COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY Orchestra WINNER, RUNNERS-UP, CITATIONS, 2013

The American Prize  is pleased to announce 2013 ENSEMBLE winner/runners-up and citations in the college/university orchestra category.

Congratulations to all these fine orchestras.

To know the exact day and time when additional winners will be announced, please "like" our Facebook page, where the information will be posted. 

The judges reserve the right to award special citations and honorable mentions to any entrant at their discretion.

Please make us aware of any misprints: theamericanprize@gmail.com
   
The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—college/university orchestra

The American Prize winner: 
St Olaf Orchestra, Steven Amundson, music director, Northfield, MN

The 92-member St. Olaf Orchestra is one of the premier ensembles at St. Olaf College, a four-year liberal arts college known for its excellence in music, math, and the sciences.   The St. Olaf Orchestra has a 100-year plus history, and has been touring annually since 1949.  For the past three decades, Professor of Music Steven Amundson has led the Orchestra on tours throughout the U.S. and in a dozen countries, most recently in China. The ensemble has been featured on NPR, PBS, at regional and national MENC (NAfME) conventions, and on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion.   Recognized for its passionate and engaging performances, the St. Olaf Orchestra strives for the highest professional standards. The orchestra program at St. Olaf features two full symphonies and over 120 string students that take weekly private lessons.  65% of the students in St. Olaf Orchestra major in music. All members of this orchestra are full-time undergraduates, and they represent 25 of the 50 United States.

Among judges' comments: "Technically brilliant, exciting performances, full of life...Revueltas especially tight, with exceptional brass contributions."
 

2nd Place:
Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra, Jeffery Meyer, music director, Ithaca, NY 

Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra

Comprised of approximately 90 to 100 musicians, ICSO is dedicated to performing symphonic repertoire from the baroque through the twentieth century, as well as contemporary works of our time. The Symphony Orchestra is directed by Jeffery Meyer and presents 6 to 10 concerts per year.   The orchestra has collaborated with many of today's most prominent composers including Jennifer Higdon, Michael Gandofli, Steven Mackey, Steven Stucky, Joan Tower, and Chen Yi. Guest soloists who have appeared with the ICSO in recent seasons include Xak Bjerken (piano), Gilbert Kalish (piano) and Steven Mackey (electric guitar).   The ICSO has been distinguished with two consecutive ASCAP prizes for Adventurous Programming by the League of American Orchestras.  The ensemble has performed to high acclaim in Avery Fisher Hall and Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center in New York, the Ithaca "Light in Winter" Festival, the Troy Savings Bank Hall and New York University.

Among judges' comments: "Stunning Sacre, suave Daphnis, performed at a very high level of accomplishment."

3rd Place:
Mannes Orchestra, Taeyoung Lee, conductor, New York, NY

Mannes Orchestra

Praised by the New York Times for its “Youthful exuberance,” the Mannes Orchestra performs a comprehensive symphonic repertoire each year ranging from classical to modern, and collaborates with the Mannes Opera in two productions at the Kaye Playhouse. Guest conductors who have led concerts or readings in recent years include Kurt Masur, Philippe Entremont, Paul Nadler, Leonard Slatkin, and Mannes graduates Yves Abel and JoAnn Falletta. The Mannes Orchestra makes nine public performances every season with David Hayes, Director of Orchestral and Conducting Studies, appearing at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Salvation Army’s Centennial Memorial Temple, Symphony Space, the Kaye Playhouse, and at Mannes College Concert Hall.

Among judges' comments: "Prokofiev 7 full of fire and wit, excellently played."

***

The field in the College/University Orchestra category was so strong this year that the judges have awarded Special Citations for Technical & Musical Excellence to the following three ensembles and their directors. In alphabetical order they are:

Special Judges' Citation for Technical & Musical Excellence, 2013
Baylor Symphony, Stephen Heyde, music director, Waco, TX

Baylor Symphony

Founded in 1946, the Baylor Symphony has been led by only two conductors, Daniel Sternberg and, since 1984, Stephen Heyde. In a typical year, 105 students from two dozen states and several foreign countries are selected by audition to perform in the ensemble. The orchestra has performed multiple times at the Texas Music Educators Convention and by invitation at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival and a national convention of the American String Teachers Association, among others.  In 2003, the Symphony was featured in a PBS Special that aired nationally to an estimated audience of six million viewers.  The orchestra has performed with many distinguished performers and composers including Josef Gingold and Robert Shaw among others and taken international tours of Costa Rica in 2004 and Belgium in 2010. The Baylor Symphony also presents annual children's concerts for 6000 Waco area school children, an unbroken tradition for 67 years.

Among judges' comments: "Remarkable Don Juan and La Mer, fluent, and confidently performed."

Special Judges' Citation for Technical & Musical Excellence, 2013
Kennesaw State University Symphony Orchestra, Michael Alexander, music director, Kennesaw, GA

Kennesaw State University Symphony Orchestra

The Kennesaw State University Symphony Orchestra began in the Fall of 2004. In its short history the orchestra has already performed with a long list of prestigious guest artists, conductors, and composers. In 2009 the KSU Orchestra was invited to perform at the Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference and hosted and performed at the 2010 College Orchestra Directors Association National Conference. In January 2011, the KSU Orchestra completed a three-concert tour of Beijing and Xian, China. Recently the orchestra performed with the legendary rock band KANSAS and gave the first university orchestra performance of Peter Gabriel’s New Blood.  2012-2013 included the premiere of a new Tuba Concerto for Alan Baer, principal tuba of the New York Philharmonic, and a visit by renowned composer David Lang.  The 2013-2014 Season will feature the premiere of a new Violin Concerto by composer Chen Yi and a performance with pianist, Jeremy Denk.

Among judges' comments: "Beethoven's 9 a significant achievement. Scherzo is tight and full of drive; adagio lovingly shaped, finale has great forward motion."

Special Judges' Citation for Technical & Musical Excellence, 2013

West Virginia University Symphony Orchestra, Mitchell Arnold, music director,  Morgantown, WV

West Virginia University Symphony Orchestra

The WVUSO has been a major performing ensemble at WVU for many decades.  The orchestra not only serves the talented students of the WVU School of Music, but provides Morgantown with an important cultural treasure.  In 2012, WVUSO gave the US premiere of Sofia Gubaidulina's Flute Concerto and traveled on a 3-state tour.

Among judges' comments: "Daphnis stylish and well-wrought—impressively played by the full ensemble—soloists shine throughout."

***
Congratulations!

The VYTAUTAS MARIJOSIUS MEMORIAL AWARD in ORCHESTRAL PROGRAMMING, 2013

Maestro Vytautas Marijosius

The American Prize is pleased to announce the WINNER and runners-up for The American Prize in Orchestral Programming—Maestro Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award, 2013. (For other 2013 ensemble and conducting winners, please scroll up or down or use the archive feature to the right.)

Please make us aware of any misprints by emailing: theamericanprize@gmail.com

From David Katz, chief judge: "The third annual contest for The American Prize in Orchestral Programming—Maestro Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award, attracted more of the country's most persuasive and creative music directors—individuals who would be no more likely to program a concert with a standard overture followed by a standard concerto, followed by a standard intermission, followed by a standard symphony as they would be to conduct standing on their heads. These are conductors who recognize program-planning as central to the growth of their ensembles, the enrichment of their audiences and the future of the art.

In 2013, The American Prize has selected one national winner and two runners-up. Each of these music directors is worthy of special recognition; each creates programs with the unique circumstances of their ensemble and their constituency clearly in mind. I hope to elaborate on their strengths in a future blog post. I applaud them all.

