Meet the Festival's 2025 String Fellows

Each summer, dozens of young musicians compete for the chance to spend a summer with the Festival, where they'll play in the Grant Park Orchestra, give quartet concerts across the city, receive mentoring from international artists, and make lifelong friends. The Festival String Fellowship is a world-class job-training opportunity for gifted young artists and it’s helping to shape the next generation of classical musicians.

Javier F. Torres-Delgado, violin

A native of Puerto Rico, violinist Javier F. Torres-Delgado has played in groups such as the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, Lansing Symphony Orchestra, the Puerto Rico Philharmonic Orchestra, and the International Chamber Orchestra of Puerto Rico. He received his Bachelor and Master of Music from University of Michigan, where he studied with Danielle Belén. While there, he was recipient of the 2021 Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award.

Maria Gabriela Mendez, violin

Venezuelan violinist Maria Gabriela Mendez is a master's student at University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her orchestral experience includes appearances in the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia Gulf Coast, and Panama City Symphony Orchestra. She has also held leadership roles as Concertmaster of the Montclair State Symphony Orchestra and is currently the Concertmaster at the University of Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra. Her international career includes performances and tours across Europe, Asia, and the Americas with the Teresa Carreño Youth Symphony Orchestra and has been conducted by internationally renowned conductors such as Sir Simon Rattle and Gustavo Dudamel. She received her Bachelor of Music, graduating Magna Cum Laude, from Florida State University. 

Joshua Thaver, viola

Violist Joshua Thaver is currently a Viola Fellow with the New World Symphony Orchestra. He has performed as the Principal Violist in multiple orchestras, including the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, Adrian Symphony Orchestra, and University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Thaver received his Bachelor of Music Education from Baylor University and his Master of Music in Viola Performance from the University of Michigan.

Manuel Papale, cello

Argentinian-born cellist Manuel Papale is currently a Diversity Fellow with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and has performed as the principal cellist of Ballet Indiana Orchestra and McKinney Philharmonic Orchestra. Summer festivals attended include the National Orchestral Institute, Mimir Chamber Music Festival, and the Castleman Quartet Program. Mr. Papale received his Bachelor of Music from Texas Christian University as a full scholarship recipient; since then, he has received his Master of Music from Indiana University and is currently completing his Artist Diploma from University of Cincinnati.

The Festival fellowship program provides intensive career training to a diverse group of young artists, advancing our mission to shape a classical music world that reflects the richness of our broader community.