VIola, VIolin
Samuel Dionisio
Brazilian violist Samuel Dionísio is acclaimed for his expressive sound, artistic depth, and versatility as both performer and pedagogue. Beginning his musical journey at the age of twelve, Samuel has cultivated a career that bridges orchestral, chamber, and solo performance, as well as music education across the Americas.
Samuel has appeared with numerous distinguished ensembles, including the Palm Beach Symphony, South Florida Symphony, Southwest Florida Symphony, Columbus Symphony, Albany Symphony, Lagrange Philharmonic, Schwob Philharmonic, Lynn Philharmonia, Mozarteum Symphony Orchestra, Experimental Repertoire Orchestra, USP Philharmonic, and the Orchestra of the Municipal Theater of São Paulo. An avid chamber musician, he has performed extensively as a member of Camerata Fukuda, serving as principal violist for one season, and has participated in various chamber music projects, including collaborations within the Experimental Repertoire Orchestra’s chamber series. In 2015, Samuel was invited to perform in a special series of chamber concerts with members of the Berlin Philharmonic at the Trancoso Music Festival in Brazil. He made his solo debut with the Park University Orchestra in 2019 and was later honored with the Senior Performance Honors Award from the Schwob School of Music in recognition of his exceptional senior recital in 2023.
As an educator, Samuel serves as a mentor for the Samuel Vargas Foundation, where he works with emerging musicians from across South America, fostering both artistic and personal growth. His teaching and outreach have extended internationally through masterclasses at São Paulo State University (Brazil) and with the Orquesta Sinfónica Juvenil Intercultural (Guatemala).
Samuel holds a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance from the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University, a Master of Music from Lynn Conservatory of Music, and is currently pursuing his Doctor of Music in Viola Performance at Temple University’s Boyer School of Music under the guidance of Sheila Browne.
Guided by a belief in music’s power to connect and transform, Samuel Dionísio continues to inspire audiences and students through his commitment to expressive artistry and the evolving voice of the viola.
When did you begin playing Viola, and why?
I started when I was 11 years old. Because I went to a concert and I loved the sound of the violin.
What other instruments do you play, and what is your experience with them?
I play primarily Viola and violin as a second instrument (even though I played professionally for around 10 years)
What are your personal goals as a musician?
Share my feelings and message through music with as much people as possible.
Do you have a memory of a time when a musical concept or technique really clicked? Something you’ll remember forever?
I have those feelings almost every day. Every day is a new opportunity to learn or improve something that you already know.
What is your favorite piece of advice from one of your past (or current) teachers?
Never give up your dreams/goals.
What was your most challenging moment learning an instrument?
Still joyful when you feel challenged by some situations.
What is your biggest musical achievement?
Coming from a really poor reality in Brazil and being here doing my DMA
Favorite thing about teaching?
Share music
What is a piece of advice you would like to share with anyone learning music?
Enjoy, be persistent and communicate