Guest Artists
Guest Artists are talented musicians who were invited to perform with us for 1-2 seasonal concerts or more.
Samuel Chen
Oboe - Reverie
Samuel Chen is a student at Gunn High School and plays the oboe, currently studying under Yu-Ting Wang. He is a member of the San Jose Youth Symphony Chamber and Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as a part of Gunn's Symphonic Band. He has also participated in the 2024 SJSU Honor Bands. He has previously played the piano and saxophone, and has performed in Merkin Concert Hall in New York City. In addition, he enjoys performing at senior homes with his friends to bring music to the wider community. Outside of music, he currently serves as the president of his school's Science Olympiad team, and enjoys math, science, creative writing, and spending time with friends.
Michelle Fang
Cello & Piano - Reverie
Michelle started playing cello in fourth grade, after having studied piano since kindergarten. She currently studies cello with Eric Sung and attends the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Pre-College Division. She is also a part of the California Youth Symphony Senior Orchestra.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Matthew Hong
Cello - Reverie
Matthew J. Hong is a 14-year-old cellist at Palo Alto High School. His dedicated musical journey began at the age of eleven and he currently studies with the guidance of Mr. Jonathon Koh. He is an active member of the California Youth Symphony Senior Orchestra led by conductor Leo Eylar, as well as the California Music Prep chamber program, where he receives coaching from esteemed professionals including Jonathon Koh, Liana Bérubé, and Dr. Pasha Sabouri. He has notably served as the principal cellist of the California All-State Junior High String Orchestra and was awarded 2nd place at the KAMSA Competition as well as 3rd place at the United States International Music Competition. He has earned acceptance into prestigious programs such as the Heifetz International Institute of Music and the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. Furthermore, Matthew's ensemble, the JMR Trio, which includes Junnosuke Yanagisawa and Ruiwen Ge, achieved 1st prize in the San Francisco International Innovative Music Competition and the Charleston 20th Century Music Competition. ​​​​​​​​​
Eileen Lee
Flute - Reverie
Eileen is a freshman at Palo Alto High School. She has been playing flute for 4 years and studies with Isabelle Chapuis. She was selected for 2024 California All State Junior High School Band and the Junior Bach Festival. In 2024, she won 1st place in competitions such as KAMSA, Charleston International, and USIOMC. Currently, Eileen is the principal flutist of the California Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Beyond music, she enjoys creating visual art.
Vincent Tsai
Composer, Cello, Piano, Horn, Triangle - Reverie
Vincent is a student at Gunn High School and has been playing the cello for eight years, with lessons from Mrs. Irene Sharp and currently studying under Vicky Wang. He is a cellist in the Senior Symphony of the Golden State Youth Orchestra, and was the principal cellist of the Camilla Kolchinsky Orchestra in the 2023-2024 season. He is also a composer of solo, orchestral, and all sorts of ensemble music, and studies Theory and Composition with Sarana Chou. Aside from the cello, he is also able to perform on piano, viola, and french horn, and showcases his virtuosity on the triangle. Outside of music, he enjoys chess, badminton, and dark psychology, and competes in his school Science Olympiad and Cross Country teams.
Taylor Zhen
Violin - Reverie
Taylor Zhen is a student at Palo Alto High School. She has started playing violin at the age of four and currently studies violin under Mr. Davis Law. She is currently a member of the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra. Taylor was selected for 2024 California All State Junior High School Orchestra and the Junior Bach Festival. Outside of music, Taylor enjoys playing softball, listening to music, and hiking.