Deanna Badizadegan ’14 was one of 64 young musicians accepted to the New York String Orchestra Seminar, a 10-day program in late December offered by Mannes College The School for Music.

After a rigorous audition process that began in October, Badizadegan will be joining other musicians—from eight countries, 20 states and 48 cities nationally—for intense rehearsals with Maestro Jaime Laredo before two gala performances at Carnegie Hall.

Badizadegan, who grew up in Boston playing viola and surrounded by top-tier musicians, stated that she auditioned for the seminar in order to be in an environment where people are excited to be playing and performing at top quality.

“I’m constantly challenging myself to find ways to continue playing music and still be in school as a full-time student,” Badizadegan said. “This will be a fun way to keep myself playing at a certain level, on a high standard.”