Music Association of Minnetonka Hosts 34th Annual Young Artist Competition

For more than 33 years, the Music Association of Minnetonka has sponsored an annual scholarship competition for high school musicians in the greater Twin Cities area. The competition focuses on selecting musicians whose artistic qualities, potential, and desire qualify them to continue the study of music. The goal is to encourage young musicians to continue the tradition of music performance. This year, the competition takes place on Saturday afternoon, November 7, 2015, at the Saint Paul Conservatory of Music, in the historic Exchange Building in downtown St. Paul.

“This competition consistently attracts some of the finest musical talent in the Twin Cities area,” says Patty McPherson, teacher at the St. Paul Conservatory and Young Artist Program Coordinator. “Not only does it afford the opportunity for these young artists to be recognized and brought to the attention of appreciative music patrons, but also the invaluable opportunity to be featured as a soloist with a major community symphony orchestra.”

Participants must be a high school junior or senior and live in the greater Twin Cities area. They perform one concerto movement from a required repertoire list and then follow it with a contrasting work of their choosing. First through third place winners receive a monetary prize for their accomplishment. The first place winner also performs two concerts with the Minnetonka Symphony Orchestra.

Cléa Galhano, an internationally renowned recorder player and the Artistic Director for the St. Paul Conservatory of Music states, “This competition is a wonderful initiative that helps young musicians to improve their musical career by helping them set goals and thrive. I have had three students of mine win this competition and I have to affirm that this experience did change their life perspective regarding how to prepare for a competition and how to improve as a musician. I hope that new young artists and musicians can keep benefiting from this wonderful opportunity.”

Wayzata Community Church will host the first concert on Sunday, February 21, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. and Minnetonka United Methodist Church will host the second on Sunday, February 28, 2016, at 3:00 p.m.

The Music Association of Minnetonka, now in its 42nd season, is comprised of six choral ensembles (three youth choirs and three adult choirs), two orchestras, and a concert band. It has over 300 performing members ranging in age from 8 to 90 from over 35 surrounding communities. Established by Roger Hoel in 1974, it is believed to be one of the largest and oldest community music organizations in Minnesota.