Piano students score top prizes at seventh annual Hays Symphony Orchestra Young Artists’ Competition

Stanton Nelson, a KU sophomore studying piano performance, won the $1,000 first prize at the 2011 Hays Symphony Orchestra Young Artists' Competition. Nelson won for his performance of the first movement of Schumann's Piano Concerto in A minor, op. 54.

Andrew Petracca, a freshman studying piano, won a third place cash prize of $400 for his performance of Liszt's Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major, S. 124.

Nelson studies piano at KU with Dr. Jack Winerock and Dr. Scott McBride Smith; Petracca studies at KU with Dr. Winerock and Dr. Carol Ross.

The Hays Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition finals took place February 12 at Fort Hays State University. Past School of Music first place winners of this competition include Connie Mak (2009, piano); Christopher Nichols (2008, clarinet); and Emma Casey (2007, flute).

For more information, contact the KU School of Music at 785-864-9742 or visit music.ku.edu.