Chester Student Wins Scholarship in International Music Competition

The prestigious Philadelphia International Music Festival awarded over $50,000 in scholarships and performance opportunities this past year to young musicians who took top spots in PIMF’s Concerto Competitions, online and at its summer festivals.

Josiah Mendenhall, 19, of Chester, PA and a student at Cincinnati College-Conservatory, won an Honorable Mention in the Age 17-19 Division and was awarded a scholarship valued at $600 to PIMF’s intensive classical music training program featuring members of The Philadelphia Orchestra. Josiah performed a movement from William Walton’s Violin Concerto.

“I decided on the Walton violin concerto because I want to play lesser-known pieces by well-known composers,” Josiah explained. “I love the intricate melodic lines and the various layering Walton uses in his orchestration. My hope for the audience is that they buckle up and keep an open mind as they experience the dense emotional rollercoaster that is the Walton Violin Concerto.”

A congenital birth defect on Josiah’s right hand has never interfered with his playing and training, nor his growth as a skilled and affecting performer. The young violinist has his eye on an orchestral career, either immediately upon graduating from the conservatory or after, hopefully, pursuing a master’s degree at Philadelphia’s Curtis Institute. It’s simple: “Music is my life,” Josiah said.

Young musicians interested in working with principal players and other members of the world-famous Philadelphia Orchestra can find a summer music home at The Philadelphia International Music Camp and Festival this year. Chat online for additional information at pimf.org or phone: 856.875.6816.

ABOUT The Philadelphia International Music Festival:

The Philadelphia International Music Festival (PIMF) is a resident summer music program directed by Kimberly Fisher, Principal Second Violin of The Philadelphia Orchestra, offering student musicians from around the world the unique opportunity of spending up to four weeks immersed in music education and performance training with members of the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra.

PIMF offers summer camp programs both online AND live on Philadelphia’s prestigious Main Line. Since March 2020, PIMF’s online platform has expanded its training programs year-round with Master Classes taught by principal players and other members of The Philadelphia Orchestra.