YOUTH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
At every Mercury Soul event, we spotlight extraordinary student performers – our Youth Ambassadors – giving them a rock-star performing experience alongside professional musicians before teeming crowds. By stepping outside of the concert hall into Mercury Soul’s magical stagecraft and production, we inspire a new generation to reimagine the classical music experience.
In addition to the valuable opportunity to perform professionally alongside leading Bay Area musicians, the program gives our Ambassadors an inside look into one of the most dynamic classical music organizations in the country. Youth Ambassadors also receive: one-on-one artistic mentorship; social media features; professional photography for their portfolios; VIP introductions; professional references and letters of recommendation.
Thanks to the generous support of donors, Mercury Soul formalized the Youth Ambassador program in 2024.
Meet our Ambassadors!
Alliana Lili Yang
14-year-old Alliana was the youngest college-curriculum student at The Juilliard School and the SFCM Vocal Academy. She has garnered over 70 prizes in competitions worldwide, and performed at Carnegie Hall, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Vatican.
Ava Pakiam
Ava Pakiam, was admitted into the Pre College program at San Francisco Conservatory of Music at age 7. She made her solo orchestra debut at age 8 performing with the Fremont Symphony.
Carlos Alvarez
Talented percussionist, Carlos Alvarez (SFCM ’25) is in his final year of study at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. At our event he performed on the vibraphone, djembe and cajon.
Diego de la Cruz Iwadare
Diego de la Cruz Iwadare (SFCM ’25) began to play the violin when he was 10 years old in Mexico. In 2018 and 2020 he was selected for the National youth symphonic orchestra of Mexico.
Meet our Ambassadors!
Alliana Lili Yang
14-year-old Alliana was the youngest college-curriculum student at The Juilliard School and the SFCM Vocal Academy. She has garnered over 70 prizes in competitions worldwide, and performed at Carnegie Hall, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Vatican.
Ava Pakiam
Ava Pakiam, was admitted into the Pre College program at San Francisco Conservatory of Music at age 7. She made her solo orchestra debut at age 8 performing with the Fremont Symphony.
Carlos Alvarez
Talented percussionist, Carlos Alvarez (SFCM ’25) is in his final year of study at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. At our event he performed on the vibraphone, djembe and cajon.
Diego de la Cruz Iwadare
Diego de la Cruz Iwadare (SFCM ’25) began to play the violin when he was 10 years old in Mexico. In 2018 and 2020 he was selected for the National youth symphonic orchestra of Mexico.