For nearly thirty five years Director of Orchestral Activities at the Hartt School, Vytautas Marijosius programmed concerts that were alive in every sense—not programming for novelty’s sake alone, nor neglecting the great masters of the past—but always bringing to the awareness of his students and his audiences great composers of the current time and potential masters of the future. I believe he would be pleased in different ways with each of this year's honorees." —DK

For more about Maestro Marijosius, please visit the companion blog here.

The American Prize in Orchestral Programming—Maestro Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award

The American Prize Winner:

Jason Love   Columbia Orchestra   Ellicott City, MD
 

Jason Love

As Music Director of the Columbia Orchestra, Jason Love has been praised for his “intelligent and innovative programming” by the Baltimore Sun, who noted that “Love has the musicians playing not only with verve and passion, but with an awareness to enter into the emotional core of the works they perform.” During his tenure with the Greater Baltimore Youth Orchestras he forged community partnerships, led concert tours of Austria, Japan, and Russia and helped create its Bridges program to provide instruments and lessons for hundreds of Baltimore children. Love has premiered dozens of works and was co-founder of Baltimore’s new music group, the New Horizons Chamber Ensemble.
Love has guest conducted a wide variety of ensembles including the Baltimore Symphony, Washington Sinfonietta, Hopkins Chamber Orchestra, and the new music ensemble RUCKUS. He is the 2008 Winner of the “Howie” Outstanding Artist Award, recognizing achievement in the arts in Howard County, Maryland.

Among judges' comments: "A courageous programmer with a clear vision for his audience and his ensemble...Impressive."

2nd Place:
Tara Villa Keith  Lee County Community Orchestra   Sanford, NC "An Orchestral Bouquet"

Tara Villa Keith

Tara Villa Keith is in her tenth season as music director of the Davidson College Symphony Orchestra in Davidson, North Carolina, and in her fourth season with the Lee County Community Orchestra in Sanford, North Carolina.  Keith has conducted various orchestras across the south, including the Union Symphony Orchestra, Macon Symphony Orchestra, and Hot Springs Music Festival Orchestra.  Abroad, Keith has worked with several orchestras across Europe and in Brazil.  She has won conducting competitions and contests in Bulgaria and Germany with the help of grants from the Global Partners Project and the League of American Orchestras, and won North Carolina’s Metrolina Theatre Association’s Award for Outstanding Musical Direction/Conducting in 2011.

Among judges' comments: "delightfully creative programming and marketing ideas...absolutely charming, effective and appropriate." 

3rd Place:
Alyze Dreiling   YPO Soloist Ensemble   San Diego, CA
 

Alyze Dreiling

Presently Ms. Dreiling is on the adjunct faculty at University of San Diego and faculty for the USD Chamber Music Festival and is adjunct faculty at Grossmont College. She is the violinist with Trio Licenza, the piano trio, in residence at USD, she also performs as violist with Grossmont Symphony String Quartet, and she is the violinist with The California Consort, founded by legendary contrabassist, Bertram Turetzky. Violinis/Violist, Alyze Dreiling was born in Detroit, Michigan. She began her studies with Mischa Mischakoff. Ms. Dreiling graduated from Indiana University where she studied with Josef Gingold. Since then she has appeared as soloist with the Detroit Symphony, Philharmonica Hungarica at the Vienna Summer Festival, the Florida Chamber Orchestra, Knoxville Symphony, Knoxville Chamber Orchestra to name a few. Ms. Dreiling was founding Artistic Director/ Conductor of Classics for Kids. Alyze also served as the Violinist/Conductor of the International Chamber Players at USIU. She has played concertmaster for Donna Summers, Smoky Robinson, Dionne Warwick and Tom Scott, and for shows at the Old Globe, Civic Auditorium, LaJolla Playhouse, Lawrence Welk and Starlight Theater. She has also played with San Diego Symphony, San Diego Chamber Orchestra and Hutchins Consort.
 
Among judges' comments: "Working in an educational setting, Dreiling mixes ancient masters and modern music in ways that cannot but help embolden her students for a lifetime of musical exploration."

***

Congratulations!

CHORAL DIVISION winners and RUNNERS-UP, 2013

The American Prize is pleased to announce the 2013 winning CHORUSES, runners-up and citation recipients.

Congratulations!

To know the exact day and time when additional winners will be announced, please "like" our Facebook page, where the information will be posted. 

The judges reserve the right to award special citations and honorable mentions to any entrant at their discretion.

Please make us aware of any misprints: theamericanprize@gmail.com
   
The American Prize in Choral Performance
—college/university chorus
The American Prize winner:
Iowa State Singers, James Rodde, director, Ames, IA

Iowa State Singers

The Iowa State Singers is Iowa State’s most select choral ensemble.  Comprised of undergraduates, approximately one half of them music majors, the choir’s membership is drawn from a campus of over 30,000 students.  The group annually presents a five-concert season, which includes a full-scale Madrigal Dinner and choral-orchestral masterwork.  Recent performances include Carmina Burana, the Requiem settings of Brahms, Mozart, and Duruflé, and similar works.  Concert tours have taken them to Western Europe, Russia, China, Australia, Korea, and conventions of the ACDA (2004, 2005, 2009, 2010) and NCCO (2008, 2011).  “Exquisite.... one of the best choral ensembles we have heard!” – Primarily A Cappella

Among judges' comments: "Each track shows a robust voice production; clearly secure singing both in terms of strong fundamentals and direction of unified expression."

2nd Place:
Western Michigan University Chorale, Kimberly Dunn Adams, director, Kalamazoo, MI

Western Michigan University Chorale

Conducted by Dr. Kimberly Dunn Adams, the University Chorale is Western Michigan University’s flagship choral ensemble and represents the university at home and throughout the world.  The Chorale's annual performance itinerary includes concerts and festivals on the WMU campus, appearances in neighboring communities and churches, tours within the U.S., and an international tour every fourth year.

Chorale has a long history of excellence in performance and competition, and has appeared alongside professional ensembles such as the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra and Seraphic Fire. In 2004, Chorale was featured on the opening concert of the Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival performing Stravinsky's Svadebka.  The ensemble  has performed multiple times at ACDA National, Regional, and State Conventions and at the National Collegiate Choral Organization’s bi-annual conference.  Chorale has released numerous recordings, including a 2010 release with Seraphic Fire of Monteverdi’s 1610 Vespers that topped the iTunes charts and debuted to critical acclaim.

Among judges' comments: "a very solid series of live performances that shows a fine sense of good vocal production, excellent attention to vowel unification, and good musical shape."

3rd Place:
Pacific Lutheran University Choir of the West, Richard Nance, conductor, Tacoma, WA

Choir of the West

The Choir of the West is the premier choral ensemble of the Department of Music at Pacific Lutheran University.  Founded in 1925, the choir was the third Lutheran college choir to tour extensively throughout the country. The ensemble is comprised of undergraduate majors from a wide variety of academic disciplines.  Yearly performances include shared concerts with other PLU ensembles, the annual series of Christmas concerts, campus ministry events, and campus celebratory events. Choir of the West has a rich history of domestic touring, and every four years travels abroad. The choir has performed in China, Japan, Scandinavia, and Europe.  In 2011 Choir of the West won two gold and one silver award at the prestigious Harmonie Festival, held in Limburg-Lindenholzhausen, Germany.  The choir has been selected to appear at several conferences sponsored by the American Choral Directors Association and the National Association for Music Education, most recently the 2013 ACDA national conference held in Dallas, Texas.

Among judges' comments: "a very natural and open sound that is rich with color...diction is extremely well clarified and effective in its interpretive intent." 

