Music’s Influence
I began studying the violin at the age of five and from there, my interest in the limitless possibilities the instrument had to offer grew.
Participating and performing in orchestras fueled my passion for music began with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras - an organization that fostered creativity and growth to all enrolled in their program. With the guidance, encouragement, and influence from my mother and primary teacher Terrance Grey, I decided to make a life of music into one I needed to live.
I received formal training and a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana and graduated in 2013. I returned to Chicago in 2013 to study for my Master's Degree with Mark Lakirovich at Roosevelt University's Chicago College of the Performing Arts. During the summers of 2014 and 2015, I performed abroad in Cremona, Italy to progress my solo and chamber music studies and perform internationally.
After receiving my Master's Degree in Violin Performance in 2015, I was accepted into the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. While there, I performed in chamber music ensembles with Yo-Yo Ma and orchestral performances with Ricardo Muti, Marin Alsop, and Semyon Bychkov among many other notable conductors.
In 2017 I co-founded (with pianist and colleague, Stephen Uhl) the Ostrega Uhl Project. Our goal is to present eclectic programming that is engaging for all audiences and give professional guest artists a platform on which to perform. We started as a core duo and have brought on many guest artists since then. Our first album, 50/50, explores popular selections from our first set of repertoire from our very first concert performing as a violin and piano duo.
I currently perform professionally as a member of the the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, a chamber musical, coach, and as a freelance violinist in the Chicago area for any occasion that calls for music. I teach at Blue Island Music, Trinity Christian College, Beverly Arts Center and most recently became the Music Director of the Suburban Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Participating and performing in orchestras fueled my passion for music began with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras - an organization that fostered creativity and growth to all enrolled in their program. With the guidance, encouragement, and influence from my mother and primary teacher Terrance Grey, I decided to make a life of music into one I needed to live.
I received formal training and a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana and graduated in 2013. I returned to Chicago in 2013 to study for my Master's Degree with Mark Lakirovich at Roosevelt University's Chicago College of the Performing Arts. During the summers of 2014 and 2015, I performed abroad in Cremona, Italy to progress my solo and chamber music studies and perform internationally.
After receiving my Master's Degree in Violin Performance in 2015, I was accepted into the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. While there, I performed in chamber music ensembles with Yo-Yo Ma and orchestral performances with Ricardo Muti, Marin Alsop, and Semyon Bychkov among many other notable conductors.
In 2017 I co-founded (with pianist and colleague, Stephen Uhl) the Ostrega Uhl Project. Our goal is to present eclectic programming that is engaging for all audiences and give professional guest artists a platform on which to perform. We started as a core duo and have brought on many guest artists since then. Our first album, 50/50, explores popular selections from our first set of repertoire from our very first concert performing as a violin and piano duo.
I currently perform professionally as a member of the the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, a chamber musical, coach, and as a freelance violinist in the Chicago area for any occasion that calls for music. I teach at Blue Island Music, Trinity Christian College, Beverly Arts Center and most recently became the Music Director of the Suburban Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Always remember...
If you love the music, the music will love you back.” - Seymon Bychkov
Upcoming Performances:
Formal classical music performances (including Ostrega Uhl Project concerts) are TBD at this time.
I perform for weddings, proposals, private events and any occasions that call for music. Please visit the Contact page and fill out the form to discuss further engagements - thank you!
I perform for weddings, proposals, private events and any occasions that call for music. Please visit the Contact page and fill out the form to discuss further engagements - thank you!
Are you in need of a violinist for your special event?
Brian Ostrega, Violinist logo created by Alexandra Ostrega