Bryn Mawr 'Young Virtuosos' Perform at Kimmel Center

More than 35 "young virtuosos," including Bryn Mawr's own Katherine Hung and Ethan Lee, performed at the Kimmel Center on June 19 as part of the "Young Virtuosos of Tomorrow" Gold Medal Concert, presented by the Nelly Berman School of Music in Haverford.

Hung, 12, and Lee, 13, were selected as two of the 35 gold medal winners from more than 250 musicians, ages 5 to 25.

"Basically, the focus of the competition was to provide something that Philadelphia does not have," said Elena Berman-Gantard, associate director of the Nelly Berman School of Music. "... It has given many students the opportunity to perform, and we hope that excites them, as well as the opportunity to meet with similarly hardworking and competitive students."

Students from six or seven states auditioned for a spot in the concert, including students from as far as California, and even international students. The school received audition tapes from students from Germany, France and Bulgaria.

"It was surprising," Nelly Berman School executive administrator Laura Zahn said. "We didn't really advertise internationally … [Jacobs Music Company, a competition sponsor] was kind enough to do a big mailing for us to its customers, teachers, and universities associated with them, so that was a huge part of our advertising."

By the submission deadline on April 4, 80 applications had been received. The deadline was extended, and within a week more than 200 applications had come in.

"It was one of those things that really snowballed," Zahn said.

A huge competition day was held on May 1, Zahn said, in which more than 200 students auditioned for the team of judges in their instrument category. The judges included internationally-renowned teachers, such as Academy of Vocal Arts faculty member Richard Raub.

Students placed in the bronze and silver categories performed at West Chester University and Villanova University in early June.

The gold medal winners had the opportunity to perform at the Kimmel Center on June 19, thanks to the sponsorship of Jacobs Music Company, which provided the use of the center as well as the Steinways on which students performed.

"There was very, very beautiful playing," Berman-Gantard said. "They are all phenomenal students."

Ethan Lee, 13, of Bryn Mawr, is a student of the Nelly Berman School. He placed first in the "Piano, Ages 10-13" category in the Young Virtuosos competition and had the opportunity to play at the Kimmel Center, performing Polonaise in Eb minor Op. 26 No. 2.

Lee and two other performers—Dina Malka Botwinik on violin, age 13, and Alex Wu on cello, age 11—also placed second in the chamber category, performing Mendelssohn's Trio in D minor Op. 49, 2nd Mvt.

"Music is many things, but to me, it's the one and only thing I can truly express myself with," Lee told the Nelly Berman School.

Katherine Hung, 12, of Bryn Mawr, is another student of the Nelly Berman School. She placed second in the "Piano, Ages 10-13" category in the Young Virtuosos competition and also played at the Kimmel Center, performing Chopin's Polonaise in C# minor Op. 26 No. 1.

“Music is the universal language through which I can connect with all types of people," she said. "It gives me the freedom to express emotions that I cannot otherwise convey in words. Music has changed my life, is a part of my soul, and has inspired me to dream. I couldn’t imagine my life without it.”