The American Prize in Choral Performance—community

The American Prize winner:
Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble   Loren Ponten, director—Seattle, WA

Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble

Formed in 1992 by founding director Loren Pontén, Opus 7 specializes in 19th- through 21st-century a cappella choral music. As a resident ensemble of St. James Cathedral in Seattle, Washington since 1994, Opus 7 is dedicated to performing the works of local and regional composers, regularly commissioning new choral compositions. In addition, since 2000 Opus 7 has fostered new talent in the field of choral music through their unique Student Choral Composition Awards Program.

Among judges' comments: "The diction is impeccably clear and delivered with rhythmic clarity. Unison melodies are crafted with agreement of vowels and tone color."


2nd Place:
Choral Arts   Robert Bode, director—Seattle, WA

Choral Arts

Seattle-based Choral Arts is a thirty-member auditioned choral ensemble led by Artistic Director/Conductor, Robert Bode. Choral Arts has distinguished itself as a significant contributor to the art of choral music and has consistently achieved artistic excellence in its music and programs for the past twenty years. Choral Arts currently has five CDs released under the Gothic label.

Its mission, to inspire, educate and enrich our community through the transformational power of great choral music performed at the highest artistic level, is carried out through its three core commitments:

•          To share the beauty of high-quality choral music in a way that is transforming and special.
•          To provide students with a fresh and oftentimes first experience with choral music through our unique Education Outreach Programs.
•          To honor the talents and contributions of our country’s composers and be a catalyst for the creation of new compositions by American composers.

Among judges comments: "The ensemble has a consistent tone and richness throughout the voice sections and ranges. The diction is rhythmically precise and vowels are uniform, round, and with spacious resonance. "


3rd Place:
The Cecilia Chorus of New York   Mark Shapiro, music director—NY, NY

The Cecilia Chorus of New York

The Cecilia Chorus of New York (formerly known as The St. Cecilia Chorus), founded in 1906, is now a 150 voice mixed chorus.  For many decades the Chorus, with professional orchestra and soloists, has presented two concerts a year at Carnegie Hall.  Under the artistic leadership of Mark Shapiro, appointed the seventh Music Director in July 2011, bold, new directions in programming and repertoire are emerging.  The Chorus commissioned and gave the world premiere performance of Divis Cetera by Rafael Fusco in December 2012. On April 14, 2013 the Chorus performed the NYC premiere of Dame Ethel Smyth’s Mass in D paired creatively with scenes from The Maid of Orleans by Tchaikovsky.  The Cecilia Chorus of New York is a secular not-for-profit organization perpetuating and expanding the classical choral-orchestral repertoire through commissions and performances for diverse audiences (including outreach programs) in major New York area venues.

Among judges comments: "There is a consistent balance between orchestra, choir, and soloists. I enjoyed listening to the round; warm tone color of the female voices. There is an exciting rhythmic integrity on display..."

SPECIAL JUDGE'S CITATION: EXTRAORDINARY COMMITMENT to the COMMUNITY through MUSIC
Singers of the Street (SOS)   Kathleen McGuire, conductor—San Francisco, CA

SOS photo by KELLEY BENNETT

Singers of the Street (SOS) is a San Francisco-based community choir of people affected by homelessness. Its mission: to raise voices for justice, healing, and joy! SOS was founded by conductor Dr. Kathleen McGuire in September, 2010, inspired by similar organizations in Australia, Canada, and Europe. SOS rehearses Wednesday mornings, followed by a free lunch provided for participants, and performs 2 -3 times per month at churches, schools, and community events. Performance highlights include singing at the centenary celebration of the San Francisco Symphony at Davies Symphony Hall, and appearing - via video performance – in the London Festival at the Royal Opera House as part of the 2012 Olympics. SOS’s repertoire includes pops, world music, and sacred and secular selections reflecting its diverse membership. SOS has had a profound effect upon its participants and audiences, bringing hope of a brighter future to those who are disadvantaged. For more information, visit: www.singersofthestreet.org


The American Prize in Choral Performance
—youth/high school

The American Prize winner:
Pinecrest High School Chamber Ensemble   Erin E. Plisco, director—Southern Pines, NC

Pinecrest High School Chamber Ensemble

The Pinecrest High School Chamber Ensemble is comprised of 55 students, grades 9-12. The choir regularly performs for the school and community, and is often sought after to perform for local events. The Chamber Ensemble has a long history of superior festival ratings and honors, national performances, and a performance at the NCMEA state conference in 2009 and 2012. Students frequently participate in ACDA Honors Choirs, the NCMEA Honors Choir, and the NC Governor’s School for the Arts. In 2011, the program hosted Grammy award-winning composer Eric Whitacre as artist-in-residence for three days at the high school. In 2012, the program hosted the vocal group Cantus for a master class with the choral students. The choir recently performed at the Heritage Festival of Gold in Chicago, receiving the highest score in the festival. Other recent events include performances at Duke Chapel in Durham, and East Carolina University in Greenville, NC.

Among judges' comments: "This ensemble has a clear understanding of choral style and performance. The repertoire is well-­chosen and appropriate for high school voices. Their diction and sense of phrasing are their strongest points, as is their commitment to working as an ensemble."


2nd Place:
Young Naperville Singers Chamber Singers   Angie Johnson—Naperville, IL

Young Naperville Singers Chamber Singers

Young Naperville Singers (YNS) was founded in 1984 with a mission dedicated to promoting the highest level of artistic excellence in choral music through extraordinary educational and performance experiences that enrich the lives of young people. Based in Naperville, Illinois, the choir consists of eight ensembles whose 318 members range in age from six to seventeen.  Weekly rehearsals are held to prepare for two formal concerts presented each year that feature a varied repertoire and guest musicians.  Informal concerts are held throughout the year. Singers have participated in festivals throughout North America, the most recent being the Coastal Sound International Choral Festival (Canada). YNS has had performance collaborations with Judy Collins, David Benoit and Natalie MacMaster and has premiered commissioned works by noted composers such as David Brunner and Stephen Paulus.  Membership is by audition and all children regardless of race, gender or physical ability are welcome.

Among judges comments: "...loved your repertoire and your enthusiasm...you are tackling great music...I would enjoy coming to your concerts because you convey such a love for what you are doing."


3rd Place:
Brearley B-Naturals   Karyn Joaquino, director—New York, NY

Brearley B-Naturals

The B-Naturals are the a cappella group of The Brearley School, an all-girls preparatory school in New York City.  The group was founded by students in 1986, and has performed under the direction of Karyn Joaquino since she joined the Brearley faculty in 2000.

The repertoire is intentionally broad, ranging from traditional choral pieces to vocal jazz and pop.  Much of the repertoire is arranged by Ms. Joaquino, but every show or recording is likely to include a few student arrangements, and even original student compositions.  Most members of the B-Naturals pursue their love of a cappella music during their college careers as well, often directing their own groups.

The B-Naturals have sung the national anthem before a Yankees game, opened for jazz pianist Peter Cincotti at Jazz at Lincoln Center, entertained the King and Queen of Sweden, and have brought their music abroad twice to England and Wales.  In addition to live performances, the B-Naturals have recorded five CDs, and have been recognized for their work by Best of High School A Cappella, DownBeat Magazine, and the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs).

Among judges comments: "You clearly have worked hard and have achieved a high level of performance. Your youthful energy and passion is evident on the recordings..."

***

Congratulations to all winners and runners-up.

ENSEMBLE WINNER, RUNNERS-UP, CITATION RECIPIENT: school orchestra

The American Prize  is pleased to announce the 2013 ENSEMBLE winner, runners-up and citation recipient in the school orchestra category.

