VOCAL WINNERS: high school men

Friedrich Schorr as Wotan, Bayreuth

The American Prize is honored to announce the winners and runners-up in the men's high school division of The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Friedrich & Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards, 2014. Congratulations!

Complete listings of finalists and semi-finalists in The American Prize competitions may be found elsewhere on this blog.  

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

The American Prize in Vocal Performance
Friedrich & Virginia Schorr Memorial Award
HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION

The American Prize winner:
THOMAS WEST
Lookout Mountain  TN

Thomas West

Thomas West is an 18 year old baritone from Lookout Mountain, Tennessee but is currently living and studying classical voice at The Juilliard School in New York City, NY. Over the past two years, Thomas has taken first prize in many regional and national vocal competitions including the Performing Arts League Vocal Competition in Chattanooga, TN, the Knoxville Choral Society Young Classical Musicians Competition, the University of Kentucky Young Singers Competition, Georgia NATS, and the Music Teachers National Association National Competition. Thomas was also featured on the NPR radio show “From the Top” both in 2012 and 2014, and was a 2014 National Young Arts Finalist and Presidential Scholar in the Arts. Thomas is also the founder of ReGenerate, an arts leadership program dedicated to advocating and fundraising for the arts in the public schools of Chattanooga. So far, the group has raised over $14,000 dollars for arts education in his hometown. For more information, please go to thomaswestbaritone.com

Among judges' comments: "His production is free, flowing and beautiful.  Mr. West sings with fine artistry and musicality."


2nd Place:
MATTHEW BISHOP BURN
Greenville  SC

Matthew Burn

Matthew Burn, a native of Greenville SC, is currently a senior studying under Thomas Dickinson at the South Carolina Governors School for the Arts and Humanities. He also attended the Fine Arts Center as a vocal student and studied for two years under Karen Parks. Matthew received a full scholarship to Walnut Hill Summer Opera program where he was able to sing in Milan, Italy and most recently accepted into a program with the Washington National Opera where he sang at the Kennedy Center. He hopes to attend a music conservatory next fall and pursue a career in vocal performance.

Among judges' comments: "an excellent young performer."


3rd Place:
NATHAN KESSEL
Worcester  MA

Nathan Kessel

I am a senior at Shrewsbury High School and reside in Worcester, MA. I sing as a baritone and have won seats in the Massachusetts Central District Honors Choir, MA All-State Honors Choir, the NAFME All-National Honors Choir, and the DCINY International Honors Choir. I attended the Boston University Tanglewood institute in the summer of 2013 as a member of the Young Artist Vocal program. I currently sing at the New England Conservatory Preparatory School’s Youth Chorale and Youth Camerata. I am also singing with the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Tanglewood Festival Choir. I am the youngest male member in the history of the choir, accepted at age 16. I am currently auditioning at conservatories in my hopes to pursue music as a career.

Among judges' comments: "a talented young singer with a good, resonant voice."

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Congratulations!

VOCAL WINNERS: men in art song

Friedrich Schorr as Wotan, Bayreuth

The American Prize is honored to announce the winners and runners-up in the men's art song division of The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Friedrich & Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards, 2014. Congratulations!

Complete listings of finalists and semi-finalists in The American Prize competitions may be found elsewhere on this blog.  

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

The American Prize 
in Vocal Performance
Friedrich & Virginia Schorr Memorial Award
ART SONG/ORATORIO DIVISION

The American Prize winner:
LEO RADO (Radosavljevic)
Wilmette  IL

Leo Rado

Recent 3rd prize winner of the 8th International Klaudia Taev competition in Pärnu, Estonia, twenty-four-year-old baritone Leo Rado is establishing himself as a uniquely versatile performer in the world of opera. He has performed as soloist in opera, art song, and oratorio to high critical acclaim at venues such as Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, The Peter Jay Sharp Theatre, and Ravinia Festival. In addition to his mastery of the standard operatic repertoire from Monteverdi through Britten, Leo particularly enjoys creating recitals of unknown vocal masterpieces by composers that are more well known for their instrumental music, such as Haydn, Beethoven, Chopin, Grieg, Schönberg and Prokofiev.

Among judges' comments: "a consummate performer."


2nd Place:
CHRISTIAN KETTER
Chicago  IL

Christian Ketter

Tenor, Christian Ketter recently made his Carnegie Hall debut with Marilyn Horne’s festival: “The Song Continues." 2013: Tenor soloist, Bruckner Te Deum, Chicago Bar Symphony and Orchestra; DuBois’ Les sept paroles du Christ; Saint-Saëns’ Oratorio de Noël. Willy Loman: Rizzer’s Death of a Salesman, Chicago Cultural Center. 2011: Mr. Ketter performed under Carlisle Floyd in a concert of Floyd's operatic works. Evita (Che) Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra; Tosca (Cavaradossi) Calumet City Chamber-Ensemble; Herrmann’s Wuthering Heights (Edgar) in its televised Chicago premiere; ShowBoat (Ravenal). 2010: At Ravinia, Mr. Ketter gave a recital benefitting the Misericordia Foundation.

2013: International-Finalist: Lotte Lenya Competition. Friedrich Schorr/The American Prize winner; National-Winner: Chicago Oratorio Award;  2nd National-Winner: Hal Leonard Art Song; The American Prize in Art Song; Shirley Rabb-Winston Grand Prize. For release summer 2014: Recording, "Beloved", a collection of classical arrangements spanning many languages, styles, and genres with violinist, Cara Schlecker and pianist, Myron Silberstein. For more information visit: www.christianketter.com

Among judges' comments: "Mr. Ketter presents a strong, deeply placed tenor voice."



3rd Place:
ANDREW SAUVAGEAU
Baltimore  MD

Andrew Sauvageau

Hailed by the Baltimore Sun for the shining color in his singing, Andrew Sauvageau, baritone, enjoys a diverse musical career, singing works written centuries ago as often as those written yesterday. His solo appearances include performances at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, the National Gallery of Art, the Library of Congress, the Kennedy Center, and the Lincoln Center. He has performed a variety of concerts on both sides of the country, including opera, oratorio, song, and the premieres of several new works by emerging American composers. Mr. Sauvageau is a graduate of Peabody Conservatory and University of Oregon. He has recorded two French rarities on the Naxos label with Opera Lafayette. Visit www.andrewsauvageau.com to discover more.

Among judges' comments: "Mr. Sauvageau is a strong performer with an instrument that is flexible as he moves from style to style."



