What does it mean for a young musician to see someone just a few years older performing at the highest level?
This summer, the Colorado Music Festival & Center for Musical Arts created that opportunity for a group of young musicians from across the Boulder County community, bringing students from Greater Boulder Youth Orchestras, Boulder Suzuki Strings, area public school programs to a rehearsal at Chautauqua Auditorium.
The students came together to experience the Colorado Music Festival and see 15-year-old violinist Himari prepare to perform the Sibelius Violin Concerto, which opened the Festival’s landmark 50th season.
For these young musicians, the visit offered a chance to see a remarkable artist at work, listen closely and connect their own musical experiences to what they were seeing on the Chautauqua stage.
Seeing a Young Artist at Work
Himari is already drawing international attention for her artistry and expressive depth. At just 15 years old, she 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 remarkable technical skill as well as a deep connection to the music.
For the students watching the rehearsal, it was a chance to see that artistry up close. They watched an artist prepare, listened to the orchestra and saw the work that goes into bringing a demanding piece of music to life.
And then they got an even more personal experience.
A Conversation With a Rising Star
Following the rehearsal, the students had the chance to meet Himari, ask questions about her musical journey and exchange practice tips.
For young musicians who are developing their own technique and musical voice, hearing directly from a 15-year-old 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 what made her performance distinctive.
After hearing 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 herself. She 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,” she reflected.
Other students noticed the way Himari seemed to disappear into the music.
“She just melts into the music,” one student said.
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.
Bringing Music Education and Performance Together
Bringing young musicians into the concert hall is an important part of the work of the Colorado Music Festival & Center for Musical Arts.
The students at this rehearsal came from several different music programs and organizations across the community. The Colorado Music Festival gave them a shared place to experience a professional orchestra and a remarkable young artist at work.
That connection between learning and performance can have a lasting impact. Students spend time developing their skills, musicality and individual voices. Seeing professional musicians perform gives them another perspective on where that work can lead.
For these students, that perspective came from watching Himari prepare and perform the Sibelius concerto, then having the chance to speak with her afterward.
It was a glimpse of what is possible when music becomes part of your life.
Help Create More Moments Like This
The Colorado Music Festival & Center for Musical Arts is committed to creating meaningful connections between music education, performance and the community.
Your support helps make those connections possible, from a student’s first music lesson to an open rehearsal at Chautauqua and the many musical experiences in between.
Give today and help create more opportunities for young musicians.