Young Artists Competition
Download the 2012 YAC Application
The LaGrange Symphony Orchestra began the Young Artists Competition in 1996 to encourage professional standards of performance among young musicians. Originally formed to serve residents or resident students within a 50 mile radius of LaGrange, the competition now serves talented young musicians from six southeastern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Each year the contestants perform before nationally and internationally recognized judges. The first place winner is invited to perform with the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra in the following concert season.
The founder of the Young Artists Competition is Barbara Connally Kaplan, an active member of the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors from 1992 to 2005. A LaGrange native, Dr. Kaplan (Professor Emerita, Auburn University) brought to the board thirty-seven years of teaching experience, over seventy years of performance, and extensive experience as a writer and editor of publications in the field of music and music education.
Dr. Kaplan holds the Bachelor of Arts in French with a performing certificate in Voice from Agnes Scott College, a Master of Arts in Music Literature and Voice from the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester, a Master of Arts in Library Science from the University of South Florida, and the Ph.D. in Music Education from Florida State University. Her performance experience includes several seasons with the Chautauqua Opera Company in New York, roles with the Tampa Lyric Theater and appearances in oratorio and recital through the United States. She has sung under the batons of such notable conductors as Randall Thompson, Pablo Casals, André Kostelanetz, and Wiley Housewright.
Participants in the Young Artists Competition compete for three awards:
First Place: Dorothy Allen Turner Award - $1,500
This award honors the memory of Dorothy Allen Turner, longtime LaGrange resident, devoted supporter of music in the community, and wife of Dr. Render Turner. Dot’s daughter and granddaughter, Isabelle Knight and Callie Knight Hammond, are both members of the LSO, and her son in law, Charles Knight, is a past President of the Symphony board. The Cash award of $1,500 includes the opportunity to perform as guest soloist with the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra.
1st place winner appears with the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra during
the 2011-2012 Subscription Season in Callaway Auditorium.
Second Place: Max Kaplan Award - $1,000
The second place award honors the memory of Dr. Max Kaplan. Dr. Kaplan, a university professor, author and lecturer, was a sociologist, violinist and member of the LSO board from 1992 to 1998. A resident of Meriwether County, he was deeply involved in LaGrange’s cultural life. His wide experience with orchestras as concertmaster and conductor, and as co-organizer of the famed Boston Youth Symphony, made him invaluable to the LSO board.
Third Place: NOTE Award - $500
This award was named by the donor, Eunice Connally Carr. The NOTE acronym designates an award which meets a Need, provides an Opportunity for young people, recognizes Talent, and rewards significant Effort on the part of the young performer.
Eligibility
Contestant must be under the age of 26 on February 5, 2011 and must be a resident or resident student of Georgia, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina or Tennessee.