Musician-in-Residence: Violin
Jorge Vera Named Musician-in-Residence with Allentown Symphony
The Allentown Symphony Association (ASA) is excited to announce the appointment of Jorge Vera as its inaugural Musician-in-Residence, effective August 2025. This newly established full-time position reflects the ASA’s dedication to artistic excellence and community engagement.
Originally from Paraguay and currently based in Pittsburgh, Vera is a violinist, educator, and composer with an international career spanning Europe, South America, and the United States. He has performed with orchestras such as the Orquesta Sinfónica de la Ciudad de Asunción and has been recognized with awards including the Gindroz Prize and First Prize at the International Golden State Music Competition. Vera completed his Master’s in Music Performance at Carnegie Mellon University, where he was a member of the Honors String Quartet in Residence.
In his role as Musician-in-Residence, Vera will serve as a tenure-track violinist in the second violin section of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra (ASO). He will also be a Teaching Artist with El Sistema Lehigh Valley, an after-school program providing free music education and tutoring to youth, and act as a community liaison through performances, presentations, and engagements throughout the region.
Fluent in Spanish, Guaraní, Portuguese, and English, Vera brings over eight years of experience teaching violin and leading youth orchestras in underserved communities, including rural areas. His teaching philosophy emphasizes expanding access to high-quality music education and fostering strong community ties through music.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the Allentown Symphony family,” said Vera. “From the very first moment, what drew me to this organization was its deep commitment to sharing music while celebrating the diversity and spirit of the community it serves. Growing up, music profoundly impacted me, fostering connection, joy, and a sense of belonging. That’s exactly what the ASA stands for, through its performances, its education programs like El Sistema Lehigh Valley, and its mission to open the doors of music to everyone. I can’t wait to meet the students and perform with my wonderful new colleagues to share music that moves, inspires, and brings us all a little closer together.”
Diane Wittry, Music Director and Conductor of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, expressed her enthusiasm about Vera’s appointment: “We are thrilled to be able to welcome Violinist Jorge Vera to Allentown as the Allentown Symphony’s new Musician-in-Residence. Jorge is fluent in both Spanish and English and will perform informal concerts throughout the community. He is a superb musician and outgoing in personality. I know that everyone will enjoy getting to know him better during his residency in Allentown.”
The selection process for this prestigious role was extensive. Over 20 highly qualified candidates applied. Following video interviews with the search committee, finalists were invited to Allentown for a multi-day in-person audition process, which included rehearsing with El Sistema students at a local elementary school, auditioning with the ASO, and performing a public solo recital. Audience feedback played a role in the final decision.
The residency includes a furnished, rent-free apartment in downtown Allentown provided by City Center, a full-time salary, and an initial one-year contract with the potential for renewal for up to three years.
The Allentown Symphony Association and the community look forward to welcoming Jorge Vera this August as he begins this exciting new chapter—bringing music, mentorship, and meaningful connection to the Lehigh Valley.
The Allentown Symphony is grateful for the community support of this program and recognizes City Center Group as the Resident Sponsor of the Musician-in-Residence. Additional generous support for this program has been provided by the Arts, Equity, & Education Fund.