LHS Junior Wins Southwest Symphony Orchestra Youth Competition

LEMONT, IL — Lemont High School junior Destina Sarussi has been named as the winner of the 2023 Southwest Symphony Orchestra Youth Concerto competition, according to a news release from the orchestra.

Destina, a flutist, has studied under Jennifer Gosack Darwell, and has appeared as principal flutist of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra's flagship ensemble and chamber orchestra, according to a news release. Most recently, Destina won first prize in the Senior Division of the 2022 Chicago Flute Club competition and second prize in the 2022 National Flute Association High School soloist competition.

Destina, who serves as head drum major of the Lemont High School Marching Band, has also played in the ILMEA All-State honors orchestra in 2022 and 2023 after being selected as principal flutist of the 2020, 2021, and 2022 ILMEA District 1 Senior Orchestra.

At the Southwest Symphony Orchestra's March 5 concert, Destina will be performing the first movement of the Concerto for Flute & Orchestra by Lowell Liebermann. The concert will be held at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights.