Hosted by the Rochester Philharmonic League since 1955, the Young Artist Auditions is the region’s most prestigious competition for high school-age musicians, recognizing talent and dedication in Male Vocal, Female Vocal, Strings, Piano, and Instrumental categories. The YAA is judged by professionals in each field, with First Round winner awards of $750 and runners-up awards of $300 given for each classification.

Winners and runners-up then compete for a $1,000 Instrumental Scholarship, a $1000 Vocal Scholarship, and the Grand Prize, an opportunity to perform in concert with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

2023 Young Artist Auditions Winners

Grand Prize (an opportunity to perform with the RPO)

Winner:  Catalina Wooldridge, Cello, Grade 12, Williamson Senior High School, Rosemary Elliott

 

Aldridge-Tinker Scholarship for Instrumentalists ($1000 college scholarship)

Winner:  Catalina Wooldridge, Cello, Grade 12, Williamson Senior High School, Rosemary Elliott

 

Jan DeGaetani Scholarship for Vocalists ($1000 college scholarship)

Winner:  Charles Bohrer, baritone, grade 12, Irondequoit High School, Susanna Adams

 

Helen and George Greer Instrumental Award (Winner: $750, Runner-up $300)

Winner:  Elizabeth Runion, Flute, grade 11, Gates Chili High School, Diane Smith

Runner-up: Lina Yang, Flute, Grade 11, Pittsford Sutherland High School, Sophia Gibbs Kim

Honorable Mention: Sophia Chuang, Harp, Grade 11, Our Lady of Mercy, Elizabeth Ojeda

 

Mildred and Julius Ness Award for Piano (Winner: $750)

Winner:  Rebecca Lee, Grade 11, The Harley School, Jacob Ertl

Honorable Mention: Julian Chumacero, Grade 11, Victor Senior High School, Elier Suarez

 

Nobel Hirsh Award for Male Vocalists (Winner: $750, Runner-up $300)

Winner:  Charles Bohrer, baritone, grade 12, Irondequoit High School, Susanna Adams

Runner-up: Vincent Mussumeci, Tenor, Grade 10,  Greece Athena High School, Diane Abrahamian

 

Ruth and Sidney Salzman Award for Strings (Winner: $750, Runner-up $300)

Winner:  Elizabeth Norris, Cello, grade 12, Brighton High School, David Ying

Runner-up: Noor Rouhana, Violin, Grade 12, Fairport High School, Virginia Wensel

Honorable Mention: Jonathan Yi, Cello, Grade 12, Clarence High School, David Ying

 

Tessa Martin Award for Female Vocalists (Winner: $750, Runner-up $300)

Winner:  Rylee Pierce, Soprano, grade 12, Brockport High School, Teresa Ringholz

Runner-up: Sophie Hilger, Soprano, Grade 12, Brighton High School, Hannah Harrow

Honorable Mention: Tamsin Spiller, Soprano, Grade 12, Brighton High School, Susanna Adams