It was just announced that William (Will) Gannon, sophomore, is the 2021 First Place Winner and Orion Kim, freshman, is the Second Place Winner of the prestigious Thursday Musical Competition, Senior Division!! This is especially sweet for a sophomore and freshman to sweep the top awards among juniors and seniors. Another sweetener is that Will’s brother, Charlie, a classical saxophonist and majoring in saxophone at the University of Minnesota School of Music, was the college First Place Winner in his instrumental division accompanied by none other than his brother, Will!!
Will is having quite a rewarding year. A member of our Student Roster for just 15 months, he has taken 1st Place in Thursday Musical, placed 2nd in Schubert Club, and was chosen State Alternate in the Music Teachers National Association’s National Young Artists Competition.
Orion has just accepted his first paid professional series of recitals! He will be featured in the Candlelight Series of recitals presented by Fever Up in Minneapolis. It is an immense undertaking. He will present the identical hour long recital 4 times in 2 evenings, May 6th and 7th. The recital will feature solo works by Beethoven, Chopin, and Debussy – and as a special treat – works by Couperin and Chopin with his mother, the great cellist, Pitnarry Shin. More details on the venue and time of the concerts will be announced as they become available.
Congratulations to Will and Orion! These are immensely gifted young men who work so very hard at their art. Will and Orion have been such bright lights for our studio in this dark period of the pandemic.
Yours in Music!
Joe & Jo Anne
