Young Artists Celebration Concert
October 10, 2025
Young Artists Celebration Concert
MusicFest Northwest Young Artist Winners, Spokane Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Spokane Youth Philharmonic perform with the Spokane Symphony
Join us for an evening of music, inspiration, and community as the Spokane Symphony proudly shares the stage with promising young musicians. This special concert is a joyful tribute to the next generation of artists, showcasing their talent, passion, and dedication alongside the seasoned brilliance of our professional orchestra.
Experience the excitement of debut performances with the Spokane Symphony by MusicFest Northwest Young Artists Winners. Then, feel the energy as the Spokane Youth Symphony Orchestra and Spokane Youth Philharmonic perform “side-by-side” with the Spokane Symphony—filling the Fox with artistry, mentorship, and intergenerational collaboration. Families, music lovers, and curious minds of all ages are invited to celebrate the achievements of incredible student musicians and the power of live symphonic music.
2025 Young Artist Winners
A sophomore at the University of Idaho, James Flagg studies piano performance with Dr. Roger McVey while pursuing a second major in mathematics. His musical interests include the lyricism of dactylic hexameter and the hook of comic opera. When he’s not playing piano, proving theorems, or producing pop songs, James enjoys walks with his family in the beautiful Palouse.
I grew up in Boise Idaho. When I was in middle school, I fell in love with the flute. In high school, I had the privilege of taking part in many musical opportunities throughout Boise, such as the Boise Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. I also had a wonderful private teacher, Amanda Barro, who taught me for many years. I would not be here without her. After high school, I knew I wanted to pursue a degree in music performance to advance my goals of being an orchestral flutist and running a private studio. I found WSU to be a great place to pursue my education, and that is where I study now with Dr. Sophia Tegart, who is another incredible teacher that I owe so much to. I am thrilled to be making my orchestral solo debut with the Spokane Symphony.
My name is Carter Mitchell, and I am a third-year undergraduate pursuing a double major in music performance and applied mathematics at Washington State University. By studying music performance, I learn about how to use the euphonium to serve and entertain my community. By studying applied mathematics, I investigate the field of operations research to make effective decisions while optimizing real-world systems. Together, music and math lead me on a journey rooted in creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. Beyond academics, I enjoy the WSU Cougar Marching Band, hiking, working out, and all sorts of sci-fi movies, video games, and books. After college, I aspire to find a balance of work between music and math, and to one day hold a professional euphonium position.
Graham Lin, baritone, is a Chicagoland native and a recent graduate of Oberlin Conservatory, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance in 2024. This fall, he will begin his Master’s Degree studies at New England Conservatory. Graham has performed in Oberlin Conservatory’s productions of Rossini’s L’occasione fa il ladro (Martino), Handel’s Acis and Galatea (Townsperson), Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring (Sid), and most recently Massenet’s Cendrillon (Pandolfe). Passionate about both performance and arts administration, Graham works year-round as a freelance singer and administrator, engaging with a wide range of vocal repertoire and collaborative projects. He currently serves as House Manager for the Cleveland Chamber Choir. During his summers, Graham often participates in several different music festivals such Classic Lyric Arts, Bel Canto in Tuscany, and Prague Summer Nights, where he both performs and has also taken on various administrative roles.
I am currently a fourth year student at the University of Idaho. I started my musical journey at the age of 11 when it came time for my school’s band program to begin. I chose the bassoon because I loved the way that it sounded goofy and unique, which reflects well on my personality. I love showing an audience the bassoon’s capabilities and proving it can fill a room with a sound that they might not expect. I aim to become a professor of bassoon or start my own private studio. I would also love to play in an orchestra and do studio recordings. I plan to continue to graduate school and eventually obtain my doctorate.
Conor Waller is a 22 year-old composer living in Spokane Washington and has been making music for eight years. He graduated from Whitworth University in 2025 with a Bachelors of Art, music composition focus and was a student of Brent Edstrom. He grew up playing a lot of video games and those soundtracks influenced him a lot and have become inspiration for Conor’s music compositions. He expanded his musicianship during his undergraduate studies and enjoyed having several of his works premiered during those years. Conor is planning on having his pieces available to purchase through a website and hopes to earn commissions in the future.
Born in 2009 in Spokane, Jessie Morozov began piano lessons at age five and took up the violin a year later, studying with Tana Bachman-Bland. Jessie currently studies with Mateusz Wolski and has also worked with Seattle violinists Jan Coleman, Simon James, and Noah Geller. Jessie spent eight years learning and growing as a performer first in the Spokane Youth Symphony, then the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra. During this time, she also received several awards from MusicFest Northwest and was a finalist in the Seattle Young Artists Music Festival. She joined the Spokane Symphony as its newest member in March of 2025. In addition to classical music, Jessie is an accomplished jazz musician and a member of the acoustic jazz quintet The Hot Club of Coeur d’Alene. The group has released an album, toured the Northwest, and received accolades from the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. Outside of music, Jessie enjoys mathematics, software development, cooking, and fitness.
*Jessie will be performing her Young Artist solo at Comstock Park Labor Day Concert on September 1 and will not be featured in this performance.
Bag Policy
All bags (with the exception of clutches 6 1/2 by 4 1/2 inches) are subject to visual inspection by venue security.
Large bags are not allowed in The Fox, and must be checked in our Coat Check (located in the North Gallery) for the duration of the event.
Programs are subject to change
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final and nonrefundable.