SPECIAL JUDGES' CITATION: "Excellence in American Song" for "An American Tapestry"
PETER LIGHTFOOT
East Lansing  MI

Peter Lightfoot

Dramatic baritone Peter Lightfoot's "An American Tapestry" with pianist Dr. Deborah Moriarity, can now be heard on Blue Griffin Records. Lightfoot performed Falstaff in Verdi’s Falstaff in Cagli and Mercatello, Italy.  His performance of Marbuel at the Wexford Festival in The Devil and Kate is on DVD. Lightfoot was Bass soloist in Mozart's Requiem with Sir John Rutter at Carnegie Hall.

His operatic roles include Verdi's Macbeth; Tonio in Il Pagliacci; Scarpia in Tosca and Rigoletto in Verdi's Rigoletto.  His orchestral credits include the Stockholm Philharmonic, the Amsterdam Radio Symphony, the San Francisco Symphony, Houston Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Toronto Symphony, and Dallas Symphony.

Mr. Lightfoot was born in New York and holds degrees from the Juilliard School and Tufts University. He is winner of a National Opera Institute Grant, a Sullivan Foundation Grant and a Harp Grant.  Earlier this year, Mr. Lightfoot won The American Prize Chicago Oratorio Award. He is associate professor of voice at Michigan State University's College of Music.

Among judges' comments: "Mr. Lightfoot is a seasoned and talented performer.  It is clear that this repertoire is dear to him and his interpretations are splendid."  

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Congratulations!

VOCAL WINNERS: men in opera

Friedrich Schorr as Wotan, Bayreuth

The American Prize is honored to announce the winners and runners-up in the men's opera division of The American Prize in Vocal Performance—Friedrich & Virginia Schorr Memorial Awards, 2014. Congratulations!

Complete listings of finalists and semi-finalists in The American Prize competitions may be found elsewhere on this blog.  

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

The American Prize 
in Vocal Performance
Friedrich & Virginia Schorr Memorial Award
OPERA DIVISION

The American Prize winner:
MITCHELL HUTCHINGS
Houghton  NY

Mitchell Hutchings

Mitchell Hutchings’ most notable roles include the title roles in GIANNI SCHICCHI and SWEENEY TODD, Marcello in LA BOHÈME, Tarquinius in THE RAPE OF LUCRETIA, Escamillo in LA TRAGÉDIE DE CARMEN, Germont in LA TRAVIATA, Mercutio in ROMÉO ET JULIETTE, Marullo in RIGOLETTO, Quince in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, Frank in DIE FLEDERMAUS, Ben in THE TELEPHONE, Yamadori & the Commissioner in MADAMA BUTTERFLY, and Benoit & Alcindoro in LA BOHÈME. Mitchell has been a Resident Artist of Des Moines Metro Opera, Pensacola Opera, Opera Saratoga, Ash Lawn Opera, Dicapo Opera Theatre, the Opera Theatre and Music Festival of Lucca, the Czech-American Summer Music Institute, and Opera Tampa's V.O.I.C.Experience program. Mitchell received his master's degree from Florida State University and bachelor’s from Western Carolina University. He currently holds the position of Assistant Professor of Voice and Opera at The Greatbatch School of Music, Houghton College. www.MitchellHutchingsBaritone.com.

Among judges' comments: "Mr. Hutchings is very musical and sings with knowledgeable artistry."


2nd Place:
JOSEPH RYAN
Sarasota  FL

Joseph Ryan

Joseph Ryan graduated from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music with a Masters in Vocal Performance in 2006. He participated in young artist programs with Sarasota Opera, Central City Opera, St. Petersburg Opera, and the Opera Theatre of Lucca, Italy.  Most recently he performed as Alberich and Hagen with Opéra Louisiane in The Ring, a reduced version of Wagner’s Ring Cycle, and as Second Man in the Natchez Festival of Music’s 2013 production of Kiss Me, Kate. Other recent credits include Scarpia (cover) in St. Petersburg Opera’s production of Tosca in February 2013, the Sacristan in Tosca with Opera Naples in December 2012, and a semi-finalist in the 2012 Opera Birmingham Competition. Upcoming engagements include Morales in Opera Tampa’s 2014 production of Carmen and Sacristan in Natchez Festival of Music’s 2014 production of Tosca. For more information, please visit josephryanbaritone.com.

Among judges' comments: "Mr. Ryan’s voice is strong and resonant."


3rd Place:
ROCKY SELLERS
Memphis  TN

Rocky Sellers

Bass-Baritone, Rocky Sellers, has performed with various companies including: The Santa Fe Opera, Sarasota Opera, Regina Opera, Opera Naples, Opera Saratoga, The Natchez Festival of Music, Delaware Valley Opera Company, Dell'arte Opera Ensemble, The Manhattan Opera Studio, New York Lyric Opera, The Seoul International Program, the Manhattan School of Music Opera, and The University of Tennessee- Knoxville Opera. Mr. Sellers’ previous operatic credits show his wide dramatic range of both Bass repertoire as well as Bass- baritone. Roles including: Baron Ochs (Der Rosenkavalier), Banquo (MacBeth),  Dr. Bartolo/ Don Basilio (Il Barbiere di Siviglia) , Sparafucile/Monterone (Rigoletto), Leporello/ Commendatore (Don Giovanni) , Sarastro/ Papageno (The Magic Flute), Figaro/ Dr. Bartolo (Le Nozze di Figaro), Betto (Gianni Schicchi), Presto (Les Mamelles de Tiresias), Doctor Malatesta (Don Pasquale) and Wolfgang Big Bad (Three Little Pigs). He has received awards from The Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, the Grady-Rayam Foundation (winner), The Kennett Symphony Voice competition (winner), The American Prize (3rd place) and NATS. His 2014-15 season includes his debut with Connecticut Lyric Opera in their productions of Der Rosenkavalier as Baron Ochs and La Boheme as Alcindoro in addition to his return to Regina Opera to sing the role of Dr. Bartolo in Il Barbiere di Siviglia. Mr. Sellers is a graduate of The University of Tennessee-Knoxville and pursued further studies at The Manhattan School of Music.

Among judges' comments: "He sings with great passion and expression."

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Congratulations!

CHAMBER ENSEMBLE: Winners, runners-up

The American Prize is honored to announce the winner and runners-up of The American Prize in Chamber Music Performance, 2014. Congratulations!

Complete listings of finalists and semi-finalists in The American Prize competitions may be found elsewhere on this blog.  

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

The American Prize 
in Chamber Music Performance, 2014:
The American Prize winner:
ATLANTA CHAMBER PLAYERS 
Atlanta  GA

Atlanta Chamber Players

The Atlanta Chamber Players, a mixed ensemble of strings, winds and piano, were founded in 1976 and are now planning their 39th Season. ACP has performed in 250+ cities throughout the US, Europe and Mexico and reached millions worldwide through live international radio broadcasts.

