2008 Young Artist Competition Results

For over 30 years Music Worcester, Inc. has held an annual scholarship competition for young classical musicians ages 12-18, and open to residents of Worcester County. On Tuesday, May 6th, the annual competition brought 14 extremely talented artists to Alden Memorial Hall, WPI. Students, parents, teachers, judges, and representatives from Music Worcester were in attendance. Congratulations to all participants.

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 15, 2008. The winner this year is Mackenzie Melemed, aged 13, of Paxton. Mackenzie's teacher is Olga Rogach, a well-known private piano teacher from Worcester. Mackenzie has performed widely and has an impressive resume, especially for a 13-year old.

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 15 year old violinist from Westborough, has won the first of the prizes again this year ($950). Emilie's teacher is Magdalena Richter of the New England Conservatory Prep School and the Rivers Conservatory School. Emilie has also been a student with the Joy of Music Program in Worcester.

Qingyang Xi, a 15 year old pianist from China, is a student at Worcester Academy, and this young man has won the $775 prize. Qingyang's teacher is Sima Kustanovich of Worcester, another well-known private piano instructor, as well as concert pianist herself.

Christopher Bullock of Worcester, is 18 years old and a Burncoat High School student, where he has studied and performed as both a percussionist AND violinist. His scholarship competition performance was of the Bach Concierto in A Minor - on a xylophone! Christopher won the third of the Sylvia Gafvert Stubblebine awards ($625) and the admiration of all. One of his teachers at Burncoat High School, who recommended him for the competition, is Bill MacGillivray, Percussion Consultant.

Music Worcester recognizes the importance of showcasing young musicians in order that the present high standard of American music culture 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.