PROGRAM
Orchestra performance
La vida es un carnaval
Max Bruch violin Concerto in G minor Op. 26.
I. Vorspiel: Allegro moderato
II. Adagio
III. Finale: Allegro energico
Soloist Samuel Vargas
Intermission
Libertango
Seattle premiere, Tarima de Fuego, Rodrigo Lomán
North Seattle Mariachi
Cerca del mar
El rey
El caballito
Volver volver
Los machetes
Cielito lindo
Arboles de la barranca
About the Performers
Samuel Vargas Teixeira
Samuel Vargas Teixeira is a Venezuelan-born violinist renowned for his exceptional artistry and versatile career as a performer, educator, writer, and entrepreneur. He has received numerous prestigious accolades, including the $50,000 First Prize at the 2021 Sphinx Competition, the Visionary Impact Award for entrepreneurship in 2024, the José Antonio Abreu International Award for the Arts in 2022, the Teacher Award at the 2024 Debussy International Music Competition, and the Yamaha Young Performing Artist Award in 2019, among many others.
Throughout his career, Vargas has performed in over 40 countries, collaborating with distinguished orchestras such as the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Santa Fe Symphony, The New World Symphony, Simón Bolívar Orchestra, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, San Bernardino Symphony, Elgin Symphony, Venezuela National Philharmonic, and Allentown Symphony Orchestra. He has also worked with renowned conductors, including Gustavo Dudamel, Simon Rattle, Daniel Barenboim, Claudio Abbado, and Anthony Parnther.
In addition to his performing and teaching roles, Vargas is the founder and president of the Vargas Foundation, an organization dedicated to enriching communities and society through the power of classical music and creative education. The foundation takes a holistic approach to music education, supporting students in all areas of their studies and well-being. To date, the foundation has impacted over 100,000 students across 18 countries through online and in-person activities, as well as donations of accessories and instruments.
In August 2024, Vargas joined the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University as a lecturer in violin and chamber music coordinator. He is also under contract in San Francisco, California under The Concerto Initiative and 3232 Music. He performs on a 1948 Giusseppe Pedrazzini violin, generously loaned to him by his mentor, Sergiu Schwartz.
Ballard Civic Orchestra
The Ballard Civic Orchestra is a professional and volunteer orchestra led by music director Paula Madrigal, which features Latinx music, guest artists and composers while highlighting Latino musical arts and culture. The Ballard Civic Orchestra strives to connect with its culturally diverse audience through music and the arts.
North Seattle Mariachi
Founded in February 2024, North Seattle Mariachi is a vibrant youth ensemble bringing together students from across the Seattle area to learn, celebrate, and share the rich tradition of mariachi music. A project of Orquesta Northwest, created in partnership with Ingraham High School and Seattle Public Schools, the group provides a welcoming space for students of all musical backgrounds—including many who are picking up an instrument for the very first time.
Through rehearsals and community performances, North Seattle Mariachi introduces young musicians to the cultural and musical foundations of mariachi, while building confidence, teamwork, and pride. We are proud to represent the joy and spirit of mariachi music, and we are excited to continue growing, performing, and connecting with our community through this dynamic tradition.
World Youth Orchestra
The World Youth Orchestra, Paula Madrigal artistic director, is the primary focus of Young Strings Outreach, and has grown to include strings, winds, and brass. Alumni of the World Youth Orchestra have gone on to play as soloists with the Ballard Civic Orchestra, and have received numerous grants and scholarships for their pursuit of higher education.