Congratulations!

To know the exact day and time when additional winners will be announced, please "like" our Facebook page, where the information will be posted. 

The judges reserve the right to award special citations and honorable mentions to any entrant at their discretion.

Please make us aware of any misprints: theamericanprize@gmail.com
   
The American Prize in Orchestral Performance
—high school orchestra
The American Prize winner:

Jasper High School Legacy Orchestra, Ryan Ross, conductor, Plano, TX 

Jasper High School Legacy Orchestra

The Jasper High School Orchestra is proud to be one of the most accomplished orchestra programs in Texas. Jasper is a grade 9 and 10 campus in Plano, TX, a Dallas suburb. Their orchestra currently serves over 200 students in five orchestras. Since its inception in 1996, Jasper’s top ensemble, Legacy Orchestra, has repeatedly ranked as one of the top five string orchestras in Texas, competing alongside high schools that fill their orchestras with 9th through 12th graders.  Jasper’s orchestras have also repeatedly earned top commendation at UIL competition and festival competitions across Texas. Jasper feeds Plano West Senior High School and pulls from Rice and Robinson Middle Schools. Today, the Jasper Orchestra program is led by Ryan Ross and Assistant Director Amy Gross. The program was opened by Deborah Perkins, passed on to Mary Havenstrite, and developed to maturity by Julianne Booth.

Among judges comments: "an exceptional ensemble playing at a high level of accomplishment..."

2nd Place
Arlington High School Philharmonia, Jonathan Handman, conductor, LaGrangeville, NY 

Arlington High School Philharmonia

Arlington High School is located in LaGrangeville, NY and Philharmonia is the most advanced of the four orchestras in the school and was the Grand Champion of the ASTA National Orchestra Festival in March 2012.  The program consists of one ninth grade string orchestra and three symphonic orchestras for students in grades 10-12, of which Ms. Elizabeth Handman and Mr. Jonathan Handman are the directors.  In total, the program has over 250 string students and 75 wind/percussion members that join the strings every other day as their second ensemble in addition to the band program that they are members of.  Arlington Central School District’s High School Principal is Mr. Paul Fanuele and Music Coordinator is Mr. Richard Guillen.

Among judges comments: "well balanced sound, with good solo contributions and especially strong string sections."

3rd Place:
Interlake High School Chamber Orchestra, Shira Katsman, director, Bellevue, WA

The Interlake High School Chamber Orchestra, an advanced string orchestra from Bellevue, Washington under the direction of Dr. Shira Katsman, consists of 50 students in grades ten through twelve.  The group consistently receives superior ratings at the Eastshore Orchestra I Festival, and many orchestra members have placed at the State level in the Solo & Ensemble Festival, participated in the All-Northwest and All-State Orchestras, and performed at the NSO Summer Music Institute.  The orchestra has worked with the Lafayette String Quartet, Ani Kavafian, Dr. Chin Kim, Nicholas Canellakis, David Becker, Ron Patterson, and Eric Wilson and collaborated with the Academy of Music Northwest and violist Paul Colletti to premier Colletti’s transcription of  the long lost J.S. Bach Viola Concerto.  In 2013 the orchestra performed in the final round of the ASTA National Orchestra Festival competition in Providence, Rhode Island and received an excellent rating for their expressive and dynamic performance. 

Among judges comments: "generous depth of tone, good intonation...performances with a sense of direction and considerable expression."

Special Judges' Citation: Exceptional Accomplishment in String Education and Performance
Bridle Path/Montgomery Select String Ensemble,  Ralph T. Jackson, director, Lansdale, PA

Bridle Path/Montgomery Select String Ensemble

The Bridle Path/Montgomery Elementary Select String Ensemble is comprised of students in grades 3-6 who are auditioned from among the 120 members of the orchestra. The ensemble rehearses after school for one hour each week and has consistently earned Superior ratings at music festivals and invitations to perform at prestigious music conferences, including performances at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Midwest Clinic International Band & Orchestra Conference, 5 performances for the National Association for Music, and 4 performances at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Annual Conference. The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City has commended the Select String Ensemble for "demonstrating a level of technical proficiency and musical sophistication that is most impressive" and has featured the ensemble on the "Live from Lincoln Center" website under "Outstanding Student Performances".

Among judges' comments: "a bell-weather group—showing what is possible when community, school and musical leadership are in apparent harmony."

***
Congratulations to all!


 

CHORAL CONDUCTING winner, runners-up, 2013

The American Prize  is pleased to announce the CONDUCTING winner and runners-up for 2013 in the choral category.

Congratulations!

To know the exact day and time when additional winners will be announced, please "like" our Facebook page, where the information will be posted. 

The judges reserve the right to award special citations and honorable mentions to any entrant at their discretion.

Please make us aware of any misprints: theamericanprize@gmail.com

The American Prize in Conducting—Choral Division

The American Prize winner:  
Richard Nance, Pacific Lutheran University Choir of the West, Tacoma, WA

Richard Nance

Richard Nance is the Director of Choral Activities at Pacific Lutheran University where he has worked since 1992.  At PLU Nance conducts the Choir of the West, Choral Union, and teaches classes in choral conducting.  Nance holds bachelors and masters degrees from West Texas State University and the Doctor of Musical Arts from Arizona State University.  He has studied conducting with Hugh Sanders, Douglas McEwen and David Stocker, and composition with Joseph Nelson and Randall Shinn.  Nance is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and has held many state and divisional offices.  Nance’s choirs have appeared at several ACDA conferences and have toured Europe on five occasions.  In the summer of 2011 the Choir of the West won two gold and one silver certificate at the prestigious Harmonie Festival, held in Lindenholzhausen, Germany.  Also in 2011, two PLU choral albums under Nance’s direction won first and second prize in their categories of the “American Prize” competition, and Nance received first prize for conducting.  

Richard Nance’s compositions are regularly performed by school, university, church, community and festival choirs.  In 2002 Nance was selected to compose the prestigious Raymond Brock Memorial Composition for the American Choral Directors Association.  Other composers who have shared this honor include Gian-Carlo Menotti, Eric Whitacre, Morten Lauridsen, René Clausen, Daniel Pinkham, Samuel Adler and Gwyneth Walker.

Among judges' comments:  "The sound of this choir gives powerful evidence of a conductor with very fine pedagogical and gestural technique." 





2nd Place:
Peggy Dettwiler, Mansfield University Festival Chorus, Mansfield, PA

Peggy Dettwiler

Peggy Dettwiler is Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Mansfield University, where she conducts the Concert Choir, Festival Chorus, and Chamber Singers, and teaches choral conducting and methods. She holds the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.   In 2010, she received the Elaine Brown Award for Choral Excellence from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association, and she placed second for The 2011 American Prize for Choral Conductors at the College/University level.  Dettwiler has served as a guest conductor and lecturer throughout the country and has given presentations at numerous NAfME and ACDA Conventions.  She has produced two DVDs, one entitled, “Developing a Vocal Color Palette for Various Choral Styles” and the second, “Sing in Style.”

Among judges' comments: "excellent use of the baton: the beat is almost always clearly at the tip of the baton rather than in the hand..."

