PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING COMPOSITION AND YOUNG ARTISTS FEATURED AT WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY ORCHESTRA FINALE ON APRIL 20

--The Orchestra at William Paterson University Presents New Jersey Premiere of George Walker’s "Lilacs"
- Young Artists Competition Finalists Perform

The Orchestra at William Paterson University will present George Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning composition "Lilacs," a work for voice and orchestra, at the orchestra’s season finale on Saturday, April 20 at 8 p.m. in the Shea Center for Performing Arts on the University campus in Wayne. Also featured at the concert will be Torke’s "Bright Blue Music" and the finalists of the Orchestra’s annual Mae and Fletcher Fish Young Artist Competition.

George Walker, a Montclair resident, was commissioned in 1995 by the Boston Symphony Orchestra to write the work that premiered the following year under the direction of conductor Seiji Ozawa. Walker is the first black composer to win the Pulitzer Prize in music. "Lilacs," while performed by orchestras across the United States, will receive its New Jersey premiere at this concert with soprano Faye Robinson as guest soloist. Robinson, an internationally known vocalist, premiered the work with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and subsequently recorded the work with the Arizona State University Orchestra on the Summit label.

Four young musicians have been selected to perform as finalists of the Mae and Fletcher Fish Young Artists Competition. The competition is open to high school-aged musicians in grades 9, 10, 11 or 12 and reflects the Orchestra’s commitment to promoting youth education and participation in the arts. The young artists are Jessica Wang, a cellist from Bedminster, Yoo-bin Son, a flutist from Ridgefield, Sung-woo Kim, a flutist from Tenafly, and Katie Owen, a flutist from Lebanon. The winner will receive a $500 cash prize, a four-year music scholarship to William Paterson University, a performance with the Orchestra and a performance on the Hobart Manor Recital Series the following season.

The Orchestra at William Paterson University, is supported in part by grants from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Passaic County Cultural and Heritage Council through a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State. In addition, the orchestra is underwritten in part by William Paterson University and supported by gifts from private individuals, area businesses and corporations. The ensemble has gained national recognition both for its excellence of performance and imaginative programming.

Ticket prices are $25 and $20 for adults. For information, call the Shea Center Box Office at 973-720-2694.
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FOUR FINALISTS IN THE ORCHESTRA AT WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY’S MAE AND FLETCHER FISH YOUNG ARTIST COMPETITION

Jessica Wang of Bedminster began studying the cello at the age of seven. Wang is a six-year veteran of the New Jersey Youth Symphony where she currently serves as principal cellist. Wang was a recipient of the Frank and Lydia Bergen Scholarship for three consecutive years. Currently, she studies with Andre Emelianoff and is a student in The Juilliard School’s Pre-College Division. Wang was chosen to attend the Bowdoin Summer Music Festival and the Tanglewood String Quartet Workshop. Summer plans for Wang include the International Summer Academy "Mozarteum" in Salzburg, Austria.

Yoo-bin Son, of Ridgefield, was born in Seoul, Korea. Son came to the United States when she was 14 to continue her flute studies that she began at age eight. In Korea Son studied with Eui-Kyung Park at the Yewon School. Once in the U.S., she studied in Florida with Catherine Landmeyer. In 1999, Son won the Florida Orchestra Young Artist Competition, was a featured soloist in a concert with the Florida Orchestra, and most recently, won the National Flute Association High School Soloist Competition. Son attends The Juilliard School’s Pre-College Division and studies with Bradley Garner.

Flutist Sung-woo (Steven) Kim is a student at the Manhattan School of Music Preparatory Division and studies with Keren Schweitzer. Kim’s credits include the New Jersey Intermediate Regional Band, Bergen County Band and, currently, the Manhattan School of Music Prep Repertory Orchestra. Kim recently performed in the Summit Symphony New Jersey Concerto Competition where he finished fourth. Born in Seoul, Korea, Steven now resides in Tenafly and is a ninth grade student at Tenafly High School.

Katie Owen of Lebanon is a flutist who studies with Diana Charos privately and with band director Aiden Giannelli. Owen is a member of the New Jersey Youth Symphony and has performed with the Central Jersey Regional Band, the Voorhees Wind Ensemble, and at the Annual Skidmore Flute Festival. Her master class experiences include sessions with Julius Baker, Bradley Garner, Jeffrey Khaner, Gary Schocker, and Joshua Smith. Owen is the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement in Instrumental Music and Outstanding Instrumental Musician awards, and a grant recipient from the Children’s Foundation for the Arts.

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2/26/02
For Further Information, contact:

Mary Beth Zeman, Director, Public Relations 973-720-2966