Mason debuted with the Seattle Symphony on October 29, 2025
We are thrilled to celebrate our viola student, Mason Nguyen, who made his professional solo debut with the GRAMMY-winning Seattle Symphony Orchestra at the Foster Performing Arts Center in Tukwila last weekend. He confidently performed Georg Philipp Telemann to a packed house right here in South King County!
When Mason, now a senior at Hazen High School, first joined Key to Change for group viola lessons, his growth was swift and inspiring. In just a year, he moved to private lessons and soon made solo appearances with the Seattle Philharmonic and Northwest Symphony Orchestra. Few musicians receive such opportunities, and even fewer are invited to return for repeat performances. This is a huge honor, even for seasoned professionals.
Apart from being an in-demand student soloist, this past summer Mason ramped up his commitment to his studies by participating in an intensive program at the University of Oregon (on a full scholarship). He is on his way to becoming a professional violist, composer, and educator.
We offer our sincere thanks to the Seattle Symphony for sponsoring this memorable, free community concert. Bravo, Mason! Watch his full performance video and see more pictures below.
Mason’s solo debut with the Seattle Symphony marks the third Key to Change student this month to perform as a soloist with a symphony orchestra. Avi Spillers made her debut with the Northwest Symphony Orchestra on October 11, and Thomas Luu debuted with the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra on October 19. These remarkable students embody Key to Change’s mission, bringing excellence, artistry, and community impact to the stage. We are immensely proud of their achievements.
Mason Nguyen with Sunny Xia, the Seattle Symphony’s Associate Conductor (left) and Dr. Quinton Morris (right)
