Cellist Carlos Vargas, a student of Marek Szpakiewicz, is currently attending La Sierra University in Riverside, California, where he is pursuing a performance certificate.

In addition to his solo performances, Carlos has performed in orchestras and in chamber ensembles.

A young performer of great promise, Carlos has been playing the cello for seven years during which time he has place in several local competitions and achieved section positions in orchestra and chamber music ensembles. His knowledge of orchestral literature has been gained as a member of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, the Meadows Symphony Orchestra at Southern Methodist University and with the Allen (Texas) Philharmonic

Carlos began his cello studies in 2009 with Dallas Symphony Orchestra cellist Mimi Allegan McShane through the Young Strings Program of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. The Young Strings Program affords talented and gifted minority students the opportunity to study with professional string players, an opportunity which is granted only after passing through a rigorous vetting process.

A 2012 graduate of the Booker T. Washington High School for the Visual and Performing Arts, Carlos continued his cello studies with Andres Diaz at Southern Methodist University. His passion for chamber music was enhanced by summers spent at the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music in Nelson, New Hampshire.

Carlos has a rare musical talent which he eagerly shares through his performances and through teaching. His role as a mentor to other promising young cellists was profiled in an article in Strings in July 2013. He has given freely of his time and music in supporting the work of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Young Strings Program. He has often spoken to community groups touting the value of the Young Strings Program.

Carlos performs on a 1978 Peter Paul Prier cello.