3rd Place:
Ingrid Lestrud, Merit School of Music Conservatory Choir, Chicago, IL

Ingrid Lestrud

Dr. Ingrid Lestrud enjoys an active career as a conductor, educator, and singer. She earned the Doctor of Music degree in orchestral conducting at Northwestern University, where she frequently conducted the university’s orchestras and opera ensembles. She is the Voice Department Chair at the Merit School of Music in Chicago, where she is collaborating with the Lyric Opera and Renée Fleming to develop curriculum for the Renée Fleming Initiative, a solo voice program for high school students. She also serves as Merit’s Director of Choirs and conducts six children and youth choirs. During the 2012-2013 season, she is a finalist for the music director position with the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra. Previously, she has served as Assistant Conductor to the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, the Meadows Symphony Orchestra, and the Hot Springs Music Festival. Prior to her conducting studies, Dr. Lestrud earned a vocal performance degree at Lawrence University in Appleton, WI, and she enjoys singing with the Chicago Symphony Chorus.

Among judges' comments: "Great economy of movement; clear and appropriately varied for each style."

***

Congratulations!

OPERA DIVISION winners: conductors and ensembles

The American Prize  is pleased to announce 2013 OPERA DIVISION winners: conductors and ensembles.

Congratulations!

To know the exact day and time when additional winners will be announced, please "like" our Facebook page, where the information will be posted. 

The judges reserve the right to award special citations and honorable mentions to any entrant at their discretion.

Please make us aware of any misprints: theamericanprize@gmail.com

The American Prize in Conducting—Opera Division

The American Prize winner:  
Maria Sensi Sellner, Hubbard Hall Opera Theater

Maria Sensi Sellner

Maria Sensi Sellner is recognized for her versatility as a conductor of opera, orchestras, and choruses. Praised for leading with “flexible assurance” (The Cleveland Plain Dealer), Ms. Sellner’s performances have been described as “sterling” (The Boston Globe), “adept” (Schenectady Daily Gazette), and “first class all the way” (Berkshire on Stage).  A winner of the 2012 American Prize in Opera Conducting, she has conducted productions for Hubbard Hall Opera Theater, the Boston Opera Collaborative, Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, the Solon Center for the Arts, and the Carnegie Mellon University School of Music.  She is the Director of the Akron Symphony Chorus, Assistant Conductor of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh (chorus of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra), and was Music Director of the All University Orchestras at Carnegie Mellon University for ten years. Ms. Sellner earned masters degrees in conducting (a student of Robert Page), composition, and engineering from Carnegie Mellon University.

Among judges' comments: "ideal clarity and sensitive pacing, wedding stage and pit comfortably together." 

2nd Place
Brian DeMaris, Ithaca College Opera and Musical Theatre, Ithaca, NY

Brian DeMaris

Brian DeMaris is the Music Director of Mill City Summer Opera in Minneapolis and has performed with New York City Opera, Florida Grand Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Opera Theater of Saint Louis, Syracuse Opera, American Opera Projects, American Lyric Theater, Ash Lawn Opera Festival, Music Saint Croix and the Israel Chamber Orchestra. He has appeared at the United Nations, the Aspen Music Festival, Boston’s Jordan Hall, New York’s Studio 54, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Symphony Space, Alice Tully Hall, Skirball Center, La Maison francaise, and in recitals, competitions, and master classes throughout the United States and abroad.

Currently Director of Opera and Musical Theatre at Ithaca College and Artist-Faculty at the Aspen Music Festival, DeMaris has also taught at Lawrence University, New England Conservatory School of Continuing Education, George Mason University's International Opera Alliance, and the International Vocal Arts Institute in Tel Aviv. He has served on panels with Opera America and presented master classes with the New York State Music Teachers Association and New York School Music Association. His students have performed on Broadway, film and television, and at opera companies and festivals throughout the world.

Among judges' comments: "displays loads of energy and abundant wit. (Schicchi)"

3rd Place:
Robert Butts, BONJ Opera, Madison, NJ

Robert Butts

Dr. Robert W. Butts is Artistic Director for The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, the BONJ Summer Music Festival, In Mid Air Productions and Eastern Opera Company. He has been principal conductor and Artistic Director for Opera at Florham, The Little Opera Company and New Jersey Concert Opera.   Alongside the major orchestral and operatic works, Dr. Butts has conducted modern day premieres of works by 18th and 21st century composers.  His compositions have gained increased recognition through performances with the orchestra and with In Mid Air Productions (The Tell-Tale Heart), at NJIT in Newark, New Jersey (Mark Twain and the General), and with Atlanta Opera (The Triangle). With Pure Sound Studios, Dr. Butts has developed the broadcast series Concerts and Conversations. In February, 2013, he presented a paper on Verdi’s Otello/Rigoletto for the American Musicological Society New York Chapter Winter Session at The Metropolitan Opera Guild Education Room.

Among judges' comments: "Butts leads with authority, chucking cues over his shoulder with abandon as he somehow (and admirably) keeps things together."

Special Judges' Citation: 
Stylistic Excellence in the Performance of Gilbert & Sullivan Operettas 
Eric Peterson, Savoynet Performing Group, Buxton, England 

Eric Peterson

Eric Peterson is a native of Northern Virginia and is a graduate of William and Mary and of Peabody Conservatory, where he studied horn. Based in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York, he specializes in theater conducting, particularly operetta. In the last few years, he has music-directed Blue Hill Troupe’s Mame and A Funny Thing… Forum and conducted Troupers Light Opera’s The Gondoliers, Die Fledermaus and The Mikado. He was an American Prize finalist in orchestral conducting in 2011 for his work with QUO, New York's LGBT community orchestra. This past summer, he conducted the Savoynet Performing Group’s award-winning production of The Sorcerer at the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival in Buxton, England.

Among judges' comments: "a true G&S guru, Peterson connects stage and orchestra so that the contribution of each is clearly discernible and the whole is delicious."

Honorable Mention: Qinqing Qian, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, San Francisco, CA

Qinqing Qian

When Qinqing Qian arrived at the San Francisco Conservatory, she had already put together an impressive list of achievements, including degrees in piano performance, orchestral conducting and audio engineering from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Qian has since been the musical director for a production of Don Giovanni with the Conservatory Symphony and is the graduate conductor of the school’s Opera Workshop, and an assistant-ship of the conservatory orchestra . In early 2013, she recruited an 18-piece student orchestra and conducted the soundtrack recording for an animated film “Breaking Limit”, which will be released in next year. With a back ground as a composer, she also has been a sought-after conductor of new music.

"thoughtful tempos and a clear stick… one looks forward to seeing more of her work."

***

The American Prize in Opera Performance, 2013

The American Prize winner:
Martha-Ellen Tye Opera Theatre   Alan E. Hicks, director—Univ. of Iowa   Iowa City, IA 
Production: Turn of the Screw 

Martha-Ellen Tye Opera Theatre

The Martha-Ellen Tye Opera Theatre is the producing unit for main stage student-performed operas at the University of Iowa and part of the Division of Performing Arts. Established by the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences in July 2000, the Division of Performing Arts was established to foster collaboration and artistic exchange between artists in the fields of theatre, music, and dance, in order to heighten awareness of artistic and scholarly work. In 2008, the School of Music, including the Opera Theatre, was affected by a major flood requiring the displacement of all rehearsals and performances.

Among judges' comments: "The overall atmosphere of this dark and moody opera was wonderfully achieved. This was an outstanding, chilling production, musically rewarding from instrumentalists, singers, set and lighting designers."


2nd Place:
University of South Dakota Opera   Tracelyn Gesteland, director—Vermillion, SD
Production: Dido and Aeneas

University of South Dakota Opera

The University of South Dakota Opera offers training and performance opportunities for students interested in the art of opera.  Every semester, students enrolled in opera workshop (by audition) have the opportunity to study and perform operatic literature from the common practice period as well as contemporary lyric theater.  Students develop and refine their vocal technique, acting and movement ability, musicianship, ensemble skills, knowledge of performance practices, and overall artistry through rehearsals and public performances, both on and off campus.  Annually, USD Opera presents a main stage opera in addition to children’s outreach performances.  In 2012, USD Opera was awarded third place in division 3 of the National Opera Association’s Opera Production Competition.  USD Opera was also honored to perform children’s opera excerpts by invitation at the NOA convention in 2011.

