2016 Young Texas Artists Music Competition Winners

CONROE, Texas - Referred to as the "Cultural Jewel of Montgomery County," the Young Texas Artists Music Competition featured seven amazing and talented artists in an evening of wonderful classical music. The Master of Ceremonies, St. John Flynn of Houston Public Radio, and familiar face on the Downton Abbey after-show Manor of Speaking, presented each one with all the decorum befitting artists of their caliber. And the winners of the 2016 Young Texas Artists Music Competition are as follows:

String Category

Silver Medalist - Peng Wang, double Bass, performing:
Concerto in F-sharp minor for Double Bass and Piano Op. 3, by Serge Doussevitzky (1874-1951)
L. Allegro

Gold Medalist - Katherine Audas, Violoncello, performing:
Variations on a Rococo Theme for Violoncello and Orchestra, Op. 33 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)

Instruments Category

Gold Medalist - Rachel Knight, Harp, performing
Harp Concerto, Op. 25, by Alberto Ginastera (1916-1983), Liberamente capriccioso - Vivace

Voice Category

Silver Medalist - Lisa Borik, Soprano
“Chi il bel sogno di Doretta from La rondine by Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924)
“Je dis que rien ne m’epouvante” from Carmen by Georges Bizet (1838-1875)

Gold Medalist - Stephanie Sanchez, Mezzo Soprano
“L’amour est un oiseau rebelle” from Carmen by Georges Bizet (1838-1875)
“Cruda sorte!” From L’italiana in Aleri by Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868)

Piano Category

Silver Medalist - Robert Levinger, Piano, performing:
Piano Concerto No. 1 in D-Flat Major, Op. 10, by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953)

Gold Medalist - Xuesha Hu, Piano, performing
Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Op. 15, by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Allegro con brio

Grand Prize Winner - Xuesha Hu, Piano

The esteemed judges are featured in…Judges named for upcoming 32nd Annual Young Texas Artist Music Competition

Chaired and organized again this year by Susie Pokorski, who announced this year’s honorees ...Guy Martin and the late J. Ross Martin III. The evening included a barbecue buffet, lively Texas music and dancing, and a dessert after-party. Desserts were provided by the Conroe Service League. For more information about this cultural event see: Bach, Beethoven & Barbecue Gala and Young Texas Artists Music Competition March 12

Funding for the Young Texas Artists Music Competition comes from the community through YTA Circle Memberships, donations, and its gala auction. This year’s gala was co-chaired by Shana and Tim Arthur; auctioneer...Lyn Howard. Read more about the gala and auction at Bach, Beethoven & Barbecue Gala Announces Auction Lineup

Young Texas Artists Music Competition is overseen by the Montgomery County Performing Arts Society, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. To become a member of this esteemed organization call 936-756-7017, or visit their website at www.youngtexasartists.org. Also visit and ‘Like’ their Facebook page.