RENO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA NEWS RELEASE – Carmella Cao was the first prize winner in the Reno Chamber Orchestra’s 25th annual College Concerto Competition, which took place last Sunday, January 26 at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Nightingale Concert Hall.
Ms. Cao, now pursuing her doctorate degree at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and a former student at the University of Nevada, Reno, won the Competition with her performance of Carl Nielsen’s Flute Concerto. She will perform with the Reno Chamber Orchestra at the closing concerts of the Orchestra’s 2013-14 season on April 26 and 27, 2014.
The Competition’s second prize went to flutist Michelle Griffin, a student at the University of Nevada, Reno. Third prize went to trumpet player Jef Derderian, also of UNR.
The Reno Chamber Orchestra’s College Concerto Competition is the only competition of its kind in the state of Nevada. The participants, who must either attend a Nevada college or be a Nevada resident attending college out of state, compete for cash prizes and the opportunity to appear as soloist with the RCO in one of its regular season concerts. Competitors receive detailed written comments on their performance from the distinguished panel of judges. Past Competition participants have gone on to significant careers as soloists, orchestral musicians, and teachers across the United States.
Funding for the College Concerto Competition and for the RCO concerts at which the winner will perform is provided by a generous grant from The Bretzlaff Foundation.
