FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bangor, Maine – February 17, 2024
Bangor Symphony Orchestra Announces Winners of the 43rd Annual Maine High School Concerto Competition
The Bangor Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to announce the winners of its 43rd Annual Maine High School Concerto Competition. This annual competition underscores the Symphony’s commitment to fostering musical talent and providing performance opportunities for young musicians in Maine.
“The musicians that participate in this competition represent the depth of musical talent the state of Maine has to offer,” said Katie Hardy, Education and Community Programs Manager at the Bangor Symphony Orchestra. “These students are poised, well prepared, and masterful on their instruments. I am blown away every year.”
This year’s competition showcased the remarkable abilities of high school instrumentalists across the state, with participants demonstrating mastery in a wide range of classical concertos.
- 1st Place, Annas-Cupp Award, $500: Michael Bostock, for his rendition of Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in F major, I. Allegro.
- 2nd Place, Friends Award, $250: Ronan Sands, with a performance of Saint-Saens’ Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor.
- 3rd Place, Friends Award, $150: Noah Smith, for his interpretation of the Mozart Clarinet Concerto, III. Rondo.
- Honorable Mentions were awarded to Sage Evans for the Chaminade Concerto for Flute, George Taylor for the Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, and Julia Truesdell for the von Weber Concertino for Clarinet.
The Bangor Symphony Orchestra extends congratulations to all participants for their exceptional talent and dedication. The Symphony is proud to have been a part of their musical journey and looks forward to their future achievements.
“I applaud the students, teachers, and family members who embrace the wonders of classical music with such apparent dedication and love,” expressed BSO Music Director Lucas Richman. “Presenting our concerto competition winner on our Young People’s Concert program is also a source of inspiration to young instrumentalists in our audience who realize, one day, it might be themselves who are chosen to solo with the Bangor Symphony.”
The first-prize winner, Michael Bostock, is invited to perform the Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra at the annual Young People’s Concerts. This performance will take place on Monday, May 13, 2024, at the Collins Center for the Arts, offering a unique opportunity for attendees to witness the burgeoning talent within Maine’s musical community.
The competition was open to high school students in grades 9 through 12, including those in string, woodwind, brass, percussion, harp, and piano disciplines. Eligibility required entrants to be Maine residents, ensuring the competition celebrated local talent.
The Bangor Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to continue its long-standing tradition of supporting young musicians through the Maine High School Concerto Competition. For 43 years, this event has nurtured the next generation of instrumentalists. The Symphony thanks its sponsors, judges, and all who contribute to making this event a cornerstone of musical excellence in Maine.
For more information about the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and upcoming events, please visit www.bangorsymphony.org.