Samuel Dangerfield, 15, is a student of Mina Fisher. He started cello lessons with Carolyn Mead when he was 5. A member of Minnesota Youth Symphonies (MYS), he recently won their Symphony Solo Competition, giving him the opportunity to perform in their February 2026 concert at Orchestra Hall. Other honors include performing in the 2024 and 2025 Mary West Solo Competition Winners Recital, and receiving 2nd prize in the 2025 Strings I Division of the Schubert Club Student Scholarship Competition. Samuel participates in a piano trio at Artaria Chamber Music School, and attended their Stringwood Chamber Music Festival in Summer 2025. He also enjoys making music with his family. As the Claire Givens Grand Prize Winner in the 2025 Mary West Solo Competition, he is excited to perform with the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra