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.
The Symphony of Southeast Texas, embarking on its 71st season, is a regional, professional orchestra based in Beaumont, Texas. The Symphony performs a number of subscription concerts, educational programs and other concerts throughout Southeast Texas each year. SOST’s home base is the Julie Rogers Theatre in downtown Beaumont. The orchestra is composed of local musicians from the Beaumont vicinity, as well as many musicians from the Houston and Lake Charles areas.
For information on SOST’s concerts this season, please check our website at www.sost.org or call the Symphony Office at (409) 892-2257.
Michelle Walker, Marketing Director
The Symphony of Southeast Texas
4345 Phelan Blvd., Suite 105 Beaumont, TX 77707
Cell: (214) 662-2930 Office: (409) 892-2257 Fax: (409) 892-0117
Email: mwalker@sost.org Website: www.sost.org