Ariel Carrabré studies cello with WSO Principal Yuri Hooker and is a grade 11 student in Brandon. He has won a number of competitions, including the Intermediate Strings and Chamber Music categories at the Provincial Finals of the Associated Manitoba Arts Festivals. He was the winner of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra’s first annual provincial Soloist Competition. The competition gave him the opportunity to perform with music director Alexander Mickelthwate and the WSO during the Up Close and Orchestral performances in September of 2007. As principal cello of the Winnipeg Youth Symphony Orchestra, Ariel has also toured in a joint program with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and was recently invited to play with the Brandon Chamber Players. He has participated in summer programs such as the Morningside Music Bridge and the Valhalla Summer School of Music. This year Ariel will be attending the Casalmaggiore Summer Music Festival in Italy. He is also an avid basketball player.