SFCM and SF Ballet Welcome New Denis de Coteau Fellow

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Bri Aye and Elmer Carter.

The San Francisco Conservatory of Music and the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra (SFBO) are proud to welcome violinist Kearston Gonzales as the 2026-2027 recipient of the Denis de Coteau Fellowship. Violinist Bri Aye, named as one of the 2025-2026 fellows, will stay on for another year as fellow. Both study with Simon James. 

"We are excited to welcome Kearston this year and to be able to invite back Bri so she can continue her time with the SFBO," the ensemble's Music Director and Principal Conductor, Martin West, says. "We are very happy that this long term collaboration with the SFCM allows these talented players the chance to work with the incredible mentors in our orchestra." 

Gonzales' parents met at the Air Force Academy in Colorado. "From a very early age, my parents taught me about hard work, discipline, the importance of integrity, and dedication," she told From the Top in 2022. "It's been really helpful with my journey with music." Gonzales began playing violin at just 3 years old, and made her orchestral debut six years later with the Georgia Philharmonic; she has also soloed with orchestras in Virginia, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Georgia. 

Founded in 2022, the Denis de Coteau Fellowship is named in honor of Maestro de Coteau, one of the first Black music directors of a major orchestra, who passed away in July 1999. San Francisco Ballet's music director and conductor for 23 years, de Coteau also served as Music Director of the Oakland Youth Symphony, which medaled at the prestigious Herbert von Karajan Competition under his direction.

"Kearston and Bri are outstanding violinists and truly remarkable human beings, SFCM Strings Department Chair Simon James says. "I feel privileged to work with both of them in my studio at SFCM. The contribution they make to the SFCM community is significant and I am delighted for Kearston to begin her journey at SFCM and San Francisco Ballet, and Bri to continue hers."

James continues, "The ties between SF Ballet and SFCM through the Denis de Coteau fellowship—and Cordula Merks, who serves as the SF Ballet Orchestra concertmaster and SFCM faculty—are strong and enduring. SF Ballet Music Director Martin West has often lead combined SFCM/SFBO concerts at our school, exemplifying his commitment to the broader San Francisco music and cultural community. I am deeply grateful for support that SF Ballet has offered Kearston and Bri." 

De Coteau fellows participate in chamber concerts, are invited to mock auditions and receive financial support for professional auditions. As part of the SFCM certificate program, each fellow will participate in advanced, focused studies that emphasize individual instruction and preparation for a performance career. 

"The Denis de Coteau fellowship has been an invaluable experience for me," Aye told SFBO in 2025. "Through the fellowship, I have had many wonderful opportunities, including performing in [SF Ballet's] annual Gala, for guests at the Legion of Honor museum, and in interactive children's concerts. The members of the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra have been a joy to work with. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and kind, and I am deeply grateful to them for their generosity."

The Denis de Coteau Fellowship fellowship is made possible through the generosity of Denise Littlefield Sobel. Interested applicants can apply here; there is no fee to do so.