Javier F. Torres-Delgado, violin; Maria Gabriela Mendez Martinez, violin; Joshua Thaver, viola; Manuel Papale, cello

Grant Park Music Festival String Fellows

  • Rune Tonsgaard Sørensen; arr. Danish String Quartet - Shine You No More (2017) (4’)
  • Arturo Marquez (b. 1950) - Homenaje a Gismonti (1993) (8’)
  • Stacy Garrop (b. 1969) - Ribbons of Steel (2025) (4’)
  • Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) - String Quartet in F major, M. 35 (1903) (31’)
  • I. Allegro moderato
  • II. Assez vif, très rythmé
  • III. Très lent
  • IV. Vif et agité
  • Billy Strayhorn (1915-1967); arr. Paul Chihara - Take the “A” train (1939) (4’)

A native of Puerto Rico, violinist Javier F. Torres-Delgado has played in groups such as the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, Lansing Symphony Orchestra, the Puerto Rico Philharmonic Orchestra, and the International Chamber Orchestra of Puerto Rico. He received his Bachelor and Master of Music from University of Michigan, where he studied with Danielle Belén. While there, he was recipient of the 2021 Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award.

Venezuelan violinist Maria Gabriela Mendez is a master’s student at University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her orchestral experience includes appearances in the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia Gulf Coast, and Panama City Symphony Orchestra. She has also held leadership roles as Concertmaster of the Montclair State Symphony Orchestra and is currently the Concertmaster at the University of Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra. Her international career includes performances and tours across Europe, Asia, and the Americas with the Teresa Carreño Youth Symphony Orchestra and has been conducted by internationally renowned conductors such as Sir Simon Rattle and Gustavo Dudamel. She received her Bachelor of Music, graduating Magna Cum Laude, from Florida State University. 

Violist Joshua Thaver is currently a Viola Fellow with the New World Symphony Orchestra. He has performed as the Principal Violist in multiple orchestras, including the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, Adrian Symphony Orchestra, and University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Thaver received his Bachelor of Music Education from Baylor University and his Master of Music in Viola Performance from the University of Michigan.

 

Argentinian-born cellist Manuel Papale is currently a Diversity Fellow with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and has performed as the principal cellist of Ballet Indiana Orchestra and McKinney Philharmonic Orchestra. Summer festivals attended include the National Orchestral Institute, Mimir Chamber Music Festival, and the Castleman Quartet Program. Mr. Papale received his Bachelor of Music from Texas Christian University as a full scholarship recipient; since then, he has received his Master of Music from Indiana University and is currently completing his Artist Diploma from University of Cincinnati.



About the Rush Hour Concerts

Rush Hour Concerts are made possible through the generosity of the Zell Family Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Illinois Arts Council Agency and contributions from individual donors.

Upcoming Performances

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