The Calgary Civic Symphony presents its eagerly awaited annual concert, shining a spotlight on four remarkable winners of this year's Rotary Calgary Concerto Competition. On Sunday, June 2, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., the Jack Singer Concert Hall in Arts Commons will come alive with the sounds of these exceptional young musicians, accompanied by the full symphony orchestra under the esteemed baton of conductor Rolf Bertsch.
This year’s winners, showcasing an impressive array of talent, are:
Each soloist will perform the first movement from their respective concertos, promising an afternoon of exhilarating musical excerpts.
Austin Gao, a 16-year-old pianist, has been making waves in the classical music scene since he started playing at seven. Inspired by his older sister, Austin quickly demonstrated a prodigious talent, leading to mentorships with prominent figures like John Lam and Marilyn Engle. His accolades include a third-place finish at the 2020 Pacific Rim International Music Festival and the 2022 Canadian Music Competition. Outside of his piano studies, Austin is an avid clarinetist in his high school band and a diligent grade 11 student balancing academic pursuits with his musical ambitions.
Sacha Jorba-Wu, at just 11 years old, is a violin prodigy whose journey began at the tender age of five. By six, he had already made his solo debut. Sacha has earned top honors in the Calgary Performing Arts Festival and the Canadian Music Competition, with international performances at prestigious venues such as the Mozarteum in Salzburg and the Paulo de la Musica in Barcelona. Under the tutelage of Concertmaster Diana Cohen, Sacha’s remarkable talent was recently recognized with a victory at the 2024 Music International Grand Prix in New York, where he also won the Audience Favorite Award.
Benjamin Linton, 17, is a dynamic presence in Calgary’s music community, excelling as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player. His studies have been guided by esteemed mentors, and he is set to attend the McDuffie Center for Strings in Georgia this fall. Benjamin’s impressive resume includes top prizes at the 2023 Alberta Music Festival and the Canada West Festival, as well as performances with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. His growth has been nurtured through programs like Calgary Pro Musica’s Young Artist Development Program.
Chanan Ngo, 16, has garnered numerous accolades, such as the Frank Simpson Concerto Competition and the Rose Bowl at the Calgary Performing Arts Festival. As concertmaster of the Calgary Youth Orchestra since 2022, Chanan has showcased his skills at prominent venues across Alberta. His commitment to Canadian music is evident through his performances with the Kensington Sinfonia and their CD release, "Forces of Nature." Chanan is also a two-time winner of the Rotary Calgary Concerto Competition, securing victories in both 2022 and this year.
Since its inception in 1981, the Rotary Calgary Concerto Competition has been a prestigious platform for Calgary’s finest young classical musicians, providing them an opportunity to showcase their talents. Open to instrumentalists aged 18 and under, the competition features performances of renowned concerto movements, fostering the development of the next generation of musical stars. Notable past winners include world-renowned pianist Jan Lisiecki and distinguished cellist Luka Coetzee, violinists Isabella Perron and William Fedkenheuer, as well as Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra’s principal cellist Arnold Choi.
Mark your calendar to attend an afternoon of stunning performances and witness the rising stars of tomorrow as they take the stage in this extraordinary concert event. "Rising Stars" takes place on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. in the Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons.
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