Hometown:
Dallas, Texas
Education:
Northwestern University Bachelor of Music 2027 (expected)
Bio:
British-Japanese violinist Ayana Dalley was born in Wales, UK, and raised in Dallas, TX. She is currently a rising junior at Northwestern University, studying under Blair Milton. Ayana has been playing in orchestras since she was eight years old and made her solo debut at the age of thirteen. As the concertmaster of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, she performed Verdi’s Overture to “La Forza del Destino” under the direction of Fabio Luisi.
What inspired you to become a musician?
My inspiration for becoming a musician was when I first performed in a concert hall.
Name your favorite composers and/or pieces:
One of my all-time favorite composers is Johannes Brahms. All of his pieces have such emotional complexity to them.
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
My instrument looks and sounds like an 18th century violin, however, it was made in 2019!
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
One of my favorite things to do during my free time is dancing.
Why did you choose the NRO?
I chose NRO because it offers an incredible opportunity that perfectly aligns with my aspirations for the future. The chance to immerse myself in a vibrant musical environment is unmatched, and I am eager to develop my skills in such an inspiring setting. As I envision my future as an orchestral musician, I see NRO as the ideal stepping stone that will guide me on my path to success, providing the knowledge and experiences I need to thrive in this competitive field.