The Scottsdale Philharmonic Artists in Residence
The Artists in Residence at Scottsdale Philharmonic are a distinguished group of professional musicians who bring their expertise, passion, and dedication to the orchestra. As integral members of our musical community, they contribute to performances, mentor emerging talent, and help shape the artistic direction of our concerts. Their commitment ensures that classical music remains vibrant and available valleywide.
Nicole Pesce
Artist in Residence – Pianist
Nicole Pesce entertains audiences with a unique blend of virtuosity, humor, and pizzazz. Nicole’s “Happy Birthday Variations” video has over eleven million views on YouTube.
At age 9, Nicole won first place in the Western Chopin Society competition, at age 10, she won first place in the Discovery Television Competition. By 14, Nicole was touring the US with Jerry Lewis and his 16-piece orchestra.
Since then, Nicole has performed for Muhammad Ali, Ricky Martin, George Bush, Sr., Waylon Jennings, Taylor Hicks, George Benson, Janet Napolitano, Shaquille O’Neal, Jimmy Carter, Chris Rock, Steve Nash, The Gypsy Kings, Glen Campbell, Margaret Cho, and Brian Setzer. She’s appeared with American Idol contestant David Hernandez, The Moscow Ballet, Zowie Bowie, The Cast of Mary Poppins, Young Frankenstein, and Mamma Mia.
In February of 2023, Nicole appeared as a featured artist for Arizona Musicfest’s premiere concert series. Nicole’s performance, entitled “Isn’t It Romantic – A Swinging Valentine’s Day”, featured “2-pianos, 6-hands” and showcased Nicole alongside the critically acclaimed international piano duo of Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi. During the spring of 2023, Nicole performed for the Fresno Sounds of Mardi Gras Festival, AZ Classic Jazz Festival, and the International Jazz Festival at the Mesa Arts Center.
Dan Reed
Artist in Residence – Trumpet
Born and raised in St. Louis, Dan Reed began studying trumpet at the age of nine. Though reluctant at first, encouragement from his parents led him to practice diligently and discover a lifelong passion for music. By his junior year of high school, Dan was already teaching more than 40 private trumpet students and performing regularly with ensembles across St. Louis. He held the position of Assistant Principal Trumpet with the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra and studied under the respected trumpet teacher Bob Ceccarini, as well as his cousin Ray Holthausen.
During his formative years, Dan fell in love with traditional jazz after a memorable night at Preservation Hall in New Orleans, where he met legendary trumpeter Al Hirt. Inspired, he formed his own traditional jazz band in St. Louis, performing on the Admiral Riverboat and at the St. Louis Trad Jazz Festival by the Arch. Always inventive, he once played piano with one hand and trumpet with the other when his band’s pianist couldn’t make a performance. His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to organize “Dan Reed’s Combo,” performing at restaurants and wedding receptions throughout the region.
Dan went on to earn a degree in Music Performance from Indiana University, where he studied under the famed Professor William Adam. While at IU, he performed at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA, Colonial Williamsburg, and the William & Mary Shakespearean Festival, frequently featuring on Herald Trumpet for ceremonial events. His early professional work even included touring the U.S. and Canada with an Elvis impersonator.
Answering the call of the sea, Dan embarked on an international career performing with Carnival Cruise Lines before joining Princess Cruises, where he performed and later served as Musical Director over an impressive 18-year tenure. After returning to land in 2007, he settled in Arizona in 2011, quickly becoming a highly sought-after performer, band leader, and educator. His work has included feature performances with local ensembles, conducting and coaching, and private instruction. In 2012, he was appointed Band Director for a private Christian school in Arizona.
Today, as Trumpet Artist in Residence with the Scottsdale Philharmonic, Dan brings decades of experience, artistry, and leadership to the stage. His dynamic career, spanning classical, jazz, and commercial music, reflects both his versatility as a musician and his passion for sharing the joy of live performance with audiences of all ages.
Vitaly Serebriakov
Artist in Residence – Pianist
Vitaly Serebriakov, a critically acclaimed pianist and Yamaha artist, is celebrated for his exceptional technique, emotional depth, and mastery of the Russian school of piano playing. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, he is an Artist-in-Residence for the Scottsdale Philharmonic, regularly performing iconic works like Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto.
Svetlana Obregon Saens
Artist in Residence – Pianist
Svetlana Obregon Saens, co-founder of Ostinato Conservatory of Music, has established a distinguished career as a concert pianist, collaborative artist, and dedicated educator. She is a prizewinner of several international competitions, including the International Music Festival “Musica Classica” in Ruza, Russia, and the 6th International Competition “Music Without Limits” in Lithuania, showcasing her talent in numerous global recitals and concerts.
