The Symphony of Southeast Texas is thrilled to announce the results of the 2023 Concerto Competition.
The first-place winner is pianist Matthew Lou from Beaumont. He won the prize of $750 and the honor of playing his competition piece, Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto in g minor, at the Youth Education Concert. Led by Maestro Chelsea Tipton II, the SOST orchestra will perform this concert on April 12, 2023.
The second-place winner is flutist Beau Michaels of Nederland. She won the prize of $500 playing the flute to Reinecke’s Flute Concerto in D major. She also won third place in the 2022 Concerto Competition.
The third-place winner is flutist Claire Ren of Beaumont. She won the prize of $250 performing Perilhou’s Ballade.
The competition was open to all Region 5 middle and high school students. They will be presented with their cash prize at the SOST Classic Series IV concert, Fanfare and Fortitude, on April 1, 2023 at the Julie Rogers Theatre. Funding for these prizes is generously provided by the Symphony League of Beaumont.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
2022 Concerto Competition winner: Tristen Balsano
2021 Concerto Competition winner: Ethan Williamson
2020 Concerto Competition winner: Seth Weeks, Nederland, TX
2019 Concerto Competition winner: Nicholas Pfister, Bridge City
2018 Concerto Competition winner: Camden Brown, Bay City, TX
2017 Concerto Competition winner: Rachel Clark, Lumberton, TX
