Bishop Hendricken student and RIMEA All-State principal cellist Alejandro Quintero Cashore will appear in this year’s Kingston Chamber Music Festival (KCMF) Spring Concert, an achievement that reflects the dedication he has shown since beginning cello lessons at age five with his next-door neighbor, Ms. Elizabeth Weirder. She not only introduced him to the instrument but also brought him to KCMF concerts each summer, sparking his long-standing connection to the festival.
Alejandro’s musical life has flourished through lessons with cellist Megan Koch of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and a supportive arts environment at Bishop Hendricken. A pivotal moment came in eighth grade during a service-learning internship with Community MusicWorks, where he discovered the deeper purpose of performance. “I realized music isn’t just practicing, it builds community and speaks to people no matter their age or memory,” he said, reflecting on both his internship and playing for his grandparents, who were living with Alzheimer’s.
His admiration for KCMF grew after attending multiple festival concerts in 2023, including a memorable evening with the Dover Quartet. Meeting cellist Camden Shaw made a lasting impression. Seeing world-class artists up close reassured him that meaningful musical achievement is within reach through dedication and passion.
On Saturday, March 28, 2026, Alejandro’s journey comes full circle as he performs Gian Carlo Menotti’s Suite for Two Cellos and Piano alongside KCMF’s Artistic Director Natalie Zhu and his teacher, Megan Koch, at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Kingston, Rhode Island. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m., preceded by a 6:00 p.m. student performance. “It feels like such a privilege,” he shared. “To perform with people I admire so much, it’s a full-circle moment.”
Alejandro hopes his performance will inspire younger musicians to pursue their craft with curiosity and dedication. Looking ahead, he plans to study music in college and continue making chamber music his lifelong companion. Tickets for the Spring Concert are available at kingstonchambermusic.org/events.
