Next weekend's Spotlight on Youth Concert will be the second for 11-year-old violinist Christopher Palhamus. He has been practicing for two hours every day, preparing for the fundraiser sponsored by the Santa Fe Youth Symphony Association.

"It's exciting," Christopher said, adding that he practices so hard because "sounding good" is most important to him.

"He said he wants to be a famous violinist one day," said Christopher's mother, Elena Cardona. Cardona enjoys attending the Spotlight on Youth Concert for many reasons, she said.

"I like that it's relatively small," Cardona said. "He gets real excited about it and has been practicing really hard. It's a nice spot where it's held too — The Scottish Rite Temple — it's a beautiful spot to hear music."

Santa Fe Youth Symphony Association's music director, Benjamin Klemme, said this is the third Spotlight on Youth Concert, which raises money for the group's operating costs and scholarships for their students. The organization is home to nearly 200 students.

The concert "features music from classical to the operatic genre to jazz and pop," Klemme said. Twenty-two musicians will perform 12 acts.

"This year, we are featuring a different batch of young people," Klemme said. In addition to the newbies, several students who performed last year are returning for this year's show.

One of them is 17-year-old Britta Bigej, who plays the piano. She got interested in the piano when she was 8.

"My mom asked me if I'd like to learn the piano, and I said, 'Yes!' " Britta said enthusiastically. She stuck with it and grew to love her time tickling the ivories. "I love how if I'm stressed out in normal life, when I sit down to play it takes everything away. ... It has a calming effect."

Britta said the concert is a great experience.

"I like seeing other students and other youth around," Britta said. "It's really encouraging to see other students and how they progress. It's encouraging and inspirational."

Violinist Sage Barton, 17, is also appearing for the second time. She's been playing the violin for 10 years. Although she started out playing the piano, at age 7 she quickly changed her focus when she saw her sister come home with a violin.

"I saw the violin and I fell in love with it," Sage said.

She's been part of seven performing ensembles, including the Santa Fe Youth Symphony Association.

"I love performing and playing with people and sharing with the audience and expressing myself in such an intimate way," Sage said.

She recommends Spotlight on Youth because of the variety it offers.

"I love that different kids from all over play different kinds of music — it's not just classical," Sage said. "It's a great way to show the talent in the Santa Fe area youth and a great way to bring people together."

Contact Ana Maria Trujillo at 986-3084 or atrujillo@sfnewmexican.com.

IF YOU GO

What: The Santa Fe Youth Symphony Association presents Spotlight on Youth Concert

When: 7 p.m. March 7

Where: Scottish Rite Temple

Cost: $15 for adults; $5 for children ages 5-12; and children under 5 are free. Tickets will be available at the door or in advance at the Santa Fe Youth Symphony offices, 1516 Pacheco Street.

For information: Call 982-8483 or visit www.sfys.org.