the orchestra,” and in his senior survey, he wrote “Thank you Dr. Goldie for teaching so much about not just playing notes but making music.” Congratulations, Grayson!
Minami Furukawa, RSYO oboe
Minami has played with the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra for one year. After graduating from Albemarle High School, she will attend Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, where she will major in mechanical engineering and minor in applied music, continuing her studies on the oboe. During her time in high school, Minami participated in multiple All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra ensembles, as well as South Central and Senior Regional Orchestra, Music for All’s Honor Band of America, and the Charlottesville Symphony. Minami writes, “My favorite memory has to be playing with the Richmond Symphony in the side-by-side concert this year. It was unbelievable having the chance to play in the Carpenter Theater and play alongside musicians I have admired for years. The repertoire was also amazing, and it was genuinely the best feeling to play on stage that rehearsal and concert.” She adds, “Thank you to Conductor Lee for being such a wonderful conductor to work under! And thank you especially to Anna and Davey for all of their support and friendly faces every rehearsal.” Congratulations, Minami!
Andrew Grogan, RSYO double bass
Andrew has played with the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra for one year. In 2026, he participated in both the All-Virginia Orchestra and the All-Virginia Jazz Ensemble, where he performed as principal bass. After graduating from Thomas Dale High School, he will be attending James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia to study jazz. Andrew adds “Playing in the Side-by-Side was really awesome and I was very fortunate to have that opportunity in my first year [with RSYO].” Congratulations, Andrew!
Lydia Joh, YCO violin
Lydia has played with Youth Concert Orchestra for four years. After graduating from Clover Hill High School, she will attend Columbia University in New York City, where she will study mechanical engineering. Her favorite memory from her time in YOP was “walking into Mooney Hall for the first time and meeting a room full of people diligently prepared and practicing. Also the snacks!” Lydia adds, “Thanks for all the memories and great playlist recommendations!” Congratulations, Lydia!
Tomas Khatcheressian, RSYO violin
Tomas has played with the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra for one year. During his time in high school, he also participated in Senior Regional Orchestra. After graduating from Midlothian High School, he will attend the University of Richmond. His favorite memory from his time in YOP was playing with the Richmond Symphony for their Side-by-Side concert. Tomas adds “Thanks to all my fellow violinists for always playing excellently.” Congratulations, Tomas!
Joe Legutko, RSYO viola
Joe has played with the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra for two years. Previously, he played with the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Cape Youth Symphony Orchestra, both located in Massachusetts. After moving to Virginia, he also played with the American Youth Philharmonic in Washington, D.C. During his time in high school, he performed with a piano quartet, volunteered with the VCU Health Orchestra, participated in several events through the Virginia and Massachusetts Music Educators Associations, and more. After graduating from the Collegiate School, Joe will be attending Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, where he will major in astrophysics and also study history and music.
Joe’s favorite memory from his time in YOP was playing the first movement of Cecil Forsyth’s Viola Concerto in G minor after winning RSYO’s 2024–25 Concerto Competition, both with RSYO and in an additional concert with RSYO and the Richmond Symphony at the Symphony’s Big Tent concert. He recalls, “Playing my concerto with RSYO and the RSO was an experience I will never be able to top again—[at Big Tent,] I remember a parent and daughter who were dancing on the grass to the music, and I wish I could play for them again!” Joe also adds, “In my time at RSYO, the biggest standout has been the kindness of everyone there—from the amazing leadership of Maestro Lee and all the administrators who make everything possible to my musical peers, thank you so much!!!” Congratulations, Joe!
Hannah Lorenzo, RSYO viola
Hannah has played with the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra for one year. During her time in high school, she also performed with the Blue Ridge Area Virginia Orchestra and the Rapidan Orchestra. Hannah has participated in music education events across the state, including at the University of Virginia, Shenandoah Conservatory, Virginia Commonwealth University, and more. She also regularly performs chamber music with her siblings, who play violin and cello in YOP. After graduating, she will attend the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School, located in Colorado, where she will triple major in physics with an astrophysics concentration, chemistry, and political science.
Hannah adds, “I am thankful for conductor Hae Lee, RSYO, Richmond Symphony musicians, and staff who have encouraged, challenged, and inspired me to share my love for the arts through music.” She is grateful for every moment she has had to rehearse and perform with her colleagues, A favorite memory of hers from her time in YOP was from February 2026’s Side-by-Side with the Richmond Symphony. “The opportunity to address the audience in a side-by-side concert with the Richmond Symphony was an honor,” Hannah says. “Bringing the history of a piece through the lens of a young musician made me reflect, analyze, and perform in a way made possible by RSYO.” Congratulations, Hannah!
Elizabeth Mackie, RSYO viola
Elizabeth has played with the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra for three years. During her time in YOP, she served as the principal violist of Senior Regional Orchestra twice, and served as the associate principal violist of the All-Virginia Orchestra in 2026. After graduating from Midlothian High School, she will attend the University of Virginia in Charlottesville to study global public health. Her favorite memories from her time in RSYO include hanging out with her fellow musicians. She also adds, “I also really enjoyed the side-by-side concert because I got the chance to perform next to my private teacher.” Elizabeth adds, “Thank you to all of my teachers over the years and [I’m grateful for] the support of my family! And shoutout to the viola section!!” Congratulations, Elizabeth!