The ACP’s broad repertoire includes traditional masterpieces as well as contemporary classics. ACP also has a long-standing commitment to perform the music of living American composers, premiering almost 125 works to Atlanta audiences, including commissions from Michael Gandolfi, David Amram, Anne LeBaron, Adam Schoenberg, and three works from Pulitzer-Prize-winner John Harbison. To promote new chamber compositions for mixed ensemble, ACP launched “Rapido! A 14-day Composition Contest” in 2009. Rapido has expanded to all 50 states coast to coast, leading to the creation of 1000+ new works by composers of all ages and resulting in premiere performances in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas and San Francisco.

Among judge's comments: "Performances of contemporary pieces are particularly colorful and free; this stands as a wonderful complement to an equally superb ability to interpret musical styles within tonal common-practice music." 


2nd PLACE:
Musicians from soundSCAPE
Tony Arnold, Thomas Rosenkranz, Aiyun Huang 
St Joseph  MO 

Musicians from soundSCAPE

Musicians from soundSCAPE is a flexible ensemble comprised of performers from the festival faculty. Soprano Tony Arnold is a first-prize laureate of the Gaudeamus International Competition (NL). Since winning the Classical Fellowship Award from the American Pianists Association, Thomas Rosenkranz has pursued an active performance career on four continents. Percussionist Aiyun Huang was the first-prize and Audience Award winner at the 2002 Geneva International Competition. The soundSCAPE festival facilitates the flowering of new music and the exchange of ideas and culture between musicians of tomorrow's generation. Each summer in idyllic Maccagno, Italy, the festival attracts composers and performers from around the world for two weeks of concerts, lectures, master classes and workshops. The essence of the festival is process and collaboration - soundSCAPE has been the starting point for new music initiatives that have flourished long beyond the festival, all around the globe. soundSCAPE is directed by Nathanael May.

Among judges' comments:  "The collaborative performance is superb, exhibiting balanced sound among all ensemble members, rhythmic precision, and musical expression suitable for the language of the compositions evaluated."


3rd PLACE:
La'Ventus Quartet
Alyssa Hoffert, Lauren Wasynczuk, Ben Carraher, Li-Chun Hsiao 
Hartford  CT

La'Ventus Quartet

La'Ventus Saxophone Quartet was formed in 2012 in Hartford, Connecticut. Alyssa Hoffert (soprano), Lauren Wasynczuk (alto), Ben Carraher (tenor) and Li-Chun Hsiao (baritone), met at the Hartt School having come from different parts of the country and the world.

The name, La'Ventus, derives from the Latin words "Latus," meaning "side" and "Ventus," meaning "wind." La'Ventus Quartet, therefore, means "Wind from four sides." La'Ventus is dedicated to combining classical, contemporary, standard, and new music to create a unique sound and a fresh perspective with the versatility and flexibility inherent in a saxophone quartet.

In addition to performing throughout Connecticut, La’Ventus has presented performances throughout the United States and Italy. As an ensemble, they are committed to the advancement of saxophone quartet repertoire and have commissioned and premiered new works by composers including Matthew Kennedy, Daniel Morel, and Thomas Schuttenhelm. 

Among judges' comments: "Musicianship, technical mastery, and collaborative unity are very strong; the ensemble is able to sound as if it operates as one polyphonic instrument much of the time."


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Congratulations!

PIANO WINNERS: college/university & high school solo divisions

The American Prize is honored to announce the winners and runners-up of The American Prize in Piano Performance, 2014, College/University & High School Divisions.

Complete listings of finalists and semi-finalists in The American Prize competitions may be found elsewhere on this blog.  

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

The American Prize in Piano Performance (SOLO), 2014—COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DIVISION:

The American Prize winner:
HYUNKI YOON   Kansas City  MO
Schumann, Beethoven, Prokofiev, Bach

Hyunki Yoon

Hyunki Yoon, pianist, is a native of Seoul, Republic of Korea.  He completed a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance as a scholarship recipient at Chugye University for the Arts in Seoul.  Winner of the 1999 Eumyun Piano Competition and the 1998 Music Education Newspaper Competition, he has participated in concerts as soloist, chamber musician, and accompanist in Germany, Korea, and the United States.  He completed a Master of Music degree in piano performance as a full scholarship recipient at University of Missouri-Columbia.  As a graduate teaching assistant there he accompanied Show-Me Opera productions and taught applied piano class. He performed the Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 1 with the MU Philharmonic Orchestra at the Missouri Theatre in 2011 and received Runner-up in the Missouri Music Teachers Association's (MMTA) Collegiate Honors Auditions in 2011 and 2012. In 2013 he was featured an Emerging Artist Competition winner at the Missouri Theatre.

He is currently pursuing a Doctor or Musical Arts in piano performance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he studies with Dr. Robert Weirich and receives full support for his entire doctoral program.

Among judges' comments: "...marvelous mood and spirit..." 


2nd Place:
GABRIELLE CHOU   Pembroke Pines  FL
Chopin, Ravel, Rachmaninoff, Beethoven

Gabrielle Chou

Pianist and violinist Gabrielle Chou has played on both instruments with numerous orchestras, including the Ars Flores Symphony Orchestra, Mihail Jora Philharmonic Orchestra of Bacau, and National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra. She is currently in her first year of undergraduate studies at the Juilliard School, where she studies piano with Jerome Lowenthal and violin with Lewis Kaplan. Her past studies include the Colburn Young Artists Academy in Los Angeles.

Gabrielle was the silver medal winner at the 6th Yamaha USASU International Senior Piano Competition, whose jury included legendary pianist Martha Argerich. She also received top prizes at the Young Composers’ Challenge, 10th Ettlingen International Competition for Young Pianists, NFMC National Composition Competition, 2nd Manchester International Piano Concerto Competition, and 21st Concorso Internazionale per Pianoforte e Orchestra Citta Di Cantu. Past festivals include the Aspen Music Festival and School, where she was a piano student and later a two-year violin fellow.

Among judges' comments: "...a wonderfully fluid technique and relaxed physical approach to the piano..." 