Svetlana’s achievements extend into chamber music, where she has collaborated with notable artists across Europe and North America. She has earned accolades such as the Honorable Award for Excellence in Performance and High Professional Achievements. Notably, she received the Best Accompanist Award at the Sixth Open Russian Art Song Competition in Vladimir, Russia in 2010, and First Prize at the Seventh Annual Chamber Music Competition at Bowling Green State University in 2013.
With over two decades of teaching experience in both Russia and the United States, Svetlana has imparted her deep understanding of music to students at various institutions, including the ASU School of Music and ASU Community Music School. She has also served on the jury for numerous piano competitions and examinations, such as the Dean & Carolyn Elder Piano Competition and the Arizona Study Program. Her teaching philosophy focuses on recognizing the unique needs of each student, ensuring a comprehensive and tailored musical education that effectively integrates technique with expressive musicality. Her students consistently achieve high marks in examinations like ABRSM and the Royal Conservatory of Music, reflecting the effectiveness of her instructional methods.
Jennifer Song Sheldon
Artist in Residence – Soprano
Jennifer Song Sheldon, soprano, was educated at Arizona State University and Carnegie-Mellon University. She has toured the United States singing and dancing, including national industrial tours, cruise ships, many theatres, and opera companies. She has appeared as a guest soloist in many orchestras around the nation, including the Phoenix Symphony.
Most recently, she has appeared as soprano soloist with the Phoenix Symphony, Grand Canyon University Orchestra and Scottsdale Philharmonic. She has also been the soprano soloist in Haydn’s Creation, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Handel’s Messiah, Bob Chilcott’s Requiem, Ola Gielo’s Sunrise Mass, John Rutter’s Requiem, and Gabriel Faure’s Requiem, to mention a few. Additionally, she appeared as a guest conductor with the National Lutheran Choir, and has enjoyed serving as music director and conductor for the Valley Youth Theatre in Phoenix, AZ. As a professional singer Jennifer is often called upon to judge and adjudicate for vocal competitions in the United States.
A two-time winner of the Metropolitan Opera Competition and a finalist in the McAllister Awards, Jennifer is an artist-in-residence with OperAntics formerly known as Operatunity. This troupe performs nationally and internationally. The primary goal is to educate audiences on the aspects of opera in an entertaining and informative way.
Jeremy Peterman
Artist in Residence – Organist
Dr. Jeremy Peterman, La Casa de Cristo’s organist and pianist, is active in the Phoenix Valley as a teacher, performer, and vocal coach. While pursuing his doctorate, he performed for numerous Arizona Opera productions and worked with the Phoenix Symphony under Michael Christie in performances of Stravinsky’s Petrushka, Adams’ On the Transmigration of Souls, and Golijov’s Ainadamar.
In 2016, he completed his final summer as a staff pianist at the American Institute of Musical Studies (AIMS) in Graz, Austria, where he worked every summer since 2003, eventually becoming the director of staff pianists. Dr. Peterman also served as the organist and director of church music in Graz, performing in many churches around the city. He has been a piano professor at Arizona Christian University, is principal pianist for the Chandler Children’s Choir, and was a member of the educational opera troupe OperAntics. Jeremy is married to Rachel, and they have one son, Henry.
Qingqing Ye
Artist in Residence – Pianist
Renowned for his profound musical insight and dazzling technique, Dr. Qingqing Ye has captivated audiences worldwide as a pianist, recording artist, and educator. Hailed by critics for his artistry and expressive depth, he has performed in prestigious venues across China, Canada, and the United States, including the Tempe Center for the Arts, Mesa Arts Center, and Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.
Since being named Artist in Residence for the Scottsdale Philharmonic in 2012, Dr. Ye has become one of Arizona’s most celebrated concert artists, performing over a dozen major piano concertos and numerous solo works in sold-out performances. His playing has been broadcast on KBAQ-FM, WFMT Chicago, WCLV Cleveland, and Sichuan Radio & Television, among others.
A sought-after recording artist, Dr. Ye’s debut album, 40 Piano Classics for Youth, sold tens of thousands of copies globally. His recordings of Nikolai Kapustin’s piano works introduced several compositions to the professional catalog for the first time. His latest release, From Joplin to Kapustin, continues to showcase his versatility across classical and jazz idioms.
Dr. Ye has been recognized with top prizes in numerous competitions, including the Masterworks International Music Festival Concerto Competition, the Lima Young Artists Piano Competition, and the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition (China region winner). He has also received the First National Scholarship for Young Promising Chinese Pianists, awarded by Yamaha Music Foundation.
In addition to his performance career, Dr. Ye is a dedicated educator and mentor. His students have won major competitions and continued their studies at prestigious institutions such as the San Francisco Conservatory, Peabody Institute, and Pennsylvania State University. As a Yamaha Artist, he continues to shape the next generation of pianists while bringing his passion, precision, and artistry to audiences worldwide.
