We are thrilled to announce that Project STEP has been invited to perform J.S. Bach’s Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ, BWV 91, alongside the renowned Emmanuel Music during their Christmas concert on December 15, 2024. This special collaboration brings together the emerging talent of our students with the seasoned expertise of Emmanuel Music’s artists, promising an unforgettable celebration of the holiday season through the timeless music of Bach. Meet the students playing with Emmanuel this holiday:
Sokki Chan Laurent is a 15-year-old violinist from Attleboro, MA. He began playing the violin at age 5, inspired by a musical family, including cousins on violin and viola and a sister on cello. A member of Project STEP since 2017, Sokki has performed in notable concerts like the StringFest in 2023, with the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, and Four Strings Academy at the Landmarks Festival. He is a student of A Far Cry member, Miki-Sophia Cloud. An honor roll student and “Defense Player of the Year” in basketball, Sokki also enjoys producing music, reading, and gaming. He values Project STEP for its inspiring opportunities, which have fueled his growth and dreams as a musician.
Sofia Hernandez-Williams, 11, is a cello student of Timothy Terranella at Worcester’s Joy of Music Program and a 4th-year student at Boston’s Project STEP, Class of 2032. Since starting lessons at age 6, she has attended music festivals at Rivers Conservatory, Groton Hill, and Greenwood Music Camp, and studied in Vienna with Dr. Anzel Gerber at the Musikverein. Sofia serves as principal cello of the Joy of Music Youth Orchestra, performed as soloist with Seven Hills Symphony and Massachusetts Symphony, and will debut with Boston’s Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra in January 2025. An award-winning musician, Sofia’s honors include first prize in the 2023 Richter String Competition. Beyond music, she enjoys math, writing, gardening, and exploring her dad’s violin-making tools.
Caleb Casiano is an 8th-grade violinist who has been a member of Project STEP since joining through the FOCUS program in 2017. He is currently a student of violinist Thomas Cooper. Last year, he had the honor of performing at Jordan Hall alongside A Far Cry during the Street Stories Concert. Caleb’s dedication to his craft and passion for music have been nurtured through the unique opportunities provided by Project STEP, inspiring him to grow as a musician.