3rd Place:
INHYUN LEE   Brookline  MA
Bach, Haydn, Schumann, Bartok (Sonata)

Inhyun Lee

Inhyun Lee started piano at the age of five in her native South Korea. She studied under Alexander Korsantia at NEC, Young-lim Ham, Hae-lim Kim and Na-young Kim, and currently is pursing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the Boston University under Professor Pavel Nerssesian. Miss Lee was the winner in the American Protégé international piano competition in 2011 and performed at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in 2011. Also, she received third prize in the 1st International Keyboard Odyssiad & Festival in 2012. As an enthusiastic and passionate performer, she has presented many recitals and performed as soloist with many orchestras in major concert halls in Seoul, Gwangju (South Korea), Tokyo, New York, Boston, Aspen (United States), Italy and etc. She studied under John O’Conor at the Aspen Music School. She has also performed in masterclasses of John Perry, Joseph Kalichstein, Dang Tai son, Gary Graffman and Anton Nel.

Among judges' comments: "Excellent and well-prepared fugue with clear voicing throughout."



The American Prize in Piano Performance (SOLO), 2014—HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION:

The American Prize winner:
WILLIAM HUME   Carlisle  PA
Bach, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Lutolawski

William Hume

17 year old William Hume is a senior at Carlisle High School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and has studied piano for over ten years.  He has won various awards and competitions and has performed at the Kennedy Center, Weill Recital Hall, and on the National Public Radio Program “From the Top.” He was recently named a 2014 National YoungArts Foundation Winner.  William has performed as a soloist with several orchestras, playing concerti by Mozart, Bach, Grieg and Beethoven.  His other interests include basketball, running and writing, and he has earned a varsity letter in Cross Country and a Gold Key Award in the Scholastic Art and Writing Contest.  He is a member of the National Honor Society and volunteers as pianist at area nursing homes and the Salvation Army.  He is a student of Dr. Jennifer Blyth.         http://williamhume.com/

Among judges' comments: "...exquisite dialogue and or voicing between the hands..."



2nd Place:
BENJAMIN GITTENS   Mason  OH
Liszt, Scriabin, Beethoven, Rochberg

Benjamin Gittens

Benjamin Gittens is an accomplished pianist from Mason, Ohio. Benjamin has won numerous competitions, including First Prize at the DePauw Young Artists Piano Competition in 2013, First Prize in the Southwest Ohio Pre-Collegiate Buckeye Competition in 2012 and 2013, and First Prize in the Concerto competition for Keyboard Division which gave him the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Orchestra in 2013. He was a winner in the Dayton Public Radio Young Talent Search in 2013 and he has won several Merit Awards for piano institute attendance including the Ohio Federation of Music Club Scholarship for the Art of the Piano at the College – Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati and Merit Scholarship Awards for the University of Indiana Summer Piano Academy and Bowling Green State University Summer Piano Institute.  He currently studies with Dr. Jackson Leung from Wright State University.

Among judges' comments: "...excellent performance with clearly articulated fugue subject and artistically shaped musical phrases..."



3rd Place:
CHRISTOPHER SON RICHARDSON   Lake Forest Park  WA
Haydn, Bach, Chopin, Beethoven

Christopher Son Richardson

Christopher is a student of Duane Hulbert. He has appeared on NPR's "From the Top", KRCB 91.1 and KCTS 9 as a featured performer. Performing at the Finney Chapel in the Cooper International Festival's Artist Recital Series, his performance was broadcast live on WCLV 104.9. Selected as one of 2013 scholarship winners at the National Chopin Foundation, and a finalist at Curtis Institute 2012, he has performed in prestigious venues, including Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall, the 2000 seat Music Tent (Opening Sarah Chang concert), McCallum Theater. He was a prizewinner at the 2013 International e-piano and played with the Minnesota Orchestra, second prizewinner at 2011 Virginia Waring Concerto, Tureck International Bach, 2012 LA Liszt International. He won first prize 2011 Seattle International Piano, at the International Russian Competitions (2012,2013), Ross McKee, Berkeley Etude Club, Pacific Musical Society. He won third prize at the 2012 Lennox International Young Artists Concerto.

Among judges' comments: "...a spirited Bach tempo full of life and joy!"

*****

Congratulations to all!

ORCHESTRA: finalist ensembles

The American Prize is pleased to announce FINALIST orchestras for 2014 in all categories. Congratulations! All finalists receive written evaluations.

To know the exact date when WINNERS, runners-up and any citation recipients will be announced next month, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.

Please make us aware of any misprints in the listings below by emailing: theamericanprize@gmail.com

The American Prize in Orchestral Performance (professional division)

Jason Lim   McKinney & Frisco, TX
   Odysseus Chamber Orchestra
   Stravinsky, Piazzolla
Nan Harrison Washburn   Plymouth, MI
   Michigan Philharmonic
   Respighi, Brahms, Chambers
Diane Wittry   Allentown, PA
   Allentown Symphony Orchestra
   Corigliano, Ravel, Brahms, Holst

The American Prize in Orchestral Performance (college/university division)
"A very tight and exciting race in the College/University division. Despite differences in size and repertoire (some of it truly mighty, indeed), fine orchestras, all."—DK

Tiffany Chang   Boston, MA
   New England Repertory Orchestra
   Beethoven, Brahms, Haydn, Schumann, Elgar
Stephen Heyde   Waco, TX
   Baylor Symphony Orchestra
   Strauss—Ein Heldenleben
Chris Younghoon Kim   Ithaca, NY
   Cornell Symphony Orchestra
   Barber—Symphony No. 1
Ruth Lin   St.Peter, MN
   Gustavus Symphony Orchestra
   Brahms, Rimsky-Korsakov
Hajime Teri Murai   Baltimore, MD
   Peabody Concert Orchestra
   Prokofiev—Romeo and Juliet
Robert H. Olson   Kansas City, MO
   Conservatory Orchestra, UMKC
   Stravinsky—Le Sacre du printemps, Chen Yi
Bruce Uchimura   Kalamazoo, MI
   Western Michigan U. Symphony Orchestra
   Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn, Weber, Hindemith, Debussy

The American Prize in Orchestral Performance (community orchestra division)

Donald L. Appert   Vancouver, WA
   Clark College Orchestra
   Elgar, Prokofiev, Rachmaninoff
David Bernard   New York, NY
   Park Avenue Chamber Symphony
   Bartok, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven
Anna Edwards   Seattle, WA
   Seattle Collaborative Orchestra
   Bruch, Higdon
Lois Ferrari    Austin,TX
   Austin Civic Orchestra
   Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Holst, Marquez
Howard  Hsu   Valdosta, GA
   Valdosta Symphony Orchestra
   Tchaikovsky—Symphony No. 5
Elliot Moore   Detroit, MI
   Detroit Medical Orchestra
   Brahms, Respighi, Mahler
Ivan Shulman   Los Angeles, CA
   Los Angeles Doctors Symphony Orchestra
   Donizetti, Puccini, Mozart, Delibes, Wagner, more
Peter Wilson   Waynesboro, VA
   Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra
   All Brahms
Bryce Seliger   Forest Grove, OR
   Pacific Philharmonic
   Holst, Williams, Mendelssohn
Toru Tagawa   Tucson, AZ
   Tucson Repertory Orchestra
   Dvorak, Strauss, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky
Zoe Zeniodi   Miami, FL
   Alhambra Orchestra
   Tchaikovsky—Symphony No. 5

