How to go
What: Classical 88.1 Young Talent Search honorees’ concert
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, May 16
Where: Sears Recital Hall, University of Dayton
Cost: Free
More info: (937) 496-3850 or visit www.dpr.org
After screening more than 30 tapes and CDs submitted by talented, young classical musicians from greater Dayton, the radio station Classical 88.1 (WDPR-FM) has announced the winners of its annual Young Talent Search.
WDPR program director and midday host, Shaun Yu, originated the idea of a talent search as a radio host in Portland, Ore.
When he re-located to Dayton, he brought the program here. He said Classical 88.1’s search is not an American Idol-like contest but rather a recognition and celebration of young artists.
“It’s not a competition, per se,” Yu said. “Every spring we go on a search for the best young classical musicians in our area. We invite anyone 18 or under to submit a tape or CD of a performance. From all of the entries, a panel of judges selects six, and in this case seven, musicians that we felt were worthy of honor and recognition.”
The 2010 honorees are Christian Schorman, 17, double bass; Christopher Christman, 16, violin; Mariko Shimasaki, 14, violin; Jon McCulloh-Benner, 18, double bass; Benjamin Leung, 15, piano; Diana He, 15, piano; and Andra Bane, 14, oboe.
Bane, Christman, Schlorman and McCullogh-Benner are members of the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Shimasaki is a pre-college student at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Leung has won numerous state-wide piano competitions and has studied with pianist Benita Tse for 10 years.
Interviews with the musicians can be heard on WDPR’s ArtFocus which airs Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:55 a.m. and 4:55 p.m. The talents of the magnificent seven will be showcased at a special afternoon concert next month.
“The honorees will perform at a free public concert at the University of Dayton on May 16,” Yu said. “... It’s a chance for us to honor young musicians, to celebrate accomplishment and also our chance to give something back to the community, as well, with this free concert.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2167 or kmoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.
How to go
What: Classical 88.1 Young Talent Search honorees’ concert
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, May 16
Where: Sears Recital Hall, University of Dayton
Cost: Free
More info: (937) 496-3850 or visit www.dpr.org
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