The Concerto Class

The Concerto Class is an advanced program for dedicated young musicians seeking a deeper understanding of preparing and performing a concerto with orchestra.

Through focused mentorship, students develop interpretation, technical mastery, and collaborative skills while building confidence for high-level performance.

Each participant records a full concerto movement with accompaniment, which is reviewed by a conductor. Sixteen students are selected to perform with SEEN Chamber Orchestra in Ganz Hall at Roosevelt University.

Designed for those committed to excellence, the program provides a clear, rigorous pathway from preparation to performance.

SYLVIA PINE (9)
The Concerto Class
SEEN Worldwide Chamber Orchestra
GANZ HALL

Conner Gray Covington, Conductor

Described by Yannick Nézet-Séguin as “a musician who lives the music”, American conductor Conner Gray Covington performs an unusually broad repertory of symphonic, opera, and film repertoire ranging from Classical to the present day. In the 2025-2026 season, Covington debuts with the Boston Pops, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Houston Symphony, Las Vegas Philharmonic, New Jersey Symphony, and Phoenix Symphony. He also makes return visits to the North Carolina Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, Sarasota Orchestra, and Tucson Symphony. Additionally, Covington returns to the Utah Symphony where he maintains a close relationship after completing a successful four-year tenure as Associate Conductor and Principal Conductor of the Deer Valley Music Festival.

More about Conner

Program Overview

All students will be invited to participate in the Concerto Class experience.

From those who participate, 16 students will be selected to perform with a professional level chamber orchestra of 26 musicians.

Classes will focus on the skills needed to successfully prepare a concerto with orchestra.

Concerto Class Events
Parent & Student Meeting - Concerto Class
Apr 10
Parent & Student Meeting - Concerto Class

An introductory meeting with parents and families outlining program goals, expectations, schedule, and student responsibilities.

Workshop with Conductor - Concerto Class
Apr 12
Workshop with Conductor - Concerto Class

Concerto Workshop with Roosevelt University Conductor Ben Firer

A preparatory session covering the concerto’s history and context, performance practices (including bowing and stage presence), and guidance on working with a conductor and orchestra.

Strings with Minghuan Xu - Concerto Class
May 1
Strings with Minghuan Xu - Concerto Class

Violinist MingHuan Xu is a dedicated performer and educator whose wide-ranging career spans solo, chamber, and contemporary music. In addition to her teaching at New Music School, she serves as the Program Director of Strings and Assistant Teaching Professor of Violin at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts, where she has been instrumental in developing a vibrant and competitive string program, drawing exceptional students from around the globe. 

Piano with Winston Choi - Concerto Class
May 8
Piano with Winston Choi - Concerto Class

Canadian pianist Winston Choi is Associate Professor of Piano and the Head of the Piano Program at Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts. His professional career was launched when he was named Laureate of the 2003 Honens Piano Competition and winner of France’s Concours International de Piano 20e siècle d’Orléans in 2002. An inquisitive performer, his fresh approach to standard repertory, and masterful understanding, performance and commitment to works by living composers, make him one of today’s most dynamic young concert artists.

Strings/Winds Recording Session - Concerto Class
May 15
Strings/Winds Recording Session - Concerto Class

String students will record their complete concerto movement in one take.

Piano Recording Session - Concerto Class
May 22
Piano Recording Session - Concerto Class

Piano students will record their complete concerto movement in one take.

Rehearsals — Concerto Class
Jun 5
Rehearsals — Concerto Class

Rehearsals will take place at the Fine Arts Building on June 5, 2026. Each student will be assigned an individual time slot in advance to ensure a smooth and organized schedule. Please arrive a few minutes early and be prepared for your rehearsal time.

IN Recital — Concerto Class
Jun 6
IN Recital — Concerto Class

Performance Day will take place at Ganz Hall at Roosevelt University on June 6, 2026. The performance order will be determined by the conductor.