Madeline Osterfeld, RSYO oboe
Madeline has played with the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra for one year. During her time in high school, she performed as first chair oboe in district band for four years, served as first chair oboe in Senior Regional Orchestra, and additionally participated in Solo and Ensemble through the Virginia Music Educators Association. After graduating from Mills E. Godwin High School, she plans to attend university to study architecture. Her favorite memory from her time in YOP was performing at RSYO’s February 2026 Side-by-side concert with the Richmond Symphony, where she got to perform alongside her private teacher. Congratulations, Madeline!
Eleanor Qureshi, Percussion Ensemble
Eleanor was a member of Percussion Ensemble for three years, performing with both Youth Concert Orchestra and the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra. During her time in YOP, she has assisted as a member of the social media team. After graduating from the Collegiate School, she will attend the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, where she will major in business and non-profit management and minor in music. “My favorite memories from my time in YOP have been with my Percussion Ensemble girls,” says Eleanor. “We have truly become the bestest of friends while counting rhythms, picking on Dr. X, stealing each other’s mallets, and getting lost in the music, all while giggling through it and learning from each other. Even though one has graduated and I am about to as well, we still text weekly and often hang out outside of the YOP program. I will miss these girls but know I will keep in touch with them well beyond my time in YOP.” Eleanor adds, “Thank you Dr. X for the past five years! It’s been a blast!” Congratulations, Eleanor!
Jeffrey Qureshi, RSYO viola
Jeffrey has been a member of our Youth Orchestra Program for five years, performing with Camerata Strings, Youth Concert Orchestra, and the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra. After graduating from the Collegiate School, he will attend the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he will major in international relations. His favorite moment from his time in YOP was “playing with others who chose the best instrument, the viola.” Jeffrey adds a word of advice to his fellow musicians: “[Life] may feel stressful now, but I promise you, you will look back on all of the memories and friends you made along the way, and be glad that you continued.” Congratulations, Jeffrey!
Audrey Tang, RSYO clarinet
Audrey has played with the Youth Orchestra Program for two years, playing with both Youth Concert Orchestra and the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra. During her time in high school, she participated in the Central Virginia Wind Ensemble, district band, and All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra. She also performed a concerto in concert with her school band. After graduating from Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies, Audrey will attend the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee to study mechanical engineering. Her favorite memory from her time in YOP was with her classmate and RSYO colleague Peter, “telling [him] that he won the concerto competition and watching him get really giddy and excited to go tell our music teachers.” Audrey adds, “Thank you Anna for keeping me updated with the Richmond restaurant drama!” Congratulations, Audrey!
Fielding Teague, RSYO violin
Fielding has been a member of our Youth Orchestra Program for six years, first playing with Camerata Strings and then joining the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra. During her time in YOP, she played in Senior Regional Orchestra and the All-Virginia Orchestra in 2025. After graduating from Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies, she will attend Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, where she will study neuroscience on a pre-med track. Fielding says, “My favorite memory was the Big Tent Side-by-Side concert [with the Richmond Symphony] last summer because there were so many people there watching and we got to watch the Richmond Symphony play afterwards!” Fielding adds, “I’m so thankful to Hae Lee for a great last two years in RSYO and also to Mr. Myssyk for the years before that. Thank you also to Anna and Davey and everyone else that makes RSYO great!” Congratulations, Fielding!
James Trabaudo, RSYO violin
James has been a member of our Youth Orchestra Program for five years, performing with Camerata Strings, Youth Concert Orchestra, and the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra. During his time in YOP, he also participated in Central Regional and Senior Regional Orchestra. After graduating from the Collegiate School, he will attend the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he will major in psychology on a pre-med track. His happiest moment from his time in YOP was “finally making it to RSYO after 5 years in the program. I felt that I always had the potential, and finally worked up the courage to audition.” James adds a word of advice to his fellow musicians: “Take as many risks as you can and escape your comfort zone. You never know what you might achieve.” Congratulations, James!
Peter Yanovitch, RSYO double bass
Peter has been a member of our Youth Orchestra Program for five years, performing with Camerata Strings, Youth Concert Orchestra, and the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra. During his time in YOP, he participated in the All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra for three years, serving as the orchestra’s principal bass in 2026. He was also selected from his high school orchestra to receive a National School Orchestra Award. He participated in the Richmond Symphony School of Music’s Young Composers Seminar in the 2024–25 season, and in 2026, he won the RSYO Concerto Competition, performing the first movement of Serge Koussevitzky’s Double Bass Concerto in RSYO’s spring 2026 concert.
After graduating from Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies, Peter will attend the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, where he will study double bass performance. “One of my favorite memories was performing Tchaikovsky’s fifth symphony side-by-side with the Richmond Symphony and having my teacher as my stand partner,” Peter says. He adds, “Thank you to the amazing YOP conductors for guiding me in my musical journey!” Congratulations, Peter!