Among judges comments: "This was a wonderful production, extremely well played from the orchestra, and beautifully sung from all the cast members. The use of dancers, mirroring the movement of the singers/characters, and all the dancing in general, was quite effective..."


3rd Place:
Undercroft Opera   Mary E. Sederburg, director—Pittsburgh, PA
Production: Susannah 

Undercroft Opera

With the motto “Everybody deserves an 'Operatunity'!” Undercroft Opera has been able to serve literally hundreds of Pittsburgh area performers since its inaugural production of Mozart's Cosi fan tutte in 2006. Since then, the company has presented diverse and challenging works including beloved classic operas such as La Boheme, The Marriage of Figaro and La Traviata, unique one-acts and chamber operas like Il Tabarro, Suor Angelica and The Medium, and innovative projects such as updated versions of The Elixir of Love and The Tales of Hoffmann and a concert version of Don Carlo. Building on the successes of recent productions of The Barber of Seville and Carlisle Floyd's Susannah, Undercroft will be presenting Carmen fully staged and accompanied by the Undercroft Orchestra. Undercroft Opera hopes to continue to serve the community through this and many future productions.

Among judges comments: "a thoroughly enjoyable production on many levels. All cast members seemed enthusiastic to be performing and totally committed to their characters and to the drama of this piece...Orchestral playing was musical and not overpowering."

 
***

Congratulations to all winners and runners-up.

ENSEMBLE WINNERS & RUNNERS-UP: orchestras

The American Prize  is pleased to announce 2013 ENSEMBLE winner/runners-up in the orchestra category.

Congratulations!

To know the exact day and time when additional winners will be announced, please "like" our Facebook page, where the information will be posted. 

The judges reserve the right to award special citations and honorable mentions to any entrant at their discretion.

Please make us aware of any misprints: theamericanprize@gmail.com
   
The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—professional
The American Prize winner: 
Western Piedmont Symphony, John Gordon Ross, music director, Hickory, NC

In 1964, the Hickory Symphony was organized on the Lenoir-Rhyne University campus by founding conductor Albert Chafoo, a native of Iran and also the founder of the Asheville and Salisbury orchestras.  The concept of a regional orchestra, was initially explored in 1970. Following much study and preparation, the Western Piedmont Symphony Society, Inc. was legally incorporated on November 3, 1972.

Martin Bellar, the Western Piedmont Symphony's second conductor, was responsible for founding the Western Piedmont Youth Symphony.  Richard Hughey, the symphony's third conductor established the Western Piedmont String Quartet, and did much to improve the professional quality and sound of the orchestra.

In 1991, John Gordon Ross became the fourth Music Director and Conductor.  Under his leadership, the Western Piedmont Symphony has significantly expanded its outreach activities and presented premieres by Bayolo, Boone, Cionek, Crockett, Ewazen, Kaminsky, Locklair, Mumford, Peck, Tann, Warshauer,  and  Zwilich.

Among judges' comments: "Performances by the West Piedmont Symphony exhibit elegant shape and detail, with carefully executed nuance and plenty of dynamic contrast."


2nd Place:
The Michigan Philharmonic, Nan Harrison Washburn, music director, Plymouth, MI

Michigan Philharmonic

The Michigan Philharmonic is in its 67th Season, the second under the organization's new name. For 65 years, the orchestra was known as the Plymouth Symphony and also, for its smaller presentations, Orchestra Canton. The Michigan Philharmonic now plays a full season of concerts throughout the year including pops, outdoor, Bollywood and Fusion Festivals. Under the leadership of Music Director and Conductor Nan Harrison Washburn, the orchestra has garnered 4 ASCAP awards for Adventuresome Programming. By highlighting new music at each concert, our audiences have the opportunity to meet composers and gain an appreciation of the wonderful, new repertoire in the classical music genre. The Philharmonic also has an extensive music education program that includes the Michigan Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

Among judges' comments: "musical and confident performances, featuring strong ensemble and some excellent solo contributions."

3rd Place:
Odysseus Chamber Orchestra, Jason Lim, music director, Denton, TX

Odysseus Chamber Orchestra

Founded in 2012, Odysseus Chamber Orchestra consists of  professional classical musicians from Denton and surrounding areas. In May 2012, Odysseus launched a successful inaugural performance featuring local soloists. In its short history the Odysseus Chamber Orchestra has supported local service clubs, like the Denton Breakfast Kiwanis Club, the Robson Ranch Kiwanis Club, sponsoring events such as the Eliminate Project Cruise and the Passing of the Banner Dinner. Furthermore, OCO pioneered the  Mentorship Program. The brainchild of Artistic Director; Jason Lim, this program provides high school orchestra students the opportunity to rehearse and perform side-by-side with members of OCO. In 2013, OCO commissioned a new work by local composer, Brad Robin.

Among judges comments: "fine musicians...and like their conductor, spirited and energetic..."

***

The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—community orchestra 

The American Prize winner:
Park Avenue Chamber Symphony   David Bernard, music director—New York, NY

Park Avenue Chamber Symphony

Since its founding in 1999, the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony has built a loyal following, both in New York City and worldwide through its extensive catalog of recordings on iTunes, Naxos/ClassicsOnline, Amazon and Spotify.  In 2011 the orchestra toured the People's Republic of China performing in 9 cities including Beijing, Qingdao, Dalian, Chaoyang, Jinzhou, Shenzhen, Shenyang and Xi'an.

The Park Avenue Chamber Symphony’s performances have been acclaimed by critics nationwide.
·         “Highly polished and highly disciplined performances. These readings are interpretively probing and emotionally satisfying….unconditionally recommended.” – Fanfare Magazine
·         “The dynamic range and attention to detail surpass any performance of these works. The Park Avenue Chamber Symphony is a World-Class Orchestra” – Lucid Culture
·         “David Bernard brought raw, dramatic intensity to the urgent sections, while conducting the noble transfiguration theme with utmost tenderness and lovely, sustained pacing. Balances were unusually clear, bringing out woodwind details, while the brass shined with solid, blended playing…the orchestra plays with a strong sense of style and commitment…with the depth and fervor of the old school European orchestras…. a real triumph!” – New York Concert Review

The ensemble regularly features important soloists including Carter Brey (principal cellist, New York Philharmonic), David Chan (concertmaster, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra), Jon Manasse (clarinet soloist) and Whoopi Goldberg (Oscar Winning Actor and Entertainer), as well as emerging artists from Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music and Mannes. The Park Avenue Chamber Symphony performs at All Saints Church on the Upper East Side of NYC, with additional performances at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall and Avery Fisher Hall.

Through its fundraising efforts, the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony has helped establish a new Scholarship Fund for students at the Juilliard School’s Pre-College Division, as well as support  The Harmony Program—a New York City organization that provides music lessons to economically disadvantaged children and is modeled after Venezuela's world-famous model of music education, "El Sistema".

Among judges' comments: "The Park Avenue Chamber Symphony exemplifies the epitome of the best of the current community orchestra scene: professional level performance of incredibly difficult repertoire."


2nd Place:
Seattle Collaborative Orchestra   Anna Edwards, music director—Seattle, WA

Seattle Collaborative Orchestra

The Seattle Collaborative Orchestra is a dynamic, multigenerational fusion of musicians from Seattle's classical music scene, including Seattle Symphony, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Northwest Sinfonietta, Auburn Symphony, University of Washington, and local high schools.

