YOUNG CONCERT ARTISTS, INC. CELEBRATES FIFTY YEARS OF LAUNCHING THE WORLD’S BRIGHTEST CLASSICAL MUSICIANS WITH A SEASON OF HISTORIC EVENTS
“For an impressive number of highly talented performers, Young Concert Artists has meant the chance to be heard. For each of them, and our musical life in general, this organization fulfills a vital function.”
– Leonard Bernstein
Throughout the 2010-2011 season, Young Concert Artists celebrates its 50th anniversary with a year of concerts, special events and important firsts.
A Distinguished History
Founded in 1961 by the formidable and tireless director Susan Wadsworth – who still leads the organization today – YCA holds a venerable place in the world of classical music. For fifty seasons, Young Concert Artists has been discovering musicians of great talent, launching careers and invigorating the cultural life of our country. Beloved by the world’s most respected musical icons past and present, Young Concert Artists has been praised byBeverly Sills who said, “no music organization has a more stunning record for introducing exciting, young artists than Young Concert Artists,” while Yo-Yo Ma stated simply that “the music world would surely be a poorer place without YCA.”
This non-profit has had a pervasive impact on all facets of classical music with YCA alumni performing as renowned soloists, chamber musicians, conductors and composers, becoming sought-after teachers, founding chamber ensembles and directing music festivals throughout the country. More than 200 artists, including pianists Emanuel Ax, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Murray Perahia, Christopher O’Riley, Jeremy Denk, Anne-Marie McDermott and Richard Goode; soprano Dawn Upshaw; composers Mason Bates and Kevin Puts; violinists Pinchas Zukerman, Anne Akiko Meyers, Ani and Ida Kavafian and Chee-Yun; flutists Eugenia Zukerman and Paula Robison; and the St. Lawrence, Borromeo and Tokyo String Quartets, to name just a few, have achieved important careers.
The winners of the annual and unique Young Concert Artists International Auditions receive a prize program unlike any other. In addition to the arrangement of debut recitals, the organization provides the opportunity for exceptional artists to step onto the stages of the concert world. Each artist receives management, publicity services, booking and career guidance for three or more years. The bond between Young Concert Artists and the chosen musicians since 1961 continues long into a career, providing a lively network in the classical music community.
Auditions Finals Open to Public
YCA selects its artists through the annual Young Concert Artists International Auditions. Adjudicated by a distinguished panel of performing musicians, often including YCA alumni, the auditions are considered among the most selective in the world. As part of YCA’s 50th Anniversary special events, on November 6, 2010 at the 92nd Street Y, YCA opens the doors for the Auditions Finals to the general public for the first time. New and curious music lovers will have the chance to be present at the process and hear some of the young musicians who will become the next generation of classical music’s stars.
50th Anniversary Season Debuts
YCA’s first gifts to the Winners of the Young Concert Artists International Auditions are debut concerts, and this year is no exception with the New York, Washington, DC and Boston debuts of four rising stars: 17-year-old American violinist Caroline Goulding, 21-year-old American pianist Charlie Albright, 26-year-old Belarussian flutist Aleksandr Haskin, and 25-year-old American mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson (dates and venues below).
Additionally, YCA’s prestigious Michaels Award is presenting the 27 year-old Russian pianist Gleb Ivanov in his Lincoln Center recital debut at Alice Tully Hall. The award – which is never given more than twice or three times in a decade – is for an artist on the Young Concert Artists roster whom the organization feels is on the verge of a major career. Previous recipients of the Michaels Award include pianist Emanuel Ax and cellist Carter Brey.
50th Anniversary Collaborations and Special Events:
Musical Marathon at Symphony Space
100 Musicians from every year in YCA’s 50 year history will come together in a 12-hour Musical Marathon at New York’s Symphony Space on February 19th. Beginning at 11am, artists from Emanuel Ax to Eugenia Zukerman will take part in a marathon of glorious music-making. The day will be free of charge and open to the public, in the spirit of Symphony Space’s popular Wall-to-Wall programs.
Young Concert Artists 50th Anniversary Gala
On Tuesday, March 29th, 2011, YCA will hold a gala concert at the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center. YCA Alumnus Pinchas Zukerman will lead the Orchestra of St. Luke’s with soloists and YCA Alumni mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke; clarinetist Jose Franch-Ballester; flutist Aleksandr Haskin; violinists Chee-Yun, Tim Fain, Karen Gomyo, Caroline Goulding, Bella Hristova and Daniel Phillips; pianists Ran Dank, Chu-Fang Huang, Anne-Marie McDermott, Adam Neiman, Vassily Primakov and Vassilis Varvaresos; and harpsichordist Anthony Newman.
