The 2023 Young Artist Competition crowned two winners during an Honors Recital that was held this past weekend at the Reilly Arts Center.
On Saturday, January 14, piano, voice, and instrumental students between the ages of 15 and 25 competed on the Reilly Arts Center stage for a chance to perform with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra during its subscription concert in March.
The Senior Division featured four performers: 21-year-old Jordan McCready (mezzo-soprano), 20-year-old Lillian Yim (cello), 24-year-old Owen Nichols (saxophone), and 25-year-old Jay Julio (viola).
The Junior Division also featured four performers: 17-year-old Isabelle Tseng (violin), 16-year-old Matthew Phan (piano), 15-year-old Rianne Lee (cello), and 16-year-old Sophie De (violin).
After the performers took the stage, the two winners were announced: Jay Julio (25) won the Senior Division with his performance of Viola Concerto by William Walton, and Isabelle Tseng (17) won the Junior Division with her rendition of Tzigane by Maurice Ravel.
Julio and Tseng both received a cash prize of $1,800. Additionally, they will get to perform their concerto live with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra during its subscription concert “Youthful Renderings” at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 19.
For more information, visit the Reilly Arts Center website.