Seattle Collaborative Orchestra Mission Statement: Seattle Collaborative Orchestra is an intergenerational, semi-professional community orchestra with a strong educational component based in collaboration. Musicians of the Seattle Collaborative Orchestra largely consist of members or alumni of Seattle high schools and University of Washington music students, in addition to members of professional music ensembles in the Seattle area (i.e. Seattle Symphony and Pacific Northwest Ballet). It is our aspiration to spread musical enjoyment to our Seattle metropolitan community.

Among judges comments: "Prodigious achievement of style, rhythm, and articulation throughout. Bravo on your excellent, crisp rhythm."


3rd Place:
Clark College Orchestra   Donald L. Appert, music director—Vancouver, WA

Clark College Orchestra

Donald Appert has been Music Director/Conductor of the Clark College Orchestra since 1990. He has guest conducted orchestras in Europe, Central America, Japan and Australia. Currently he is a Professor of Music and Head of the Music Department at Clark College in Vancouver, Washington. In addition he is the Music Director/Conductor of the Oregon Sinfonietta and Artistic Director and Conductor of the Jewish Community Orchestra, both in Portland, Oregon.  He received The American Prize in Orchestral Programming—Vytautas Marijosius  Memorial Award in 2011 for his work with the Oregon Sinfonietta and an Honorable Mention in 2012. He has received the  ASCAPLUS Award numerous times. Videos of his conducting and his original compostions may be seen and heard via the internet on his web site at www.maestroappert.com.

Among judges comments: "The group really shines on the Fandango to the end: effective clean strings, great balance, wonderful dynamic contrasts, technique, and articulation."

***

The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—college/university orchestra
The American Prize winner: 
St Olaf Orchestra, Steven Amundson, music director, Northfield, MN

The 92-member St. Olaf Orchestra is one of the premier ensembles at St. Olaf College, a four-year liberal arts college known for its excellence in music, math, and the sciences.   The St. Olaf Orchestra has a 100-year plus history, and has been touring annually since 1949.  For the past three decades, Professor of Music Steven Amundson has led the Orchestra on tours throughout the U.S. and in a dozen countries, most recently in China. The ensemble has been featured on NPR, PBS, at regional and national MENC (NAfME) conventions, and on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion.   Recognized for its passionate and engaging performances, the St. Olaf Orchestra strives for the highest professional standards. The orchestra program at St. Olaf features two full symphonies and over 120 string students that take weekly private lessons.  65% of the students in St. Olaf Orchestra major in music. All members of this orchestra are full-time undergraduates, and they represent 25 of the 50 United States.

Among judges' comments: "Technically brilliant, exciting performances, full of life...Revueltas especially tight, with exceptional brass contributions."
 

2nd Place:
Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra, Jeffery Meyer, music director, Ithaca, NY 

Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra

Comprised of approximately 90 to 100 musicians, ICSO is dedicated to performing symphonic repertoire from the baroque through the twentieth century, as well as contemporary works of our time. The Symphony Orchestra is directed by Jeffery Meyer and presents 6 to 10 concerts per year.   The orchestra has collaborated with many of today's most prominent composers including Jennifer Higdon, Michael Gandofli, Steven Mackey, Steven Stucky, Joan Tower, and Chen Yi. Guest soloists who have appeared with the ICSO in recent seasons include Xak Bjerken (piano), Gilbert Kalish (piano) and Steven Mackey (electric guitar).   The ICSO has been distinguished with two consecutive ASCAP prizes for Adventurous Programming by the League of American Orchestras.  The ensemble has performed to high acclaim in Avery Fisher Hall and Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center in New York, the Ithaca "Light in Winter" Festival, the Troy Savings Bank Hall and New York University.

Among judges' comments: "Stunning Sacre, suave Daphnis, performed at a very high level of accomplishment."

3rd Place:
Mannes Orchestra, Taeyoung Lee, conductor, New York, NY

Mannes Orchestra

Praised by the New York Times for its “Youthful exuberance,” the Mannes Orchestra performs a comprehensive symphonic repertoire each year ranging from classical to modern, and collaborates with the Mannes Opera in two productions at the Kaye Playhouse. Guest conductors who have led concerts or readings in recent years include Kurt Masur, Philippe Entremont, Paul Nadler, Leonard Slatkin, and Mannes graduates Yves Abel and JoAnn Falletta. The Mannes Orchestra makes nine public performances every season with David Hayes, Director of Orchestral and Conducting Studies, appearing at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Salvation Army’s Centennial Memorial Temple, Symphony Space, the Kaye Playhouse, and at Mannes College Concert Hall.

Among judges' comments: "Prokofiev 7 full of fire and wit, excellently played."

***

The field in the College/University Orchestra category was so strong this year that the judges have awarded Special Citations for Technical & Musical Excellence to the following three ensembles and their directors. In alphabetical order they are:

Special Judges' Citation for Technical & Musical Excellence, 2013
Baylor Symphony, Stephen Heyde, music director, Waco, TX

Baylor Symphony

Founded in 1946, the Baylor Symphony has been led by only two conductors, Daniel Sternberg and, since 1984, Stephen Heyde. In a typical year, 105 students from two dozen states and several foreign countries are selected by audition to perform in the ensemble. The orchestra has performed multiple times at the Texas Music Educators Convention and by invitation at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival and a national convention of the American String Teachers Association, among others.  In 2003, the Symphony was featured in a PBS Special that aired nationally to an estimated audience of six million viewers.  The orchestra has performed with many distinguished performers and composers including Josef Gingold and Robert Shaw among others and taken international tours of Costa Rica in 2004 and Belgium in 2010. The Baylor Symphony also presents annual children's concerts for 6000 Waco area school children, an unbroken tradition for 67 years.

Among judges' comments: "Remarkable Don Juan and La Mer, fluent, and confidently performed."

Special Judges' Citation for Technical & Musical Excellence, 2013
Kennesaw State University Symphony Orchestra, Michael Alexander, music director, Kennesaw, GA

Kennesaw State University Symphony Orchestra

The Kennesaw State University Symphony Orchestra began in the Fall of 2004. In its short history the orchestra has already performed with a long list of prestigious guest artists, conductors, and composers. In 2009 the KSU Orchestra was invited to perform at the Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference and hosted and performed at the 2010 College Orchestra Directors Association National Conference. In January 2011, the KSU Orchestra completed a three-concert tour of Beijing and Xian, China. Recently the orchestra performed with the legendary rock band KANSAS and gave the first university orchestra performance of Peter Gabriel’s New Blood.  2012-2013 included the premiere of a new Tuba Concerto for Alan Baer, principal tuba of the New York Philharmonic, and a visit by renowned composer David Lang.  The 2013-2014 Season will feature the premiere of a new Violin Concerto by composer Chen Yi and a performance with pianist, Jeremy Denk.

Among judges' comments: "Beethoven's 9 a significant achievement. Scherzo is tight and full of drive; adagio lovingly shaped, finale has great forward motion."

Special Judges' Citation for Technical & Musical Excellence, 2013
West Virginia University Symphony Orchestra, Mitchell Arnold, music director,  Morgantown, WV

West Virginia University Symphony Orchestra

The WVUSO has been a major performing ensemble at WVU for many decades.  The orchestra not only serves the talented students of the WVU School of Music, but provides Morgantown with an important cultural treasure.  In 2012, WVUSO gave the US premiere of Sofia Gubaidulina's Flute Concerto and traveled on a 3-state tour.

