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Isaiah Valdez, cello
Isaiah Valdez, cello
Concerto No. 1 in C Major for Cello and Orchestra by Joseph Hadyn
Concerto No. 1 in C Major for Cello and Orchestra by Joseph Hadyn
Isaiah Valdez is a 24-year-old native of Harlingen, Texas, who began his musical journey at Vernon Middle School, laying the foundation for his passion for music. His early training was shaped under the guidance of Dr. Tido Janssen at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), where he honed his skills and developed a deep appreciation for the cello. Continuing his studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), Isaiah has worked with a distinguished roster of teachers, including Dr. Rylie Harrod, Kenneth Freudigman, Bonnie Hampton, Holgen Gjoni, Dr. Yi Qun Xu, and Ignacio Gallego. He has also participated in masterclasses with renowned artists such as Julien Swartz, Brook Speltz, Santiago Cañón Valencia, Josh Gindele, Tommy Mesa, and Emilio Colón, enriching his musical insight and technique. He also holds a bachelor's degree in Cello Performance from UTSA.
Isaiah is an active chamber musician at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he finds deep fulfillment in collaborative music-making. In addition to his performance work, he is a versatile composer whose music spans multiple genres; his Suite No. 1 for Solo Piano, Silent Cartography, received recognition and awards at UTSA’s COLFA Research Conference in 2021. In Spring 2025, his Piano Concerto No. 1, “One Day,” was premiered by the San Antonio Community Orchestra to critical praise. He made his solo debut with the orchestra in Fall 2024, performing Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor, a significant milestone in his developing performance career, and is scheduled to perform Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 1 with the San Antonio Community Orchestra in February 2026. Expanding his artistic scope further, Isaiah will also make his conducting debut with the San Antonio Community Orchestra in February 2026, reflecting his growing engagement with music-making both on and off the podium.
In addition to his academic and performance activities, Isaiah runs an active and thriving private cello studio, where he teaches students in both cello and composition. His teaching emphasizes strong technical foundations, musical creativity, and individualized mentorship. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Cello Performance and Pedagogy at UT San Antonio, Isaiah aspires to follow in the footsteps of his mentors. His long-term goal is to become a university-level music educator, blending performance, composition, and pedagogy into a well-rounded and impactful career.
Mary Sundem, piano
Mary Sundem, piano
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B♭ Major, Op. 83 by Johannes Brahms
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B♭ Major, Op. 83 by Johannes Brahms
Mary Sundem is a dedicated pianist and collaborative musician whose musical journey began at the age of five. Her early passion for the piano developed steadily through high school and ultimately led her to pursue a major in Piano Performance at Liberty University. During her time there, she distinguished herself as an exceptional performer, earning the Pianist of the Year award and winning the Liberty University Symphony Concerto Competition, after which she performed the first movement of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with the university’s orchestra.
She continued her education at Texas State University, where she completed her master’s degree under the mentorship of Dr. Jason Kwak. At Texas State, she again demonstrated her artistic excellence by winning the Concerto and Aria Competition and performing the third movement of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with the university orchestra. She was also featured in the Steinway Signature Series Concerts in both San Antonio and Austin. Both experiences further shaped her musical identity and strengthened her commitment to collaborative performance.
Following graduation, Mary has remained an active and vibrant presence in the San Antonio music community. She is a sought-after collaborator among local musicians, known for her musical sensitivity, professionalism, and versatility. In addition to her collaborative work, she maintains a thriving private piano studio, where she guides students of all ages in developing strong technique, artistry, and confidence.
She is also actively involved in her church’s music ministry, contributing her skills to worship and community outreach. Looking ahead, Mary will make her solo debut with the San Antonio Community Orchestra in Spring 2026, performing Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2. This is a milestone that reflects both her technical command and her expressive depth as a soloist. With a foundation rooted in both excellence and service, Mary continues to build a meaningful career as a performer, collaborator, and educator. Bringing artistry, dedication, and warmth to every musical partnership.
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