Collin Jinks was named the First Place Winner, State Division, of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) National Young Artist Competition. The State Division was held in November at St.Olaf College in Northfield. Collin will represent the State of Minnesota in the West-Central Division Competition at the University of Colorado, Boulder, in January. In October, Collin played a stunning Chopin Scherzo No. 3 in C-sharp minor as an invited guest performer for Thursday Musical's Morning Concert Series. The concert was held at MacPhail Center for the Arts' Antonello Hall in Minneapolis. Also, along with his colleague, Nita Qiu, Collin has been named a finalist in the selection process for the venerated National Public Radio's (NPR) program From the Top.
Last night, our magnificent Noah Qiu received Second Place in the St. Paul Piano Teachers (SPPTA) Concerto Competition. He gave an unbelievably powerful and dramatic performance of the final movement of Brahm's Concerto No. 1 in D minor. Our beloved Saejin Yoo, who was a finalist, gave the performance of her life in the first movement of Grieg's Concerto in A minor. We are so happy that Saejin's beautifully textured and colorful performance was recognized and appreciated.
Finally, we are SO excited to announce that our great alumnus, Kenny Broberg, is coming to the Cities to perform for us at our "Home Base" of Schmitt Music, Edina. The recital will be the afternoon of Saturday, January 14 (time TBA). Having just won Fourth Place in the Sydney International Piano Competition this past summer, Kenny has reached the initial stages of the Van Cliburn International Competition coming up this June. His large-scale recital will feature many new additions to his burgeoning repertoire. We ask that all students and parents of Crocus Hill Studios reserve this date! I can guarantee an artistic experience that you will not soon forget!!
Yours in Music!!
Joseph & Jo Anne