The American Prize in Orchestral Performance (high school orchestra division)

David DeVoto   Allen, TX
   Allen High School Orchestra
   Holst, Rimsky-Korskov, Williams, Tchaikovsky
Jonathan Handman   LaGrangeville, NY
   Arlington HS Philharmonia
   Dvorak, Elgar, Tchaikovsky
Shira Katsman   Bellevue, WA
   Interlake HS Chamber Orchestra
   Grieg, Tchaikovsky
Ryan Ross  Plano, TX    
   Jasper HS Legacy Orchestra
   Elgar, Beethoven, Dvorak, Haydn, Rachmaninoff

The American Prize in Orchestral Performance (youth orchestra division)

Suzette Battan   Tucson, AZ
   Tucson Philharmonia Youth Orchestra
   Elgar, Tchaikovsky, Strauss, Rimsky-Korsakov
Alyze Dreiling   San Diego, CA
   YPO Soloist Ensemble
   Vaughan Williams, Hailstork
Jonathan Handman   Poughkeepsie, NY
   Vivace of Stringendo
   Mozart, Vaughan Williams
Ralph T. Jackson
   Bridle Path/Montgomery Select String Ensemble
   Jenkins, Rossini, Anderson, more
Michael Webster   Houston, TX
   Houston Youth Symphony
   Mahler, Tchaikovsky
  
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Congratulations, all!

2014 PIANO WINNERS, RUNNERS-UP: Solo (high school division)

The American Prize is honored to announce the winners and runners-up of The American Prize in Piano Performance, 2014, High School Division.

Complete listings of finalists and semi-finalists in The American Prize competitions may be found elsewhere on this blog.  

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

The American Prize in Piano Performance (SOLO), 2014—HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION:

The American Prize winner:
WILLIAM HUME   Carlisle  PA
Bach, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Lutolawski

William Hume

17 year old William Hume is a senior at Carlisle High School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and has studied piano for over ten years.  He has won various awards and competitions and has performed at the Kennedy Center, Weill Recital Hall, and on the National Public Radio Program “From the Top.” He was recently named a 2014 National YoungArts Foundation Winner.  William has performed as a soloist with several orchestras, playing concerti by Mozart, Bach, Grieg and Beethoven.  His other interests include basketball, running and writing, and he has earned a varsity letter in Cross Country and a Gold Key Award in the Scholastic Art and Writing Contest.  He is a member of the National Honor Society and volunteers as pianist at area nursing homes and the Salvation Army.  He is a student of Dr. Jennifer Blyth.         http://williamhume.com/

Among judges' comments: "...exquisite dialogue and or voicing between the hands..."



2nd Place:
BENJAMIN GITTENS   Mason  OH
Liszt, Scriabin, Beethoven, Rochberg

Benjamin Gittens

Benjamin Gittens is an accomplished pianist from Mason, Ohio. Benjamin has won numerous competitions, including First Prize at the DePauw Young Artists Piano Competition in 2013, First Prize in the Southwest Ohio Pre-Collegiate Buckeye Competition in 2012 and 2013, and First Prize in the Concerto competition for Keyboard Division which gave him the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Orchestra in 2013. He was a winner in the Dayton Public Radio Young Talent Search in 2013 and he has won several Merit Awards for piano institute attendance including the Ohio Federation of Music Club Scholarship for the Art of the Piano at the College – Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati and Merit Scholarship Awards for the University of Indiana Summer Piano Academy and Bowling Green State University Summer Piano Institute.  He currently studies with Dr. Jackson Leung from Wright State University.

Among judges' comments: "...excellent performance with clearly articulated fugue subject and artistically shaped musical phrases..."



3rd Place:
CHRISTOPHER SON RICHARDSON   Lake Forest Park  WA
Haydn, Bach, Chopin, Beethoven

Christopher Son Richardson

Christopher is a student of Duane Hulbert. He has appeared on NPR's "From the Top", KRCB 91.1 and KCTS 9 as a featured performer. Performing at the Finney Chapel in the Cooper International Festival's Artist Recital Series, his performance was broadcast live on WCLV 104.9. Selected as one of 2013 scholarship winners at the National Chopin Foundation, and a finalist at Curtis Institute 2012, he has performed in prestigious venues, including Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall, the 2000 seat Music Tent (Opening Sarah Chang concert), McCallum Theater. He was a prizewinner at the 2013 International e-piano and played with the Minnesota Orchestra, second prizewinner at 2011 Virginia Waring Concerto, Tureck International Bach, 2012 LA Liszt International. He won first prize 2011 Seattle International Piano, at the International Russian Competitions (2012,2013), Ross McKee, Berkeley Etude Club, Pacific Musical Society. He won third prize at the 2012 Lennox International Young Artists Concerto.

Among judges' comments: "...a spirited Bach tempo full of life and joy!"

*****

Congratulations to all!

2014 PIANO WINNERS, RUNNERS-UP: solo (professional division)

The American Prize is honored to announce the winners, runners-up and citation recipient of The American Prize in Piano Performance, 2014, professional division.

Complete listings of finalists and semi-finalists in The American Prize competitions may be found elsewhere on this blog.  

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

The American Prize in Piano Performance (SOLO), 2014—PROFESSIONAL DIVISION:

The American Prize winner:
NASSIB NASSAR   Chapel Hill  NC
Brahms Third Piano Sonata (f minor)

Nassib Nassar

Nassib Nassar started playing the piano at the age of five with guidance from his father, who had studied under Zvart Sarkissian, a pupil of Marguerite Long.  At the age of 16 he began formal study with Francis Whang at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Nassar has performed the 32 piano sonatas of Beethoven in chronological order, in a series of seven recitals, and his recordings have been featured on WCPE radio.  He teaches privately in Chapel Hill.   www.nassarpiano.com

Among judges' comments: "The chords are masculine and richly colored, the sound is deep, the bass is always full and cantilenas always beautifully phrased."