ENCORES Series
In collaboration with the Morgan Library and Museum, the Young Concert Artists Series is again presenting ENCORES: three Wednesday noon-time recitals presenting pianist Ran Dank (December 15th), violinist Hahn-Bin (January 19th), and cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan (February 9th).
French Stars of YCA
On Wednesday, April 20th, YCA, together with the French Institute/Alliance Française (FIAF), will join together for the first time to present an evening celebrating the artistry of French alumni of YCA. Jean Efflam-Bavouzet, pianist and the Modigliani String Quartet will perform on this evening of French Stars at FIAF’s Florence Gould Hall.
YCA’s Alexander Kasza-Kasser Prize Recipients Concert
The Alexander Kasza-Kasser Prize, endowed by Dr. Kasser’s family in 1999, presents the Kennedy Center debut of a new winner of the Young Concert Artists International Auditions each year, with the artist designated by Mary Mochary, Dr. Kasser’s daughter. This year, Montclair State University, in conjunction with YCA, will present a concert of four past prize winners at their theater dedicated to Alexander Kasza-Kasser, a distinguished humanitarian, philanthropist and art collector.
Young Concert Artists 50th Anniversary Season Special Events
Sunday, October 10
YCA’s Alexander Kasza-Kasser Prize Recipients Concert
Presented by Montclair State University in the Alexander Kasser Theater, Montclair, NJ
Benjamin Moser, piano; Jose Franch-Ballester, clarinet; Wonny Song, piano; Courtenay Budd, soprano
3 pm
Saturday, November 6
The Finals of the YCA International Auditions
10 am - 6 pm at the 92nd Street Y
Saturday, February 19
A Musical Marathon
11 am - 11 pm, Symphony Space, Broadway at 95th Street
Wednesday, April 20
French Stars of YCA
Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, piano and the Modigliani String Quartet
French Institute/Alliance Française – Florence Gould Hall
7:30 pm
50TH YOUNG CONCERT ARTISTS SERIES
In New York, Washington DC and Boston
Gala Openings
CAROLINE GOULDING, violin
Shuai Wang, piano
Tuesday, October 12
New York Debut
Merkin Concert Hall
Special Guest: Scott St. John, violin (YCA Alumnus)
The Rhoda Walker Teagle Concert/The Helen Armstrong Fellowship
7:30 pm
Friday, October 22
Washington Debut
Kennedy Center – Terrace Theater
Co-presented by Washington Performing Arts Society
7:30 pm
Sunday, December 5
Boston Debut
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
1:30 pm
CHARLIE ALBRIGHT, piano
Sunday, October 31
Boston Debut
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
1:30 pm
Monday, February 14
Washington Debut
Kennedy Center – Terrace Theater
New work by Chris Rogerson, YCA Composer-in-Residence
Special Guest: Anne-Marie McDermott, piano (YCA Alumna)
The Alexander Kasza-Kasser Concert
7:30 pm
Tuesday, March 8
New York Debut
Merkin Concert Hall
New work by Chris Rogerson, YCA Composer-in-Residence
Special Guest: Anne-Marie McDermott, piano (YCA Alumna)
The Summis Auspiciis Concert
7:30 pm
GLEB IVANOV, piano
Wednesday, December 1
The Michaels Award
Lincoln Center Recital Debut at Alice Tully Hall
Special Guest: Carter Brey, cello (YCA Alumnus)
7:30 pm
Wednesday, December 8
Washington
Kennedy Center – Terrace Theater
Special Guest: Carter Brey, cello (YCA Alumnus)
7:30 pm
ALEKSANDR HASKIN, flute
Steven Beck, piano
Monday, January 24
Washington Debut
Kennedy Center – Terrace Theater
7:30 pm
Monday, Jan 31
New York Debut
Merkin Concert Hall
Special Guests: Anne Akiko Meyers, violin (YCA Alumna)
Ronald Thomas, cello (YCA Alumnus)
The Peter Jay Sharp Concert
7:30 pm
A Gala Evening at the Rose Theater – Jazz at Lincoln Center
Tuesday, March 29
Pinchas Zukerman, conductor/Orchestra of St. Luke’s
Sasha Cooke, mezzo-soprano, Jose Franch-Ballester, clarinet, Aleksandr Haskin, flute, Chee-Yun, violin, Tim Fain, violin, Karen Gomyo, violin, Caroline Goulding, violin, Bella Hristova, violin, Daniel Phillips, violin, Ran Dank, piano, Chu-Fang Huang, piano, Anne-Marie McDermott, piano, Adam Neiman, piano, Vassily Primakov, piano, Vassilis Varvaresos, piano, Anthony Newman, harpsichord
7 pm
JENNIFER JOHNSON, Mezzo-soprano
Christopher Cano, piano
Monday, April 11
Washington Debut
Kennedy Center – Terrace Theater
7:30 pm
Monday, May 2
New York Debut
Merkin Concert Hall
Guest Artist: Gwyneth Wentink, harp (YCA alumna)
The Peter Marino Concert
7:30 pm
For more about Young Concert Artist’s 50th Anniversary Season, please visit www.yca.org.
