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Samuel Vargas

2021 Robert Frederick Smith Prize Winner

Samuel Vargas Teixeira is a Venezuelan-born violinist renowned for his exceptional artistry and versatile career as a performer, educator, writer, and entrepreneur. He has received numerous prestigious accolades, including the $50,000 First Prize at the 2021 Sphinx Competition, the Visionary Impact Award for entrepreneurship in 2024, the José Antonio Abreu International Award for the Arts in 2022, the Teacher Award at the 2024 Debussy International Music Competition, and the Yamaha Young Performing Artist Award in 2019, among many others.

Throughout his career, Vargas has performed in over 40 countries, collaborating with distinguished orchestras such as the Santa Fe Symphony, The New World Symphony, Simón Bolívar Orchestra, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, San Bernardino Symphony, Venezuela National Philharmonic, and Allentown Symphony Orchestra. He has also worked with renowned conductors, including Gustavo Dudamel, Simon Rattle, Daniel Barenboim, Claudio Abbado, and Anthony Parnther. 

In addition to his performing and teaching roles, Vargas is the founder and president of the Vargas  Foundation, an organization dedicated to enriching communities and society through the power of classical music and creative education. The foundation takes a holistic approach to music education, supporting students in all areas of their studies and well-being. To date, the foundation has impacted over 100,000 students across 18 countries through online and in-person activities, as well as donations of accessories and instruments.

In August 2024, Vargas joined the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University as a lecturer in violin and chamber music coordinator. He is also under contract in San Francisco, California under The Concerto Initiative and 3232 Music. He performs on a 1948 Giusseppe Pedrazzini violin, generously loaned to him by his mentor, Sergiu Schwartz.