Meet the Artist in Residence Class of 2025! This year’s class represents a delightfully diverse range of instruments, styles, and genres.
Program supported in part by Cathy Bernard/Bernard Family Foundation♪ and Carol & Joe Danks♪
In-kind support provided by Seasons 52
Class of 2025
January: Hasan Imam Hamdani, guitar/composer
Leading the global music ensemble Imam Collective, Hamdani’s mentors include an Indian classical sarod master, a South African guitarist, and a blues musician. Originally from Pakistan, he holds degrees from Berklee College of Music.
Paired with AIR donors HelenLouise Pettis♪ and Dale Rosenthal & Michael Cutler♪
February: Maximilian Jacobs, violin/composer
Specializing in jazz, swing, klezmer, and blues, Jacobs holds a master’s degree in violin performance from the University of Maryland and a section violin position with the Great Falls Philharmonic in Virginia.
Paired with AIR donors Victoria J. Perkins♪, Tina & Art Lazerow, and Karen Lefkowitz & Al Neyman
March: Qi Yu, guzheng/audio engineer
Trained in traditional and modern Chinese music, Yu holds dual master’s degrees in world music and recording arts. Her repertoire includes blues, rock, Latin jazz, and electronic music.
Paired with AIR donors Richard & Melba Reichard♪, J. Alberto Martinez & Anna Pigotti, and Myrna Sislen
April: Jack Gruber, piano/composer
A product of DC’s vibrant jazz scene, Gruber blends jazz with pop, video game, and anime music influences. He obtained his master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music and is working on his debut album.
Paired with AIR donors Karen Deasy♪, Jamie & Jessica McIntyre♪, Steven & Irene White♪, and Ava Kaufman
May: Marcel Penzes, trombone/teacher
An alum of Strathmore’s Young Musicians Training Residency, Penzes fuses New Orleans and Pan-American jazz. He is pursuing a master’s in jazz performance at Peabody.
Paired with AIR donors Daniel & Sarah Gallagher♪, Ellen & Michael Gold♪, and Bayo & Funke Oyewole♪
June: Gabby Cameron, banjo/songwriter
Merging bluegrass, old-time jazz, and classical music, Cameron explores how narratives foster human connections. She is a PhD candidate in ethnomusicology at the University of Maryland and a student of Béla Fleck at Blue Ridge Banjo Camp.
Paired with AIR donors Hope Eastman & Allen Childs♪, Jean & Michael Hoyt♪, Linda & Van Hubbard♪, and Carolyn & Marty Shargel♪
CLASS OF 2025 PREVIEW CONCERT ON NOV 13
FRESH AIR
Join us for an unforgettable show and be the first to meet the new AIR class as they take the stage in an invigorating evening of cross-genre collaboration.
GET TICKETS2025 AIR Mentors:
Cathy Fink (vocals/guitar/banjo)
Seth Kibel (saxophone/clarinet)
Dante’ Pope (percussion/vocals)
Josanne Francis (steelpan)
Photos by Margot Schulman
♪Strathmore graciously thanks our Artist in Residence Champions for their multi-year commitment and above-and-beyond support to the AIR program.
More to Explore
News Alumni Spotlight
Elijah Balbed, Bumper Jacksons & Be Steadwell
Alumni
Frédéric Yonnet, Chelsey Green, Invoke, and Christylez Bacon are just a few of the incredible artists who have passed through the program.
Book an Artist
Hire a Strathmore Artist in Residence for your next celebration.
SUPPORT YOUNG ARTISTS
Your generous support has a lasting impact on young artists in our community. Together, we help fuel their creativity, give them confidence, and support them when it matters most.