– Leonard Bernstein
Throughout the 2010-2011 season, Young Concert Artists celebrates its 50th anniversary with a year of concerts, special events and important firsts.
A Distinguished History
Founded in 1961 by the formidable and tireless director Susan Wadsworth – who still leads the organization today – YCA holds a venerable place in the world of classical music. For fifty seasons, Young Concert Artists has been discovering musicians of great talent, launching careers and invigorating the cultural life of our country. Beloved by the world’s most respected musical icons past and present, Young Concert Artists has been praised byBeverly Sills who said, “no music organization has a more stunning record for introducing exciting, young artists than Young Concert Artists,” while Yo-Yo Ma stated simply that “the music world would surely be a poorer place without YCA.”
This non-profit has had a pervasive impact on all facets of classical music with YCA alumni performing as renowned soloists, chamber musicians, conductors and composers, becoming sought-after teachers, founding chamber ensembles and directing music festivals throughout the country. More than 200 artists, including pianists Emanuel Ax, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Murray Perahia, Christopher O’Riley, Jeremy Denk, Anne-Marie McDermott and Richard Goode; soprano Dawn Upshaw; composers Mason Bates and Kevin Puts; violinists Pinchas Zukerman, Anne Akiko Meyers, Ani and Ida Kavafian and Chee-Yun; flutists Eugenia Zukerman and Paula Robison; and the St. Lawrence, Borromeo and Tokyo String Quartets, to name just a few, have achieved important careers.
The winners of the annual and unique Young Concert Artists International Auditions receive a prize program unlike any other. In addition to the arrangement of debut recitals, the organization provides the opportunity for exceptional artists to step onto the stages of the concert world. Each artist receives management, publicity services, booking and career guidance for three or more years. The bond between Young Concert Artists and the chosen musicians since 1961 continues long into a career, providing a lively network in the classical music community.
Auditions Finals Open to Public
YCA selects its artists through the annual Young Concert Artists International Auditions. Adjudicated by a distinguished panel of performing musicians, often including YCA alumni, the auditions are considered among the most selective in the world. As part of YCA’s 50th Anniversary special events, on November 6, 2010 at the 92nd Street Y, YCA opens the doors for the Auditions Finals to the general public for the first time. New and curious music lovers will have the chance to be present at the process and hear some of the young musicians who will become the next generation of classical music’s stars.
50th Anniversary Season Debuts
YCA’s first gifts to the Winners of the Young Concert Artists International Auditions are debut concerts, and this year is no exception with the New York, Washington, DC and Boston debuts of four rising stars: 17-year-old American violinist Caroline Goulding, 21-year-old American pianist Charlie Albright, 26-year-old Belarussian flutist Aleksandr Haskin, and 25-year-old American mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson (dates and venues below).
Additionally, YCA’s prestigious Michaels Award is presenting the 27 year-old Russian pianist Gleb Ivanov in his Lincoln Center recital debut at Alice Tully Hall. The award – which is never given more than twice or three times in a decade – is for an artist on the Young Concert Artists roster whom the organization feels is on the verge of a major career. Previous recipients of the Michaels Award include pianist Emanuel Ax and cellist Carter Brey.
50th Anniversary Collaborations and Special Events:
Musical Marathon at Symphony Space
100 Musicians from every year in YCA’s 50 year history will come together in a 12-hour Musical Marathon at New York’s Symphony Space on February 19th. Beginning at 11am, artists from Emanuel Ax to Eugenia Zukerman will take part in a marathon of glorious music-making. The day will be free of charge and open to the public, in the spirit of Symphony Space’s popular Wall-to-Wall programs.
Young Concert Artists 50th Anniversary Gala
On Tuesday, March 29th, 2011, YCA will hold a gala concert at the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center. YCA Alumnus Pinchas Zukerman will lead the Orchestra of St. Luke’s with soloists and YCA Alumni mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke; clarinetist Jose Franch-Ballester; flutist Aleksandr Haskin; violinists Chee-Yun, Tim Fain, Karen Gomyo, Caroline Goulding, Bella Hristova and Daniel Phillips; pianists Ran Dank, Chu-Fang Huang, Anne-Marie McDermott, Adam Neiman, Vassily Primakov and Vassilis Varvaresos; and harpsichordist Anthony Newman.
ENCORES Series
In collaboration with the Morgan Library and Museum, the Young Concert Artists Series is again presenting ENCORES: three Wednesday noon-time recitals presenting pianist Ran Dank (December 15th), violinist Hahn-Bin (January 19th), and cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan (February 9th).