2nd Place:
PETER MIYAMOTO  Columbia MO
all Brahms program, including Handel Variations

Peter Miyamoto

Peter Miyamoto enjoys a brilliant international career, performing to great acclaim in Canada, England, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland, China, and Japan, and in major US cities such as Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington D.C.  In 1990, Miyamoto was named the first Gilmore Young Artist.  He won numerous other competitions, including the APA National Fellowship Competition, the D’Angelo Competition, the SF Symphony Competition and the LA Philharmonic Competition.  Dr. Miyamoto holds degrees from the Curtis Institute of Music, Yale School of Music, Michigan State University, and the Royal Academy of Music.  Miyamoto’s principal teachers included Maria Curcio-Diamand, Leon Fleisher, Claude Frank, Peter Frankl, and Ralph Votapek.  Currently on faculty at the University of Missouri, Miyamoto formerly taught at Michigan State University, and the California Institute of the Arts, and is head of the keyboard area at the NY Summer Music Festival.

Among judges' comments: "There is a rich palette of sounds on this recording, from intimate whisper to the fully orchestral, “triumphant” sound so typical of Brahms’ piano music."


3rd Place:
JASON CHIU   El Cerrito  CA
Chopin Ballades

Jason Chiu

A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, Jason Chiu has been performing on the piano since an early age. He has received numerous prizes in local competitions, including first place in the East Bay Music Festival and the Memorial Scholarship Competition as part of the Music Teacher’s Association of California. While attending U.C. Berkeley, where he received his B.A. in Music, he performed as a soloist with the University Symphony Orchestra, and was a recipient of the Eisner Award for achievement in the creative arts. Jason earned his Master of Music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in 2004, studying with Sharon Mann. Since graduating, he has been teaching piano at local music studios and performing arts centers, as well as giving performances in venues all over the Bay Area.   

Among judges' comments: "...many original interpretative ideas and a very individualistic way of listening."


CITATION RECIPIENT: 
"Championing the music of Cecile Chaminade"
JULIA MORTYAKOVA   Columbus  MS

Julia Mortyakova

Julia Mortyakova has performed solo recitals and concertos around the world.  Music festival appearances include: Assisi Performing Arts (Italy), Musica Nueva Malaga (Spain), Zhytomyr's Musical Spring (Ukraine), and Natchez Festival of Music.  She was the 2012 winner of the Sigma Alpha Iota Career Performance Grant.  2013 included solo recitals throughout the United States, Italy, and concerto appearances with the Assisi Festival Orchestra (Italy) and the Starkville Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. Mortyakova is a graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, Vanderbilt University, New York University, and the University of Miami.  Additional study includes Aspen Music Festival, Eastern Music Festival, South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts, and Symphonic Workshops International Piano Masterclass (Bulgaria).

Dr. Mortyakova currently serves as Chair of the Department of Music at the Mississippi University for Women.  Her research includes applying the existentialism of Jean-Paul Sartre to piano teaching, and the life and music of Cécile Chaminade and Olga Harris.

*****

Congratulations to all!

2014 PIANO WINNERS, RUNNERS-UP: Concerto

The American Prize is honored to announce the winners and runners-up of The American Prize in Piano Performance, Concerto Division, 2014.

Complete listings of finalists and semi-finalists in The American Prize competitions may be found elsewhere on this blog.  

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

The American Prize in Piano Performance (CONCERTO), 2014—PROFESSIONAL DIVISION:

The American Prize winner:
KASANDRA KEELING   San Antonio  TX 
(Rachmaninoff—Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini)

Kasandra Keeling

Dr. Kasandra Keeling is currently Associate Professor and Chair of Keyboard Studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio.  As a soloist, collaborative artist, and teacher, she has traveled throughout the US, Mexico, Canada, and China.  In 2007, she was invited to be a visiting professor at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, China, as well as at Nanjing Normal University in Nanjing.  She has performed at Steinway Hall in NYC, at the Royal Conservatory in Toronto, Canada, and at the Teatro de Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico, as well as numerous universities, festivals, conferences, and private venues across the US.   In 2008, Dr. Keeling was awarded the Outstanding Collegiate Teaching Achievement Award by the Texas Music Teachers Association.   She received degrees in performance from the University of Houston and the University of Colorado at Boulder and her primary teachers were Janice Hodges, Nancy Weems, Alvin Chow, and Larry Graham.  

Among judges' comments: "The performance was seasoned and artistic..."



2nd Place:
WILLIAM HUME   Carlisle  PA 
Grieg A Minor Concerto, Beethoven Choral Fantasy

William Hume

17 year old William Hume is a senior at Carlisle High School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and has studied piano for over ten years.  He has won various awards and competitions and has performed at the Kennedy Center, Weill Recital Hall, and on the National Public Radio Program “From the Top.” He was recently named a 2014 National YoungArts Foundation Winner.  William has performed as a soloist with several orchestras, playing concerti by Mozart, Bach, Grieg and Beethoven.  His other interests include basketball, running and writing, and he has earned a varsity letter in Cross Country and a Gold Key Award in the Scholastic Art and Writing Contest.  He is a member of the National Honor Society and volunteers as pianist at area nursing homes and the Salvation Army.  He is a student of Dr. Jennifer Blyth.      http://williamhume.com/

Among judges' comments: "Beautiful tone and projected melody..."



3rd Place
HYUNKI YOON   Kansas City  MO  
Prokofiev First Concerto

Hyunki Yoon

Hyunki Yoon, pianist, is a native of Seoul, Republic of Korea.  He completed a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance as a scholarship recipient at Chugye University for the Arts in Seoul.  Winner of the 1999 Eumyun Piano Competition and the 1998 Music Education Newspaper Competition, he has participated in concerts as soloist, chamber musician, and accompanist in Germany, Korea, and the United States.  He completed a Master of Music degree in piano performance as a full scholarship recipient at University of Missouri-Columbia.  As a graduate teaching assistant there he accompanied Show-Me Opera productions and taught applied piano class.  He performed the Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 1 with the MU Philharmonic Orchestra at the Missouri Theatre in 2011 and received Runner-up in the Missouri Music Teachers Association's (MMTA) Collegiate Honors Auditions in 2011 and 2012. In 2013 he was featured an Emerging Artist Competition winner at the Missouri Theatre.

He is currently pursuing a Doctor or Musical Arts in piano performance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he studies with Dr. Robert Weirich and receives full support for his entire doctoral program.

Among judges' comments: "performed...with much aristocratic musical spirit..."

***

Congratulations to all!

ORCHESTRAL CONDUCTING: finalists

The American Prize is pleased to announce FINALIST conductors in the orchestra division. Congratulations! All finalists receive written evaluations.

