2007 Young Artist Competition Results

Music Worcester recognizes the importance of showcasing young musicians if the present high standard of American music culture is to be maintained. Through its Young Artist Competition, Music Worcester seeks to encourage highly talented artists and provide the winners with scholarship awards and performance opportunities.

For 30 years Music Worcester has held an annual scholarship competition for young classical musicians ages 12-18, residents of Worcester County. On May 8 th, 19 extremely talented artists competed at Alden Hall, WPI, playing their best in hopes of obtaining the scholarship awards. Students, parents, teachers, judges, and representatives from Music Worcester were in attendance as pianists, violinists, one violist and one percussionist auditioned.

The following scholarships were awarded:

First Prize

Music Guild Scholarship Award of $1,100 and performance as soloist at the Music Guild’s Spring Musicale in a Showcase for Young Artists at the Worcester Country Club on May 17, 2007.

  • The winner this year is Kazumi Shimokawa, age 18, a pianist from Shrewsbury. Kazumi’s teacher is Sima Kustanovich of Worcester.

Additional prizes

The Sylvia Gafvert Stubblebine Scholarship Awards, made available through the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. The winners of the 3 Stubblebine Awards are:

  • Emilie Campanelli, a 14 year old violinist from Westborough, won the $900 prize and has been invited to perform at the annual Beethoven Circle dinner and musicale on May 31 st. Emilie is a student at the Longy School of Music in Cambridge. Her teacher is Janet Packer.
  • Ronnie Lin, also 14 years old and from Westborough, is a pianist. She won the $750 prize. Ronnie’s teacher is Faina Kofman of Westborough
  • Mackenzie Melemed of Paxton, is a 12 year old pianist and the winner of the $600 Stubblebine Prize. Mackenzie’s teacher is Olga Rogach of Worcester.

Judges

  • Loukia S. Bitzas, Chair, Retired Director of Music/Art, Worcester Public Schools
  • Charlotte Baum Zax, Pianist, private piano teacher, recitalist/soloist with chamber groups
  • Douglas G. Weeks, Professor of Music, Worcester Polytechnic Institute