The Symphony of Southeast Texas is thrilled to announce the results of the 2024 Concerto Competition.
The first-place winner is flutist Claire Ren from Beaumont, a student at Monsignor Kelly High School. She has won the prize of $750 and the honor of playing her competition piece, Howard Hanson’s Serenade for Flute and Orchestra, at the Youth Education Concerts. Led by Maestro Chelsea Tipton II, the SOST orchestra will perform this concert on January 24, 2024 for area students. Ren also won third place in the 2023 Concerto Competition.
The second-place winner is pianist Cindy Yang of Beaumont, a student at Westbrook High School. She has won the prize of $500 playing the piano to Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.3.
The third-place winner is violinist Crystal Liu of Beaumont, a student at Westbrook High School. She won the prize of $250 performing Tchaikovsky’s Concerto in D major.
“I’m pleased to congratulate the winners of the 2024 Concerto Competition, namely Claire Ren, Cindy Yang, and Crystal Liu. At the Symphony of Southeast Texas, we believe that education is a crucial part of our mission. We are thrilled to highlight our first-place winner, Claire Ren, who will be performing at our Youth Education Concerts on January 24. It is important for talented young people in our community to inspire and motivate the next generation,” said Maestro Chelsea Tipton II.
We couldn’t be happier for these young musicians as they embark on their musical journeys.
They will be presented with their cash prize at the SOST Classic Series III concert on February 3, 2024 at the Julie Rogers Theatre. Funding for these prizes is generously provided by the Symphony League of Beaumont.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
2023 Concerto Competition winner: Matthew Lou
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