Hitting the High Notes

Upper St. Clair’s Isabel Vilensky shines on the Carnegie Hall stage.

At just 17 years old, Upper St. Clair High School graduating senior Isabel Vilensky has already achieved what others only dream of. As a young artist at the very beginning of her career, she recently reached the major milestone of performing at New York City’s prestigious Carnegie Hall after winning an award in the New York Concert Festival International Competition earlier this year.

Isabel, the daughter of Valeriy Vilensky and Irina Konstantinovskaya, has been singing since the age of 6. Inspired by her mother’s resilience and unending support, Isabel has worked hard over the years to perfect her vocal craft, earning honors from the International Salzburg Music Festival and the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association along the way.

“My mother wanted me to have all the opportunities she didn’t have back in the U.S.S.R.,” says Isabel. “She serves as my inspiration.”

When Isabel’s vocal coach, Anya Pastukhova, suggested she enter the New York Concert Festival competition, Isabel knew she had to say yes. “The piece I sang is the iconic ‘Habanera’ aria from Bizet’s ‘Carmen’—an opera about a very bold and attractive Romani woman.”

Preparing for the competition was no easy task. Isabel had to film a professional video of her performance, paying close attention to every musical and emotional detail. Countless hours were spent rehearsing under the careful eyes—and ears—of her coach and mother, with frequent comparisons to the legendary Maria Callas.

“My coach, mother and I would rehearse over and over and compare my audio to that of Maria Callas, whose performance of the song is my favorite rendition of the aria,” says Isabel.

When Isabel finally stood on the famous stage, the moment felt strangely familiar. Having lived in New York City for 14 years, Carnegie Hall was a place she already knew well. “In a word—it was nostalgic,” she explains. “My favorite part about the whole experience was watching my coach get the recognition she deserves for putting so much effort into my performance. Without her, I wouldn’t have been able to hit a single note.”

Beyond singing, Isabel is an active member of her school’s Speech and Debate team and volunteers throughout the community, helping with yard work, farm projects and tutoring. As she looks ahead to college, she is keeping her options open but hasn’t ruled out entering future singing competitions.

Isabel reflects modestly on her success. “It really wasn’t just me winning it, but my parents and vocal coach, too,” she says. “They put a lot of effort and time into my performance, so I was definitely glad it paid off.”