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Sofia Kenny
Sofia Kenny is the president of the YCP Silicon Valley chapter and is excited to perform this Christmas Concert as a fundraiser for future YCP events. Sofia, soprano, serves as a cantor within the Diocese of San Jose churches. She regularly sings for St. Joseph's of Cupertino and Resurrection Church for Mass, as well as solemn occasions such as weddings and funerals. Sofia sang the National Anthem for sport events at Stanford University, San Jose State University, and Santa Clara University's Business School commencement ceremonies. Sofia performed her first singing recital in June 2022.
Sofia's musical journey started when she learned to read and became a member of the children's choir at Resurrection Church. At the age of seven, she attended a retreat at St. Francis Cabrini church, and while listening to the choir during Mass, she experienced a desire to use music as a means to help people pray. She started learning multiple instruments, including the violin, flute, piano, and guitar. Throughout her middle and high school years, she concentrated on the flute. In 2012, Sofia played the flute in the San Jose Youth Symphony's Philharmonic Orchestra. Sofia also played the flute for the San Jose Youth Symphony's Flute Choir from 2009 to 2011.
Gayatri Venkatesan
Financial Analyst, Artistic Director of Arya Music StudioGayatri Venkatesan, soprano, is a classical singer and voice teacher based in the Bay area. She is a recent first place winner of the American Protege International Vocal Competition, and was invited to perform in Carnegie Hall in 2022 as part of their winners concert. Some of her notable performances include Eurydice in Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld, and Leila in Bizet’s Les pêcheurs de perles. She has also been in the chorus of Opera San Jose’s production of Mozart & Salieri, and Lamplighters Musical theater in their production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers. She was also asked to be in the chorus of Opera San Jose's production of Carmen. In addition to her operatic performances, Gayatri has found solid ground as the soprano soloist at Union Church of Cupertino, under the direction of Dr. Ross Hoksbergen. Gayatri was also the soprano soloist for Ensemble Continuo's inaugural concert, Ein deutsches Requiem by Brahms as well a collaborative concert of Vivaldi's Gloria with the Googler Orchestra. She has been featured in the chorus of Andrea Bocelli’s 2012 and 2018 concerts at the SAP center in San Jose.
In addition to working as a Financial Analyst, Gayatri runs a busy voice studio in the SF Bay Area. Her students have enjoyed lead roles in several community theater productions, and in addition, have received gold medals at the state and national level in the Royal Conservatory of Music annual examinations. Her students have also been successful in placing at recent SFBAC NATS Classical and Musical theater competitions. Ms. Venkatesan is also active in the Royal Conservatory of Music and NATS communities, currently serving as VP of Recitals on the board of SFBAC NATS.
Miguel Bismonte
Certified Nursing Assistant at Sunnyvale Retirement CommunityHello I'm Miguel Bismonte. I am an upcoming Masters in Science Nursing Student at Johns Hopkins, studying to become an RN. I work currently as a CNA for Sunny View Retirement Community. I love helping people within the healthcare field and hope to expand my career through this next step in academia. In my spare time I am often seen doing art, collaborative storytelling, and board games! As for my own singing experience, I am proudly a cantor for Resurrection Church for over 7 years, sharing my love of God and Gospel with those who would lend an ear to listen to my baritone voice.
Justin Read
Justin Read has been a musician in the Diocese of San Jose for over 15 years. He began his musical journey studying classical piano at the age of 4. He quickly took a liking to piano and learned to play pieces from some of his favorite classical composers including Beethoven, Mozart, Liszt, and Chopin. His studies eventually led him to pass all of the Certificate of Merit levels administered by the Music Teachers' Association of California, earning an Advanced Level (Level 10) certificate in piano by 7th grade.
Justin also studied jazz, music arrangement, piano accompaniment, and contemporary music theory at the Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) in Mountain View from 2007-2015. During his years at CSMA, his music arrangements became a hit with the CSMA patrons, and Justin became a "regular" at themed house parties of former Los Altos HIlls mayor Bob Fenwick. During this time, Justin also toured extensively throughout the Bay Area performing for various audiences that included active and retired tech executives, US Senators, Nobel Prize laureates, and Grammy award winners in public performances and galas as well as private home concerts and parties.
Justin has also been involved musically with the local Church. He has been on staff with the diocese since 2013 and is currently a musician at St. Joseph of Cupertino parish. He began his music ministry as a student at St. Joseph of Cupertino School beginning in the 4th grade at school prayer services and liturgies, as well as select parish Masses. Justin has also been a parish organist since teaching himself to play the organ in 2017. Justin has helped with music ministry at various other parishes over the years, including Sacred Heart Saratoga, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, St. Justin, and St. Maria Goretti. As part of YCP, Justin has enjoyed being part of the liturgical "music team" along with Sofia for YCP retreats as well as young adult Masses.
Today Justin continues to enjoy performing locally as a part-time musician in solo, accompaniment, band, and ensemble settings at weddings, private parties, galas, and fundraising concerts!
Jordyn Garcia
Owner at Pianocello StudiosHi, I’m Jordyn! I’m a first year UCSC student, studying Business Management Economics. I also run my business, Pianocello Studios, as a professional pianist and cellist! As a musician, I aim to engage with clients’ unique stories and create improvised music that enhances their moment. I love gaining knowledge and new perspectives by connecting with other people! In my free time, I enjoy listening to The Beatles, singing karaoke, wrestling, and eating chocolate chocolate chip Haagen Dazs ice cream! I’m enthusiastic to learn more about the business world and to meet new people!