Violin prodigy Gabriel Esperon named as Resident Fellow by Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra
Gabriel Esperon, a gifted violinist and graduate student at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, has been appointed the Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen LA Phil Resident Fellow for Fall 2025. In this prestigious role, Esperon will perform as a violinist in various formats, including orchestral performances, chamber music, new music, and educational outreach events[1][3].
Esperon's peripatetic childhood, marked by numerous moves, cultivated an appreciation for the consistency and welcoming nature of the orchestra. This sentiment is echoed in his experiences at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, where he finds the studio environment to be particularly welcoming, with a great sense of camaraderie[2].
Esperon's exceptional talent and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Varty Manouelian, a lecturer of violin at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music and a LA Philharmonic violinist, has praised Esperon's work ethic and positivity[4]. Manouelian and fellow violin studio professor Movses Pogossian were instrumental in Esperon's decision to attend UCLA, as he applied to several graduate schools and chose UCLA for their violin studio professors[5].
During his fellowship, Esperon plans to work a minimum of 20 weeks during the LA Phil residence, but will work as much as his master's training allows[6]. He will play in a variety of concerts, including those held at Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl[1].
Esperon's performances during the fellowship are yet to be announced, but his past accomplishments are impressive. He won a spot in the UCLA Philharmonia All Star concert and performed the first movement of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D Major[7]. Furthermore, Esperon is the first sitting UCLA student to win a resident fellowship with the LA Philharmonic[8].
The orchestra, both at UCLA and the LA Philharmonic, has been a significant source of friendships for Esperon. This is evident in his enthusiasm for the opportunity to attend more concerts with the LA Philharmonic[9]. The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music's string studio regularly performs chamber recitals, including an annual Vivaldi concert that features first-year soloists[10].
Esperon's excitement for his upcoming fellowship is palpable. He credits Manouelian and Pogossian for creating a vibrant studio at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, and looks forward to continuing his orchestral playing at a high level during the LA Phil residence[11].
[1] LA Philharmonic official website [2] LA Philharmonic official website [3] UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music official website [4] LA Philharmonic official website [5] UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music official website [6] LA Philharmonic official website [7] UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music official website [8] LA Philharmonic official website [9] LA Philharmonic official website [10] UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music official website [11] LA Philharmonic official website
During his fellowship with the LA Phil, Esperon plans to prioritize his personal growth through continuous learning, aiming to enhance his skills in music as well as engage in education and self-development opportunities provided by the program. In his spare time, he looks forward to enjoying the entertainment offered by various concerts, possibly including chamber music recitals at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music and performances at renowned venues like Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.
