“My favorite thing about being a student at Curtis is the sense of community. We like to listen to each other play, and go to each other’s chamber music concerts and learn each other’s music. I really love that sense of family we have.”
Prize-winning violinist Maya Anjali Buchanan, from Rapid City, South Dakota, began playing violin at age three. In this student spotlight, she shares her musical path from using a Froot Loops cereal box as an instrument to performing on the world’s most exciting stages with her violin, and discusses how her peers constantly inspire her. Ms. Buchanan first entered the Curtis Institute of Music in 2018 and received a Bachelor of Music degree in 2023. She is currently pursuing her master’s, studying violin with Ida Kavafian as the Jill and Sheldon Bonovitz Fellow.
As a young child Ms. Buchanan began Suzuki Method violin lessons at the insistence of her mother, whom she credits for igniting her journey as a musician. She recalls a pivotal moment in her childhood when she was driven home from a concert, and her father asked what her favorite part of performing was. They both were pleasantly surprised with her response—the thing she looked forward to the most was the thrill of walking onto a stage.
Named a Yamaha Young Performing Artist in 2020, Ms. Buchanan won first prize at the Crain-Maling Foundation Chicago Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition in 2017 and subsequently made her debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In an effort to broaden Western classical music traditions, Ms. Buchanan unveils the music of her heritage by presenting pieces unique to her Indian ancestry, bridging her Eastern roots with her Western classical training. She enjoys showcasing works of Indian influence that reflect the form and improvisational quality of Eastern music, blending techniques of both cultures.
When Ms. Buchanan is not playing on her a c. 1730 Guarneri “del Gesù” from Cremona, generously on loan from the Stradivari Society of Chicago, she takes macro photos of insects and loves doing outreach in the community.
Visit Maya Anjali Buchanan’s official website.
Portrait photos of Ms. Buchanan courtesy of Nichole MCH Photography. Additional image of Ms. Buchanan courtesy of the Stulberg International String Competition at the Dalton Center, Western Michigan University.
Prior to entering Curtis, he studied with Ronald Aufmann, bass clarinetist of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Bakos has performed with the New York Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, and New World Symphony. He is currently the second clarinetist of Symphony in C and has also held fellowships at the Aspen Music Festival and Tanglewood Music Center. In 2019, he was the winner of the Cincinnati Arts Association Overture Awards. After completing his Curtis studies, he looks to have a career as an orchestral musician and establish a private teaching studio or as part of a university or conservatory.
Season 18 of WHYY’s acclaimed 
Mr. Harrison attended the School of the Arts in his hometown, ultimately becoming a Pathways Scholar through the Eastman School of Music, a scholarship program designed to provide financial assistance for inner-city students. There, he studied with his inspiring music teacher, Ruth Cahan, to whom he attributes his success and musicianship as an artist. Before attending Curtis and studying with Don Liuzzi, Eric Millstein, and Ji Su Jung, Mr. Harrison received a diploma with honors from the Eastman Community Music School and a Bachelor of Music degree in percussion performance from Temple University and hopes to secure a position with a professional orchestra and teach at a university or college in the future.
Season 18 of WHYY’s acclaimed