Judges named for upcoming 32nd Annual Young Texas Artist Music Competition

CONROE, Texas — “We are so pleased to announce this year’s panel of highly qualified judges," said Emelyne Bingham, artistic director of Young Texas Artists Music Competition (YTA). "Each one brings not only a wealth of knowledge and experience, but also a unique perspective to the panel. Erik Mitchko and Richard Giangiulio are returning judges, and the remaining three are new to YTA.”

Kay Stern is concertmaster of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra, a position she has held since 1994. She has been featured on PBS' "Live from Lincoln Center," CNN's "Women Today," and Minnesota Public Radio's "A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor."

William Wellborn is on the faculty of the San Francisco Conservatory and enjoys an active career as a pianist, concertizing widely in the United States and around the world. He records for the Marco Polo and Cambria Master Recordings labels.

Erik Finley joined the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in 2014 as its vice president of artistic administration. He has four years experience in artistic planning and orchestra management with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and The Florida Orchestra.

Richard Giangiulio is the music director of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra. He has served as principal trumpet of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and as the assistant conductor for its educational concerts.

Eric Mitchko is the general director of the North Carolina Opera. He was vice president of Columbia Artists Management in New York where he managed singers and conductors, and has served as director of artistic administration at the Atlanta Opera.

“I’m always so excited to see what our applications hold for us – many of which appear on the day of the deadline, New Year’s Eve," said Bingham. "Everyone else is watching the ball drop in NYC while I’m up late watching our online submissions roll in. It’s great fun! I wouldn’t want to spend my New Year’s any other way. This year we have 60 highly qualified applicants from 13 different countries, five whom happen to be harpists. It’s going to be an incredible year for us.”

The Young Texas Artists Music Competition is presented by the Montgomery County Performing Arts Society and is dedicated to celebrating and supporting the Lone Star State’s new generation of classical musicians.

The competition features musicians between the ages of 18 and 30 and who are Texas residents or students enrolled in a Texas college, university or music school. The musicians compete in their choice of four divisions: Voice; Piano; Strings; and Winds, Brass, Percussion, Harp and Guitar. Professional performance opportunities and $20,000 in monetary prizes will be awarded.

"In addition to critiques, cash prizes, performance opportunities and a professional photography package, we are pleased to announce the addition of our new mentoring program," said Susie Pokorski, YTA chair. "This exciting enhancement to our career development program is something we have been striving toward." Leading the new initiative will be the renowned classical pianist Jade Simmons, best-selling author, powerhouse speaker and arts entrepreneur.

The three-day competition culminates with the annual Bach, Beethoven & Barbecue gala and the Finalists' Concert and Awards on Saturday evening, March 12, 2016. Tickets to the gala and the Finalists' Concert and Awards are available at crightontheatre.org.

For sponsorship information, contact Susie Pokorski at 936-756-7017 or susiepokorski@gmail.com.