French Stars of YCA
On Wednesday, April 20th, YCA, together with the French Institute/Alliance Française (FIAF), will join together for the first time to present an evening celebrating the artistry of French alumni of YCA. Jean Efflam-Bavouzet, pianist and the Modigliani String Quartet will perform on this evening of French Stars at FIAF’s Florence Gould Hall.
YCA’s Alexander Kasza-Kasser Prize Recipients Concert
The Alexander Kasza-Kasser Prize, endowed by Dr. Kasser’s family in 1999, presents the Kennedy Center debut of a new winner of the Young Concert Artists International Auditions each year, with the artist designated by Mary Mochary, Dr. Kasser’s daughter. This year, Montclair State University, in conjunction with YCA, will present a concert of four past prize winners at their theater dedicated to Alexander Kasza-Kasser, a distinguished humanitarian, philanthropist and art collector.
Young Concert Artists 50th Anniversary Season Special Events
Sunday, October 10
YCA’s Alexander Kasza-Kasser Prize Recipients Concert
Presented by Montclair State University in the Alexander Kasser Theater, Montclair, NJ
Benjamin Moser, piano; Jose Franch-Ballester, clarinet; Wonny Song, piano; Courtenay Budd, soprano
3 pm
Saturday, November 6
The Finals of the YCA International Auditions
10 am - 6 pm at the 92nd Street Y
Saturday, February 19
A Musical Marathon
11 am - 11 pm, Symphony Space, Broadway at 95th Street
Wednesday, April 20
French Stars of YCA
Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, piano and the Modigliani String Quartet
French Institute/Alliance Française – Florence Gould Hall
7:30 pm
50TH YOUNG CONCERT ARTISTS SERIES
In New York, Washington DC and Boston
Gala Openings
CAROLINE GOULDING, violin
Shuai Wang, piano
Tuesday, October 12
New York Debut
Merkin Concert Hall
Special Guest: Scott St. John, violin (YCA Alumnus)
The Rhoda Walker Teagle Concert/The Helen Armstrong Fellowship
7:30 pm
Friday, October 22
Washington Debut
Kennedy Center – Terrace Theater
Co-presented by Washington Performing Arts Society
7:30 pm
Sunday, December 5
Boston Debut
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
1:30 pm
CHARLIE ALBRIGHT, piano
Sunday, October 31
Boston Debut
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
1:30 pm
Monday, February 14
Washington Debut
Kennedy Center – Terrace Theater
New work by Chris Rogerson, YCA Composer-in-Residence
Special Guest: Anne-Marie McDermott, piano (YCA Alumna)
The Alexander Kasza-Kasser Concert
7:30 pm
Tuesday, March 8
New York Debut
Merkin Concert Hall
New work by Chris Rogerson, YCA Composer-in-Residence
Special Guest: Anne-Marie McDermott, piano (YCA Alumna)
The Summis Auspiciis Concert
7:30 pm
GLEB IVANOV, piano
Wednesday, December 1
The Michaels Award
Lincoln Center Recital Debut at Alice Tully Hall
Special Guest: Carter Brey, cello (YCA Alumnus)
7:30 pm
Wednesday, December 8
Washington
Kennedy Center – Terrace Theater
Special Guest: Carter Brey, cello (YCA Alumnus)
7:30 pm
ALEKSANDR HASKIN, flute
Steven Beck, piano
Monday, January 24
Washington Debut
Kennedy Center – Terrace Theater
7:30 pm
Monday, Jan 31
New York Debut
Merkin Concert Hall
Special Guests: Anne Akiko Meyers, violin (YCA Alumna)
Ronald Thomas, cello (YCA Alumnus)
The Peter Jay Sharp Concert
7:30 pm
A Gala Evening at the Rose Theater – Jazz at Lincoln Center
Tuesday, March 29
Pinchas Zukerman, conductor/Orchestra of St. Luke’s
Sasha Cooke, mezzo-soprano, Jose Franch-Ballester, clarinet, Aleksandr Haskin, flute, Chee-Yun, violin, Tim Fain, violin, Karen Gomyo, violin, Caroline Goulding, violin, Bella Hristova, violin, Daniel Phillips, violin, Ran Dank, piano, Chu-Fang Huang, piano, Anne-Marie McDermott, piano, Adam Neiman, piano, Vassily Primakov, piano, Vassilis Varvaresos, piano, Anthony Newman, harpsichord
7 pm
JENNIFER JOHNSON, Mezzo-soprano
Christopher Cano, piano
Monday, April 11
Washington Debut
Kennedy Center – Terrace Theater
7:30 pm
Monday, May 2
New York Debut
Merkin Concert Hall
Guest Artist: Gwyneth Wentink, harp (YCA alumna)
The Peter Marino Concert
7:30 pm
For more about Young Concert Artist’s 50th Anniversary Season, please visit www.yca.org.
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