Samuel Vargas Teixeira

Biography

Violinist Samuel Vargas Teixeira has received wide recognition for his powerful artistry and awards including Outstanding Teacher Award at the Global Genius Music Competition (2024), Entrepreneurship Award 2022 by UCMP, the José Antonio Abreu International Award for the Arts (2022) First Prize of the Sphinx Competition (2021), Yamaha Young Performing Artist (2019)

Vargas holds the Pin Artistic Merits from “City Key of Prince George” and “Central Bank in Canada,” and has performed on tours in 40 countries, collaborating with acclaimed artists like Gustavo Dudamel, Anthony Parnther, Simon Rattle, Daniel Barenboim, Claudio Abbado, and Christian Vasquez. Vargas began his musical journey through Venezuela’s El Sistema Program. In 2017 Samuel won the prestigious Woodruff Award enabling him to study with his mentor Sergiu Schwartz at the Schwob School of Music at CSU. 

As a soloist Vargas has performed with the New World Symphony, San Bernardino Symphony, Allentown Symphony Orchestra, Teresa Carreno Symphony Orchestra, Juan Jose Landaeta Symphony Orchestra, Iowa State University Symphony Orchestra, Simón Bolivar Orchestra, Prince George Symphony Orchestra, Georgia Philharmonic, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and Schwob Philharmonic Orchestra.  

He is the founder and president of the Vargas Foundation, an organization which is enriching communities and society through the power of classical music, emphasizing a holistic approach to music education supporting students in all areas of studies and well-being. Through his passionate work and entrepreneurship, he has founded 8 active Venezuelan chamber orchestras, as well as mentoring students across South America. Vargas recently published his first book “The Art of Giving and Receiving; The Person Behind the Violin,” which encompasses the art of teaching and focuses on establishing a relationship between the musician and their inner being. 

Samuel received his Bachelor's degree, Master's Degree, and Musicology Certificate from Columbus State University, Schwob School of Music. 

Samuel Vargas plays on a Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume 1860 generously loaned by Sergiu Schwartz.