"Many orchestral conductors have been advanced to the finals, all worthy of additional consideration and evaluation when taking into account their individual circumstances and performing forces. There are a number very fine conductors among them, technically assured and musically inspired—making for an exceptional competition."—DK

To know the exact date when WINNERS, runners-up and any citation recipients will be announced next month, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.

Please make us aware of any misprints in the listings below by emailing: theamericanprize@gmail.com



The American Prize in Conducting (Professional Orchestra Division) 

Jonathan Griffith   New York, NY
   Distinguished Concerts Orchestra
   Tin—The Drop of Dawn
Alyze Dreiling   San Diego, CA
   Cabrillo Chamber Orchestra
   Copland, Barber
Reona Ito   New York, NY
   The Reona Ito Chamber Orchestra
   Schumann, Shostakovich, Honegger
Jason Lim   McKinney & Frisco, TX
   Odysseus Chamber Orchestra
   Stravinsky, Piazzolla
Paul Mauffray   Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
   Hradec Kralove Philharmonic
   Janacek, Stravinsky, Mussorgsky/Ravel
Miran Vaupotich   Pecs, Hungary
   Pannon Philharmonic Orchestra
   Tchaikovsky, Piazzolla


The American Prize in Conducting (College/University Orchestra Division)

Tiffany Chang   Boston, MA
   New England Repertory Orchestra
   Beethoven, Brahms, Haydn, Schumann, Elgar
Jason Hong   Austin, TX
   Univ. of Texas University Orchestra
   Brahms, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Mussorgsky/Ravel
Chris Younghoon Kim   Ithaca, NY
   Cornell Orchestras
   Tchaikovsky—Symphony No. 4
Jeffrey Donald Klefstad   Pittsburgh, PA
   All Univ. Orchestra—Carnegie Mellon University
   Brahms, Dvorak, Mozart
Yutaka Kono   Burlington, VT
   The Univeristy of Vermont Symphony Orchestra
   Rossini, Mussorgsky, Wagner  
Ching-Chun Lai   Potsdam, NY
   Crane Symphony Orchestra
   Mussorgsky/Ravel, Dvorak
Joel Neves   Houghton, MI
   Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra
   Brahms, Debussy, Shostakovich, Rimsky-Korsakov
Kevin Sutterlin   Memphis, TN
   University of Memphis Symphony Orchestra
   Debussy, Beethoven, Britten

The American Prize in Conducting (Community Orchestra Division)

David Bernard   New York, NY
   Park Avenue Chamber Symphony
   Bartok, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven
Reuben Blundell New York, NY
   The Chelsea Symphony
   Copland, Henze
Anna Edwards   Seattle, WA
   Seattle Collaborative Orchestra
   Bruch, Higdon
Lois Ferrari   Austin, TX
   Austin Civic Orchestra
   Tckaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Gottschalk
Thomas E. Rainey   Round Rock, TX
   Williamson County Symphony Orchestra
   Anderson, Bizet, Grainger
Edward Leonard   Pittsburgh, PA
   Pittsburgh Philharmonic
   Wagner, Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, Stravinsky
Bryce Seliger   Forest Grove, OR
   Pacific Philharmonic
   Bruch, Mendelssohn, Saint-Saens, Holst
Toru Tagawa   Tucson, AZ
   Tucson Repertory Orchestra
   Dvorak, Strauss, Beethoven

The American Prize in Conducting (Youth & High School Division)

Thomas Dickey   Dubuque, IA
   Dubuque Symphony Youth Orchestra
Alyze Dreiling   San Diego, CA
   YPO Soloist Ensemble
Angel Velez   Santa Monica, CA
   Santa Monica HS Symphony
Michael Webster   Houston, TX
   Houston Youth Symphony

MUSICAL THEATER: finalists

Marilyn Miller

The American Prize is pleased to announce FINALIST Musical Theater Ensembles for 2014. Congratulations! All finalists receive written evaluations.

To know the exact date when WINNERS, runners-up and any citation recipients will be announced next month, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.

Please make us aware of any misprints in the listings below by emailing: theamericanprize@gmail.com


The American Prize in Musical Theater Performance
"Fine productions—a very difficult decision ahead."—DK

Heather Davidson, Betty Walpert   Augusta, GA
   Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School
   The Music Man
Kristina Keener Ivy   Covina, CA
   Top Billing Entertainment Performance Academy
   The Music Man
Rolando Sanz   Bethesda, MD
   Young Artists of America
   The Phantom of the Opera

STAGE DIRECTOR: finalists

Marilyn Miller

The American Prize is pleased to announce FINALIST stage directors for 2014. Congratulations! All finalists receive written evaluations.

To know the exact date when WINNERS, runners-up and any citation recipients will be announced next month, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.

Please make us aware of any misprints in the listings below by emailing: theamericanprize@gmail.com

The American Prize in Directing

Heather Davidson, Betty Walpert   Augusta, GA
   Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School
   The Music Man
Daniel Ellis   Minneapolis, MN
   Project Opera
   Griffelkin
Kristina Keener Ivy   Covina, CA
   Top Billing Entertainment Performance Academy
   The Music Man  
Linda Lister   Las Vegas, NV
   UNLV Opera
   Sancta Susanna, Suor Angelica
Rick Piersall   Abilene, TX
   ACU Opera
   Carmen
Rolando Sanz   Bethesda, MD
   Young Artists of America
   The Phantom of the Opera

OPERA COMPANIES: finalists

The American Prize is pleased to announce FINALIST opera companies for 2014. Congratulations! All finalists receive written evaluations.

To know the exact date when WINNERS, runners-up and any citation recipients will be announced next month, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.

Please make us aware of any misprints in the listings below by emailing: theamericanprize@gmail.com

The American Prize in Opera Performance (professional division)

Vicki Fogel Mykles   Fort Collins, CO
   Opera Fort Collins
   The Daughter of the Regiment
Maria Sensi Sellner   Pittsburg, PA
   Resonance Works Pittsburgh
   Macbeth
Lidiya  Yankovskaya   Boston, MA
   Juventas New Music Ensemble
   The Magic Mirror

The American Prize in Opera Performance (college/university division)

Beau Gabriel   New Haven, CT
   Opera Theatre of Yale College
   The Marriage of Figaro
Tracelyn Gesteland   Vermillion, SD
   University of South Dakota Opera
   The Medium
Rebecca Renfro Grimes   Huntsville, TX
   Sam Houston State University
   Dido and Aeneas
Dawn Padula   Tacoma, WA
   Univ. of Puget Sound Opera Theatre
   The Pirates of Penzance
Rick Piersall   Abilene, TX
   ACU Opera
   Carmen

The American Prize in Opera Performance (community division)

Mary Beth Sederburg   Pittsburgh, PA
   Undercroft Opera
   Carmen
Lidiya  Yankovskaya   Cambridge, MA
   Lowell House Opera, Harvard University
   A Midsummer Night's Dream

OPERA CONDUCTING: finalists

The American Prize is pleased to announce 2014 FINALIST conductors in opera. Congratulations! All finalists receive written evaluations.