Among judges' comments: "Daphnis stylish and well-wrought—impressively played by the full ensemble—soloists shine throughout."

***
The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—youth orchestra 
The American Prize winner:
Vivace   Jonathan Handman, music director—Poughkeepsie, NY

Vivace

In 2001 Jon Handman and Emily Schaad launched Stringendo Orchestra School of the Hudson Valley as a year-round extension of their Summer Strings music camp. Today, over 200 students between second and twelfth grades participate in classes in orchestra and fiddling. These musical groups provide a community where students from all over the Hudson Valley can further develop their musical talents. Stringendo both supplements and enhances string education, and musicians in Stringendo are members of their school orchestra programs wherever possible.

Stringendo’s most advanced orchestra, Vivace, this year includes 25 high school students. Over the years the orchestra has performed a broad repertoire, including Serenades by Dvorak, Elgar, Suk and Tchaikovsky, Diamond’s Rounds,  Shostakovich’s Eighth Chamber Symphony, and Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence. Vivace participated in the ASTA National String Orchestra Festival, a competition for school and youth orchestras throughout the United States, and was named Grand Champion in 2009.

Among judges' comments: "Obvious trust, confidence and capability were coupled to stylistic assurance. The emotional content was always made clear to the audience who responded with highly merited applause."


2nd Place:
Houston Youth Symphony   Michael Webster, music director—Houston, TX

Houston Youth Symphony

Houston Youth Symphony was founded in 1946 and now serves more than 300 students in four orchestras.  Michael Webster has been Artistic Director since 1997 and has led the Symphony, its most advanced orchestra, at the inauguration of Houston Mayor Lee Brown, the 2002 National Youth Orchestra Festival at Carnegie Hall, and in 2012 on National Public Radio’s "From the Top." HYS is the national first prize winner of the Foundation for Music Education's Mark of Excellence competition for five consecutive years (2008-2012) and The American Prize in 2010 and 2011.  Our “Melody” program offers free private lessons to gifted students from disadvantaged districts and our chamber music program serves members of our two most advanced orchestras, the Philharmonia and the Symphony.

Among judges comments: "The performance of the chosen literature demonstrated the thrill of playing large orchestral repertory...the orchestra played with zest. It is good to perform major works that have moments of challenge and is an important aspect of development. Congratulations on undertaking those challenges. "


3rd Place:
Saratoga Springs Youth Orchestra   Gioacchino Longobardi, music director—Saratoga Springs, NY

Saratoga Springs Youth Orchestra

The Saratoga Springs Youth Orchestra is small string ensemble dedicated to fostering excellence in musical arts through structured rehearsal and community performances throughout the Saratoga region of upstate NY.  Founded in 1999, SSYO began with the single vision of developing a world-class youth orchestra.  SSYO works to expand the artistic and cultural horizons of young musicians, ages 13 to 25 years, through advanced training, peer collaboration and mentorship.

Conductor, Maestro Gioacchino Longobardi, with diplomas in Piano, Conducting and Composition from the Conservatorio San Pietro a Majella, in Naples, Italy, brings a European perspective to a new world endeavor. He has introduced SSYO to a unique and challenging repertoire comprised primarily of Early Baroque and Romantic period pieces.  The SSYO program offers young musicians the opportunity to perform orchestral masterworks directed by a professional musician/conductor, while pursuing their own personal aspirations and a lifelong love for music.

Among judges comments: "The playing was most compelling in the Fantasia as the melody of the hymn tune was passed around. The Piazzolla had some very warm moments...This is a program that should continue to build in the future."

***
The American Prize in Orchestral Performance
—high school orchestra
The American Prize winner:

Jasper High School Legacy Orchestra, Ryan Ross, conductor, Plano, TX 

Jasper High School Legacy Orchestra

The Jasper High School Orchestra is proud to be one of the most accomplished orchestra programs in Texas. Jasper is a grade 9 and 10 campus in Plano, TX, a Dallas suburb. Their orchestra currently serves over 200 students in five orchestras. Since its inception in 1996, Jasper’s top ensemble, Legacy Orchestra, has repeatedly ranked as one of the top five string orchestras in Texas, competing alongside high schools that fill their orchestras with 9th through 12th graders.  Jasper’s orchestras have also repeatedly earned top commendation at UIL competition and festival competitions across Texas. Jasper feeds Plano West Senior High School and pulls from Rice and Robinson Middle Schools. Today, the Jasper Orchestra program is led by Ryan Ross and Assistant Director Amy Gross. The program was opened by Deborah Perkins, passed on to Mary Havenstrite, and developed to maturity by Julianne Booth.

Among judges comments: "an exceptional ensemble playing at a high level of accomplishment..."

2nd Place
Arlington High School Philharmonia, Jonathan Handman, conductor, LaGrangeville, NY 

Arlington High School Philharmonia

Arlington High School is located in LaGrangeville, NY and Philharmonia is the most advanced of the four orchestras in the school and was the Grand Champion of the ASTA National Orchestra Festival in March 2012.  The program consists of one ninth grade string orchestra and three symphonic orchestras for students in grades 10-12, of which Ms. Elizabeth Handman and Mr. Jonathan Handman are the directors.  In total, the program has over 250 string students and 75 wind/percussion members that join the strings every other day as their second ensemble in addition to the band program that they are members of.  Arlington Central School District’s High School Principal is Mr. Paul Fanuele and Music Coordinator is Mr. Richard Guillen.

Among judges comments: "well balanced sound, with good solo contributions and especially strong string sections."

3rd Place:
Interlake High School Chamber Orchestra, Shira Katsman, director, Bellevue, WA

The Interlake High School Chamber Orchestra, an advanced string orchestra from Bellevue, Washington under the direction of Dr. Shira Katsman, consists of 50 students in grades ten through twelve.  The group consistently receives superior ratings at the Eastshore Orchestra I Festival, and many orchestra members have placed at the State level in the Solo & Ensemble Festival, participated in the All-Northwest and All-State Orchestras, and performed at the NSO Summer Music Institute.  The orchestra has worked with the Lafayette String Quartet, Ani Kavafian, Dr. Chin Kim, Nicholas Canellakis, David Becker, Ron Patterson, and Eric Wilson and collaborated with the Academy of Music Northwest and violist Paul Colletti to premier Colletti’s transcription of  the long lost J.S. Bach Viola Concerto.  In 2013 the orchestra performed in the final round of the ASTA National Orchestra Festival competition in Providence, Rhode Island and received an excellent rating for their expressive and dynamic performance.

Among judges comments: "generous depth of tone, good intonation...performances with a sense of direction and considerable expression."

Special Judges' Citation: Exceptional Accomplishment in String Education and Performance
Bridle Path/Montgomery Select String Ensemble,  Ralph T. Jackson, director, Lansdale, PA

Bridle Path/Montgomery Select String Ensemble

The Bridle Path/Montgomery Elementary Select String Ensemble is comprised of students in grades 3-6 who are auditioned from among the 120 members of the orchestra. The ensemble rehearses after school for one hour each week and has consistently earned Superior ratings at music festivals and invitations to perform at prestigious music conferences, including performances at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Midwest Clinic International Band & Orchestra Conference, 5 performances for the National Association for Music, and 4 performances at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Annual Conference. The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City has commended the Select String Ensemble for "demonstrating a level of technical proficiency and musical sophistication that is most impressive" and has featured the ensemble on the "Live from Lincoln Center" website under "Outstanding Student Performances".

Among judges' comments: "a bell-weather group—showing what is possible when community, school and musical leadership are in apparent harmony."

***
Congratulations to all!