While the Nashville Symphony is just wrapping up the second year of its Accelerando program, they are already looking forward to its long-term results. Meant to foster the talent of young musicians from underrepresented ethnicities, the initiative works to prepare students for careers in the classical field with private lessons from Nashville Symphony players, among other perks.

Walter Bitner, the Symphony’s Director of Education and Community Engagement, hopes that in the decades to come, Accelerando will help orchestras “begin to look more like their communities.” Representing Accelerando for Live in Studio C was 16-year-old violist Emily Martinez-Perez and 17-year-old flutist Aalia Hanif, and audiences can hear a concert from all of the Accelerando students at the Schermerhorn on June 11. 

Set List: 

George Philip Telemann: Viola Concerto in G 

• mvts. 3 & 4
• Emily Martinez-Perez, viola 
• Megan Gale, piano 

Paul Hindemith: Flute Sonata 

• mvts. 1 & 2
• Aalia Hanif, flute
• Megan Gale, piano