Emperatriz Hernandez is an LA-based violist who is currently studying with Victoria Chiang at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. Emperatriz began her musical studies through the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, YOLA, which is a musical organization based on the El Sistema program in Venezuela. This program was essential to her musical career because it provided her with the opportunity to learn music despite growing up in a low-income household. Most of her classes were in a group-class setting which taught her the importance of community. Emperatriz attended Alexander Hamilton High School that had many magnets, one being music. During her time there, she was able to explore genres other than the classical orchestra such as pit orchestra and contemporary ensemble. Along with YOLA and Hamilton, she also attended the Colburn Community School.

Throughout her career, Emperatriz has played in festivals such as the National Orchestra of the USA, Interlochen, Eastern Music Festival, and Pacific Music Crest. Emperatriz has performed in venues such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Carnegie Hall, New World Center, the Hollywood Bowl, and many others. In high school, she won the concerto competition in 2019. She is currently a teacher at the OrchKids organization that stems from El Sistema.

Emperatriz’s mission is to give back to her community. Music is an expensive field that prevents access to many low income students. Growing up in YOLA, she had the opportunity to learn music without any expenses and she hopes to provide students with a similar opportunity. Music is something that everyone should experience no matter the price.