Symphonic Folktales

Grounded in the belief that music is a gift to audiences, 16-year-old violinist Alette Williams has captivated listeners with artistry described as “poised” and “commanding” (Sphinx Organization). Most recently, her poise and commanding stage presence earned her First Place in the Junior Division of the Sphinx Competition in Detroit. 

Alette is also the First Prize winner of the Lynn Harrell Concerto Competition, earning a performance engagement with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra after her performance of Vieuxtemps’ Violin Concerto No. 5. She serves as Concertmaster of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra and was featured at the Meyerson Symphony Center in a performance of Vivaldi’s Winter from The Four Seasons. Additional honors include the Herman and Mary Neuman Music Award, First Prize at the TexASTA Competition, the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra Competition, and the Boston Youth Symphony Repertory Orchestra competition. She has also earned leading placements in the Juanita Miller Competition, MTNA Junior and Senior Divisions, and the Collin County Young Artist Competition. 

A versatile performer, Alette has appeared regularly as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral leader. Notable concerto performances include those with the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, and the American String Teachers Association Texas Chapter Orchestra. Her music was also featured on NPR’s From the Top show 454, and she serves as a youth ambassador for Chamber Music International. 

For the past three years, Alette has been honored to study under the tutelage of distinguished violinist and educator Julia Bushkova, Professor of Violin at the University of North Texas. 

Alette has further enriched her musical education through participation in prominent youth summer music programs, including the Heifetz International Music Institute, the Sphinx Performance Academy, the Bowdoin International Music Festival, the Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, and the Texas Chamber Music Institute. She has performed in masterclasses and worked with celebrated artists and pedagogues such as Zuill Bailey, David Halen, Robyn Bollinger, Soovin Kim, and Malcolm Lowe. 

Outside of her musical pursuits, Alette regularly participates in national speech and debate tournaments. She credits these experiences with strengthening her communication skills, confidence, and stage presence. 

Alette plays on a violin generously loaned to her by esteemed luthier Craig Danner of Crispin-Hammer Violins in Oregon.