Napa Valley Youth Symphony: A Violin Recital - Yasushi Ogura with Pianist Marilyn Thompson

Description

Join us for a powerful evening of music and meaning as two extraordinary artists—Yasushi Ogura and Marilyn Thompson—take the stage in support of the Napa Valley Youth Symphony and its mission to provide transformative music education for young musicians across our community.

Internationally respected violinist and master educator Yasushi Ogura, NVYS Principal Coach since the organization’s founding, has shaped generations of young artists through his leadership and artistry. He currently serves as Concertmaster of Symphony Napa Valley and Pocket Opera, and has appeared as guest concertmaster with orchestras throughout California. A regular performer with the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra and the Skywalker Symphony Orchestra at Skywalker Ranch, his work spans concert stages and major film soundtracks alike. He has also been recognized by San Francisco Classical Voice for his exceptional leadership as a concertmaster.

Joining him is acclaimed pianist Marilyn Thompson, whose distinguished career reflects a lifetime of musical excellence. A graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Stanford University, and a Fulbright scholar to the Vienna Academy of Music, Thompson has performed as a soloist in major concerti and given recitals across the United States and abroad. Her appearances include renowned venues such as Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center and Davies Symphony Hall. A celebrated chamber musician and longtime faculty member at Sonoma State University, she has mentored generations of musicians while maintaining an active performance career.

Together, Ogura and Thompson embody the highest level of artistry and mentorship—bringing technical brilliance, expressive depth, and a shared commitment to music education. Their collaboration reflects the very heart of NVYS: excellence, access, and the transformative power of music.

This special benefit concert directly supports scholarships and programming that ensure all students—regardless of background—have the opportunity to grow, perform, and thrive through music.

We invite you to be part of this inspiring evening and invest in the future of young musicians.