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 $500 and runners-up awards of $200 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.

2022 Award Winners

Grand Prize (an opportunity to perform with the RPO)

Winner:  Luke Pisani, violin, grade 11, Hilton HS, Shannon Nance

 

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

Winner:  Luke Pisani, violin, grade 11, Hilton HS, Shannon Nance

 

Jan DeGaetani Scholarship for Vocalists

Winner:  Aidan Eddy, baritone, grade 12, Greece Odyssey Academy, Judith Ranaletta

 

Helen and George Greer Instrumental Award (Winner: $500, Runner-up $200)

Winner:  Edward Wu, Saxophone, grade 10, Pittsford Sutherland HS, Anne Kunkle

Runner-up:  Michael Ortiz, Clarinet, grade 11, Williamson Senior HS, Andrew Brown

 

Mildred and Julius Ness Award for Piano (Winner: $500, Runner-up $200)

No contestants in 2022

 

Nobel Hirsh Award for Male Vocalists (Winner: $500, Runner-up $200)

Winner:  Aidan Eddy, baritone, grade 12, Greece Odyssey Academy, Judith Ranaletta

Runner-up: Michael Cullinan, Tenor, Grade 12, Avon High School, Susanna Adams

 

Ruth and Sidney Salzman Award for Strings (Winner: $500, Runner-up $200)

Winner:  Catalina Wooldridge, Cello, grade 12, Homeschooled, Rosemary Elliott

Runner-up: Noor Rouhana, Violin, grade 11, Fairport HS, Renee Jolles

Honorable Mention: Rebecca Lee, Violin, Grade 10, The Harley School, Renee Jolles

 

Tessa Martin Award for Female Vocalists (Winner: $500, Runner-up $200)

Winner:  Leah Brooks, soprano, grade 12, The Charles Finney School, Teresa Ringholz,

Honorable Mention: Julia Tooker, Soprano, Grade 12, Penfield High School, Diane Abrahamian