Emplify Health Fellowship Program of the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra
Emplify Health Fellowship Program
The La Crosse Symphony Orchestra is excited to announce that Adrian Jackson, viola, will be returning for one more year as the Emplify by Gundersen Fellow. Adrian will be part of our two-year fellowship program for promising violinists and violists who are thirty-eight years old or younger, pursuing an orchestral career. During his time at the Symphony, he will be performing in many of the concerts this season, engaging in our community, and exploring the beautiful La Crosse area.
His stay in La Crosse will be spent working with a local middle school, performing for the Emplify Health Music Healing program, becoming involved with the Boys and Girls Club Free Violin Lessons program, and interacting with patrons at the Guest Artist Society events and post-concert coffee and treats. This experience will allow him to gain valuable mentorship experience from members of the Orchestra, audition preparation, and education and community engagement training.
Adrian Jackson
Hailing from Austin Texas, Violist Adrian Jackson began studying viola at the McCallum Fine Arts Academy in Austin Texas at the age of 14. After graduating from the Interlochen Arts Academy, Adrian went onto earn his Bachelors Degree studying with professor George Taylor at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester NY. Adrian has also earned a Professional Studies Certificate at the San Francisco Conservatory studying with professor Jonathan Vinocour.
Adrian is the winner of the 2018 Texas Strings festival Rising Stars Competition, Virginia Symphony Orchestra Fellowship and the Denis De Coteau Fellowship in connection with the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra. Adrian has attended esteemed festivals such as the Castleman Quartet Program, Credo Quartet Fellowship program, the Heifetz International Music Institute and the Chautauqua Institute Festival Orchestra.
Titus Gundersen
Titus Gunderson, a cellist of 13 years, makes his fellowship debut with the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra’s (LSO) 2025-26 season. He first began his musical journey with esteemed teacher and community member, Sister Marcela Steffes, at 7 years old. From there, he continued his studies under the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Cello Professor, Derek Clark, and became the 2023 First Prize Winner of the Richard Record Rising Stars Concerto Competition as a senior in high school. Titus is currently exploring the musical offerings of La Crosse, WI and beyond, excited to expand his musical horizons.
