44th Annual Young Artists Competition (YAC)
Strings and Voice
January 28, 2012 at Whittier College, Whittier, CA
Sean Fischer, 44th Annual YAC Strings Category Winner
Winners of the 44th Annual YAC!
Sashell Beck, 44th Annual YAC Vocal Category Winner
Two aspiring young musicians, a soprano and a cellist, won the Rio Hondo Symphony's 44th annual Young Artists Competition January 28, 2012, in the Chapel at Whittier College. A total of 25 musicians were registered to participate.
They are Sashell Beck, 25, soprano from South Pasadena, who placed first in the vocal category. Sean Fischer, 22, cellist from Long Beach, took top honors among the string players. Both have won numerous awards and have studied at the Coleman Conservatory of Music at CSU Long Beach.
In addition to receiving $1,000 cash prizes, the two winners will appear as soloists at the orchestra's "The Sea" concert May 6, 2012.
Placing 2nd among the vocalists was Xiaobo Su, 29, a soprano from Los Angeles. Taking second place among the string players was Kirby Su, 18, violinist from Fullerton.
Judges for the day-long event, eminent performers/teachers selected to represent expertise within the various categories, were: Dr. Robert Sage, Music Professor at Azusa Pacific University; Wayne Reinecke, Conductor Emeritus, Rio Hondo Symphony, and Ms. Karen Benjamin, Professor of Music at Pasadena City College. Chairing the competition was Bob Orpin, Past President, Rio Hondo Symphony Assn.