David Liam Robert, photo supplied
Earlier this month, on Saturday, April 22, 2017, thirty music students auditioned to become Virtuosi Concerts’ 2017-2018 Virtuosi Young Artists and eight winners were selected to perform in the upcoming season. For the first time in the Young Artist Program’s three-year history, all participants were eligible for an audition prize funded solely by donations from Virtuosi audience patrons.
“It is heartening to see how quickly our program has grown. With support from our audience, financially and enthusiastically, and interest from the young classical musicians of Winnipeg, there is an exciting future for Virtuosi’s Young Artist Program,” says Madeline Hildebrand, Virtuosi Concerts Young Artist Program Coordinator and VCI Board Member.
Each winning artist performs at the opening of a Virtuosi performance during the subscription season and will be featured in the Virtuosi Concerts program, they will also receive an honorarium and complimentary concert tickets. Auditions were held at The University of Winnipeg’s Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, home to the Virtuosi Concerts series since the hall’s opening in 1993. The auditions were judged by Harry Strub, Virtuosi Concerts Artistic Director; Madeline Hildebrand, Virtuosi Concerts Young Artist Program Coordinator; and Hannah Smith, Virtuosi Concerts Board Member.
The eight winners of the Virtuosi Young Artists for 2017-2018 are:
Indra Egan, piano
Benjamin Funk, piano
Juliana Moroz, cello
Alexander Moroz, viola
David Liam Roberts, cello
Christina Thanisch-Smith, soprano
Trio Dez, guitar ensemble
Paul Williams, piano
Virtuosi Concerts Audience Prizes were awarded to the top three performers:
David Liam Roberts, cello, $500
Christina Thanisch-Smith, soprano, $300
Benjamin Funk, piano, $200
The Virtuosi Young Artist Program also features the Winnipeg Music Festival’s Rose Bowl and Aikins Memorial Trophy winners.
For more information on the Young Artist Program contact:
Madeline Hildebrand, Young Artist Program Coordinator at virtuosiyap@gmail.com.
Virtuosi Concerts is The University of Winnipeg’s international recital and chamber music concert series, presenting artists and ensembles of national and international renown. The best of our own Manitoba artists are also frequently featured within the annual nine-concert subscription season.
