Eleven young musicians have won the 2018 Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition, presented by the band and orchestral division of Yamaha Corporation of America. The competition for musicians between ages 18 and 22 recognizes students in the United States in jazz, classical, and contemporary genres. Contestants submitted an audio/video audition and support material that was evaluated by a panel of Yamaha Performing Artists and other musicians. Winners of the competition demonstrated superior technical skill and artistry on brass, winds, strings, percussion instruments, and piano. At the end of June, the young artists will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana for the YYPA Celebration Weekend, which will culminate at the annual YYPA Concert on June 25 at Emens Auditorium. The 2018 young artists will receive services and support from Yamaha Artist Relations and a professional recording. The competition is in its 30th year. Previous winners include Ricardo Morales, principal clarinet of the Philadelphia Orchestra; jazz pianist Aaron Parks; flutist Jasmine Choi; Matt Prendergast, principal percussionist for the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra; and Carol Jantsch, principal tubist for the Philadelphia Orchestra. For more information about the program, visit http://4wrd.it/YYPA.
Posted April 3, 2018
