Cristian Yohannes is a 19-year-old violist from Frisco, Texas. Cristian began his studies in viola at the age of 11, previously under the tutelage of Rachel Li McDonald. He currently studies Viola Performance at the Eastman School of Music under the tutelage of Professor Masumi Per Rostad.
Among Cristian’s musical achievements are being selected for the 2024 Texas Music Educators Association All-State Philharmonic Orchestra and winning 2nd prize at the 2024 Dallas Symphonic Festival Competition Sonata Division. His performance experience includes serving as Principal Viola of the 2023 New England Conservatory Summer Orchestra Institute and Co-Principal Viola of the 2024 Interlochen Arts Camp World Youth Symphony Orchestra. He will also be attending the Music@Menlo Smith Family Young Performer’s Program later this summer.
He has worked closely with esteemed conductors such as Cristian Macelaru, Mei-Ann Chen, Jader Bignamini, and Sameer Patel, and collaborated with celebrated artists, including Ray Chen, Martin Chalifour, and members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. His past and present chamber coaches include members of the Ying and Kodak String Quartets, Natalie Helm, and Dr. Melissa Kraut. Cristian has also participated in masterclasses with Professors Jeffrey Irvine and Lynne Ramsey.
As a recipient of The HighArt Foundation’s 2024 Dr. Andre Thomas Scholarship and a Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholar, Cristian is committed to elevating underrepresented voices in classical music. His mission is to expose underserved communities by performing works from underrepresented composers. With aspirations to participate in the Sphinx Competition and join the Sphinx Virtuosi, Cristian aims to share the power and beauty of classical music with diverse audiences around the world.