About the Young Artists Competition
The LaGrange Symphony Orchestra began the Young Artists Competition in 1996 to encourage professional standards of performance among young musicians. Originally formed to serve residents or resident students within a 50 mile radius of LaGrange, the competition now serves talented young musicians from six southeastern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Each year the contestants perform before nationally and internationally recognized judges. The first place winner is invited to perform with the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra in the following concert season.
Competition Founder
Dr. Barbara Connally Kaplan
The founder of the Young Artists Competition is Barbara Connally Kaplan, an active member of the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors from 1992 to 2005. A LaGrange native, Dr. Kaplan (Professor Emerita, Auburn University) brought to the board thirty-seven years of teaching experience, over seventy years of performance, and extensive experience as a writer and editor of publications in the field of music and music education.
Dr. Kaplan holds the Bachelor of Arts in French with a performing certificate in Voice from Agnes Scott College, a Master of Arts in Music Literature and Voice from the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester, a Master of Arts in Library Science from the University of South Florida, and the Ph.D. in Music Education from Florida State University. Her performance experience includes several seasons with the Chautauqua Opera Company in New York, roles with the Tampa Lyric Theater and appearances in oratorio and recital through the United States. She has sung under the batons of such notable conductors as Randall Thompson, Pablo Casals, André Kostelanetz, and Wiley Housewright.
The Thirteenth Annual
Young Artists Competition
For Piano
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Callaway Auditorium
The Awards
Participants in the Young Artists Competition compete for four awards:
First Place: Dorothy Allen Turner Award - $1,500
This award honors the memory of Dorothy Allen Turner, longtime LaGrange resident, devoted supporter of music in the community, and wife of Dr. Render Turner. Dot’s daughter and granddaughter, Isabelle Knight and Callie Knight Hammond, are both members of the LSO, and her son in law, Charles Knight, is a past President of the Symphony board. The Cash award of $1,500 includes the opportunity to perform as guest soloist with the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra.
Second Place: Max Kaplan Award - $1,000
The second place award honors the memory of Dr. Max Kaplan. Dr. Kaplan, a university professor, author and lecturer, was a sociologist, violinist and member of the LSO board from 1992 to 1998. A resident of Meriwether County, he was deeply involved in LaGrange’s cultural life. His wide experience with orchestras as concertmaster and conductor, and as co-organizer of the famed Boston Youth Symphony, made him invaluable to the LSO board.
Third Place: NOTE Award - $500
This award was named by the donor, Eunice Connally Carr. The NOTE acronym designates an award which meets a Need, provides an Opportunity for young people, recognizes Talent, and rewards significant Effort on the part of the young performer.
Barbara Malis Award - $300
This award was originated by the LaGrange Woman’s Club in memory of the late LaGrange pianist. Mrs. Malis performed as a guest soloist with the LSO, participated in the music program of the First Baptist Church, and guided the musical experience of numerous piano students. The award was made possible through a benefit performance by David Malis of New York, son of the pianist and Metropolitan Opera baritone, and additional contributions to the LSO in memory of Michael Malis. When the music section of the LaGrange Woman’s Club disbanded in 1996, the LSO was asked to administer the award, a cash prize of $300 made to a competing musician who is a resident or resident student of Troup County. The winner will perform for a meeting of the LaGrange Woman's Club.
1st place winner appears with the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra during
the 2009-2010 Subscription Season in Callaway Auditorium.
Eligibility
Contestant must be a pianist under the
age of 26 on February 7, 2009 and must be a resident or resident student
of Georgia, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina or Tennessee.
Application Deadline: December 8, 2008 (for receipt of materials)
Future Competitions: 2010 for Voice and Wind Instruments , 2011 for String Instruments
Repertoire Requirements
- Repertoire for the competition must be memorized.
- Instrumental performances must consist of one movement from a concerto or comparable work and one selection of the contestant’s choice.
- Repertoire for the Barbara Malis Award should consist of two selections of the contestant’s choice. If the contestant wishes to be considered for one of the Symphony Awards also, then one of the selections must be a concerto movement.
- Contestants will bring for the judges’ use two scores of the selections performed.
- Contestants are encouraged to provide their own accompanist. An accompanist can be provided for a $50.00 fee.
Additional information
- Warm-up facilities will be provided
- Performance time should not exceed fifteen minutes
Application Procedures
Submit the following:
1. Official application for Youth Competition
2. A CD or DVD of two selections (see repertoire requirements above)
3. Resume of performing experience
4. Proof of age (copy of driver’s license or passport)
5. Non-refundable registration fee of $25, plus accompanist fee of $50.00 if applicable. Make check payable to the LSO.
LSO address: P.O. Box 2321, LaGrange, GA 30241
DEADLINE: December 8, 2008 (for receipt of materials)
Notification of audition times will be made on or before January 12, 2009
*****
Previous Winners
2008 -- String
1st - Matthew Allen
2nd - Elizabeth MacCorquodale
3rd - Yaniv Gutman
2007 -- Voice and Wind Instruments
1st - Andre Chiang, Baritone
2nd - Steven Naimark, Clarinet
3rd - Derek Fenstermacher, Tuba
Barbara Malis Award - Sara Breyfogle, Flute
2006 -- Piano
1st - Samuel Sterling Ginger
2nd - Jessica Tsai
3rd - Hae Suk La
Barbara Malis Award - Noelle Stephens
2005 -- Strings
1st - Ritchie Zah, Violin
2nd - Julia Yang, Cello
3rd - Alicia Enstrom, Violin
2004 -- Voice and Wind Instruments
1st - Sidney Outlaw, Baritone
2nd - Courtney Miller, Oboe
3rd - Laura Carr, Soprano
2003 -- Piano
1st - Roger Luo
2nd - Charles Chocallo
3rd - Slavik Gabinsky
Barbara Mallis Award - Matthew Yates
Questions: Please call 706.880.8351 or Application (PDF) Email: asellman@lagrange.edu or competitions@lagrangesymphony.org