Competition News from the Young Artist Program

YAP Students Take 3rd Prize at the Johansen International Competition

Violinist Phoenix Avalon and violist Samuel Rosenthal – both members of Cleveland Institute of Music’s prestigious Young Artist Program (YAP) for high-school students – each won third prize at the Friday Morning Music Club Foundation’s Johansen International Competition (JIC) in Washington, DC. Avalon studies with Jaime Laredo and Rosenthal studies with Jeffrey Irvine.

The competition for young string players (ages 13-17) takes place every three years. It is designed to encourage young musicians with significant prize awards at a time when they need it most and when they must make decisions about whether to continue with their dedication to music. Judged by top professional string players, the JIC is recognized as a prestigious international competition for gifted young string players. Past winners have gone on to continue their musical studies, compete in additional competitions, and move into established professional careers. 

The Razumovsky Quartet Has Qualified for the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition

The Razumovsky Quartet — violinists Hana Chang and Phoenix Avalon, violist Samuel Rosenthal and cellist James Hettinga — has qualified to participate in the junior division of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition in May 2018. The quartet is one of 30 selected to compete, from a field of more than 200 auditions. All four musicians are members of YAP; the ensemble is coached by Annie Fullard, Director of YAP Chamber Music, and Si-Yan Li.

The Fischoff National Chamber Music Association sponsors the nation's largest chamber music competition, and is America’s premier educational chamber music competition. 

Just before leaving for the Fischoff, the Razumovsky Quartet, along with other YAP chamber music ensembles, will perform a concert on Tuesday, May 8, at 8pm in Mixon Hall.