To know the exact date when WINNERS, runners-up and any citation recipients will be announced next month, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.

Please make us aware of any misprints in the listings below by emailing: theamericanprize@gmail.com

The American Prize in Conducting (Opera Division)

Walter Morales   Pittsburgh, PA
   Undercroft Opera
   Carmen
Kira Omelchenko   Burgas, Bulgaria
   Bulgarian State Opera Company
   La Traviata
Maria Sensi Sellner   Pittsburg, PA  
   Resonance Works Pittsburgh
   Macbeth
 Lidiya  Yankovskaya   Cambridge, MA  
   Lowell House Opera, Harvard University
   A Midsummer Night's Dream

ORCHESTRAL PROGRAMMING: finalists

Vytautas Marijosius

The American Prize is pleased to announce 2014 FINALISTS in Orchestral Programming, the Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award. Congratulations. All finalists receive written evaluations.

David Katz, chief judge of the competitions, writes:  
"Ten semi-finalists have been advanced, each exhibiting exceptional programming skills, courage and creativity, selecting seasons apparently well-tailored to their individual situations. A very stimulating competition."

To know the exact date when WINNERS, runners-up and any citation recipients will be announced next month, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.

Please make us aware of any misprints in the listings below by emailing: theamericanprize@gmail.com

The American Prize—Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award in Orchestral Programming honors the memory of the great Lithuanian conductor, Maestro Vytautas Marijosius, music director of the Lithuanian State Opera, and for nearly thirty-five years Director of Orchestral Activities at the Hartt School of Music. The Prize recognizes and rewards the best achievement in the unique field of orchestral programming, where the selection of repertoire by knowledgeable, creative and courageous music directors builds orchestras and audiences, educates young people and adults, and enriches the community. 

The American Prize in Orchestral Programming
Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award 

Donald L. Appert   Portland, OR
   Oregon Sinfonietta
Robert W. Boardman   South Bend, IN
   South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestra
Collin G. Heade   Cannon Beach, OR
   North Oregon Coast Symphony
Tara Villa Keith   Sanford, NC
   Lee County Community Orchestra
Chris Younghoon Kim   Ithaca, NY
   Cornell Orchestras
Andrew Koehler   Kalamazoo, MI
   Kalamazoo Philharmonia
Steven Larsen   Rockford, IL
   Rockford Symphony Orchestra
Jaemi Blair Loeb   Danville, KY
   Centre College Orchestra
Tian Hui Ng   South Hadley, MA
   Mount Holyoke Symphony Orchestra
Nan Harrison Washburn   Plymouth, MI
   Michigan Philharmonic

BAND/WIND ENSEMBLE finalists: ensembles

The American Prize is pleased to announce 2014 FINALIST band/wind ensembles in all divisions. Congratulations! All finalists receive written evaluations from a member of The American Prize judging panel.

To know the exact date when WINNERS, runners-up and any citation recipients will be announced next month, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.

Please make us aware of any misprints in the listings below by emailing: theamericanprize@gmail.com

The American Prize in Wind Ensemble/Concert Band Performance (college/university)
"A very tight race among five fine ensembles, each exhibiting strong performances in significant repertoire."—DK

Daniel A. Belongia   Normal, IL
   Illinois State University Wind Symphony
   Dooley, Danyew, Magnuson, McAllister, Higdon
Jaclyn Hartenberger   Athens, GA
   Univ. of Georgia Wind Symphony
   Puckett, Nelson, Pann, Pryor
Dr. Chad R. Nicholson   Newark, DE
   University of Delaware Wind Ensemble
   Stamp, Whitacre, George, Ticheli
Stephen Peterson   Ithaca, NY
   Ithaca College Wind Ensemble
   Stravinsky, Zare, Milhaud, Bryant
Scott Weiss   Columbia, SC
   Univ. of South Carolina Wind Ensemble
   Dzubay, Ticheli, Rogers, Messiaen

The American Prize in Wind Ensemble/Concert Band Performance (community)

Harvey H. McIntyre   Hot Springs Nat'l Park, AR
   Hot Springs Concert Band
   Smith, der Roost, Akers, Ticheli, more
Ted Vives   Los Alamos, NM
   The Los Alamos Community Winds
   Maslanka, Hearshen, Wagner, Silvestri
King Wiemann   Binghamton, NY
   Southern Tier Concert Band
   Washburn, Holst, Mendelssohn, McBeth, more

The American Prize in Wind Ensemble/Concert Band Performance (high school)

Len Lavalle Pittsburgh, PA
   North Hills High School Wind Ensemble
   King, Mackey, Persichetti, Whitacre, Holst, more
Stephen Meyer   League City, TX
   Clear Creek Wind Ensemble
   Bates, Ravel/Sato, Shostakovich/Hunsberger, Maslanka
Teren Shaffer   Santa Ana, CA
   Frederick Fennell Wind Ensemble
   Markowski, Ellerby, Wagner, Boyer, Bates

BAND/WIND ENSEMBLE finalists: conductors

The American Prize is pleased to announce 2014 FINALIST conductors in the band/wind ensemble division. Congratulations! All finalists receive written evaluations from a member of The American Prize judging panel.

To know the exact date when WINNERS, runners-up and any citation recipients will be announced next month, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.

Please make us aware of any misprints in the listings below by emailing: theamericanprize@gmail.com

The American Prize in Conducting (Band/Wind Ensemble Division)

Charlie G. (Trae) Blanco III     Bloomington, IN
   Indiana U. Wind Ensemble Symphonic Band
   Gorb, Bryan, Nelson, Lauridsen, Turina
Brian Hughes  Davenport, IA
   Quad City Wind Ensemble
Corey Seapy   Ithaca, NY    
   Ithaca College Wind Ensemble
   Grainger, Copland, Neuman
Thanapol Setabrahmana   Cincinnati, OH
   CCM Wind Orchestra/Chamber Players
   Gould, Stucky, Saengkrai
Teren Shaffer   Santa Ana, CA  
   Frederick Fennell Wind Ensemble
   Markowski, Ellerby, Wagner, Boyer, Bates