What does it mean for a young musician to see someone just a few years older performing at the highest level?
For a group of Center for Musical Arts students, it meant inspiration, new perspective—and a reminder of what is possible when music becomes part of your life.
This summer, CMA students had the opportunity to attend an open rehearsal at the Colorado Music Festival featuring 15-year-old violinist Himari, the extraordinary young artist who opened the Festival’s landmark 50th season.
Already drawing international attention for her artistry and expressive depth, Himari took on one of the violin repertoire’s most technically demanding works: Jean Sibelius’ Violin Concerto. The piece moves between sweeping lyricism and stormy intensity, demanding both remarkable technical skill and a deep connection to the music.
For the students watching the open rehearsal, this was an opportunity to see that artistry up close.
And then they got an even more personal experience.
A conversation with a rising star
Following the open rehearsal, the students had the chance to meet Himari, ask questions about her musical journey, and exchange practice tips.
For young musicians who spend their own time working through challenging passages, building technique and trying to find their own musical voice, hearing directly from a 15-year-old who is already performing on major stages made the conversation particularly meaningful.
The students weren’t just impressed by Himari’s technical ability. They were listening for something deeper.
After seeing her perform the Sibelius concerto, one student talked about how emotional the piece is and how special it was to experience the performance in person.
Another student had actually played the Sibelius concerto himself. He listened closely to Himari’s playing, noticing the remarkable clarity of her harmonics, particularly in the third movement.
“I think it makes me want to practice more,” he reflected.
But the students’ observations went beyond technique.
One described the way Himari seemed to disappear into the music:
“She just melts into the music.”
Another said watching her perform helped them feel more connected to their own instrument.
And one student came away with a different kind of motivation—not necessarily to practice for more hours, but to be more intentional and focused during the time they already spend practicing.
That may be one of the most valuable lessons a young musician can take away.
Seeing what is possible
Music education is about much more than learning notes and mastering technique.
It is about discovering how music can make you feel. It is about learning to listen deeply, finding your own expression and developing the discipline to keep working when something is difficult.
And sometimes, it helps to see someone else doing exactly that.
For CMA students, watching Himari at the Colorado Music Festival offered a rare glimpse into the life of a young musician performing at an extraordinary level. Meeting her afterward brought that experience one step closer, turning an artist they had just watched on stage into a person they could talk to, learn from and ask questions.
These are the moments that can stay with a student.
Connecting the classroom to the concert hall
The experience also illustrates what makes the relationship between the Center for Musical Arts and Colorado Music Festival so special.
We are one organization, connecting the classroom to the concert hall.
At CMA, students learn from dedicated teachers and develop their skills in lessons, classes and ensembles. Through the Colorado Music Festival, they can experience professional musicians and world-class performances at Chautauqua Auditorium.
Together, these experiences create a broader musical community where students aren’t simply learning about music—they are experiencing it.
They can watch an artist rehearse. Hear a great performance. Meet the musicians behind it. Ask questions. Get inspired. And then take that inspiration back to their own practice room.
For these students, that journey included an open rehearsal with a remarkable 15-year-old violinist named Himari.
And perhaps the most meaningful part is what they did with that experience afterward: they went home wanting to listen more closely, practice more intentionally, and connect more deeply with their own music.
Help create more moments like this
Experiences like these are made possible because our community believes young musicians deserve opportunities to learn not only from their teachers, but from the extraordinary artists who come to Colorado.
Your support of the Colorado Music Festival & Center for Musical Arts helps create those connections—from a student’s first music lesson to an open rehearsal at Chautauqua and every musical experience in between.
Give today and help inspire the next generation of musicians.
