Valentina Guillen Menesello
Violin
Valentina Guillen Menesello (she/her) is a Venezuelan violinist based in Chicago. She began her musical training in Mérida, Venezuela, through the renowned El Sistema program, an experience that continues to shape her artistic voice. She later moved to the United States to continue her studies, attending DePaul University, where she earned a Bachelor of Music and Certificate in Performance, and Northwestern University, where she completed her Master of Music. Her principal teachers are Gerardo Ribeiro, Olga D. Kaler, and Ann Setzer.
From 2021 to 2024, Valentina was a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. She has since performed as a substitute with ensembles including the New World Symphony, Sinfónica de Minería, Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and Northbrook Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to her orchestral work, Valentina maintains an active freelance career in Chicago. She is also a dedicated educator and has been a faculty member at the Northwestern University Music Academy since 2021.
Valentina is a 2026 Grant Park Music Festival String Fellow.