The first-place winner of the Symphony of Southeast Texas 2023 Concerto Competition is pianist Matthew Liu from Beaumont.
Liu won the prize of $750 and the honor of playing his competition piece, Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto in G minor, at the Youth Education Concert. Led by Maestro Chelsea Tipton II, the SOST orchestra will perform this concert on April 12.
The second-place winner is flutist Beau Michaels of Nederland, who won the prize of $500 playing the flute to Reinecke’s Flute Concerto in D major. Michaels previously won third place in the 2022 Concerto Competition.
The third-place winner for 2023 is flutist Claire Ren of Beaumont, who won the prize of $250 performing Perilhou’s Ballade.
“Our three contestants, Matthew, Beau, and Claire, who placed in the Concerto Competition this year deserve congratulations,” Maestro Tipton applauded. “It was a pleasure listening to all the auditions, and I am looking forward to having Matthew play with the SOST at our educational concerts in April.
“These experiences are so valuable to young musicians. Stepping up for an audition, playing from memory, overcoming nerves, and performing to the best of their abilities is a fantastic learning experience. Once again, congratulations to Mathew, Beau, and Claire for their accomplishments this year!”
The Concerto winners will be presented with their cash prize at the SOST Classic Series IV concert, Fanfare and Fortitude, on April 1, at the Julie Rogers Theatre. Funding for the prizes is provided by the Symphony League of Beaumont.
For more information on SOST’s concerts this season, visit www.sost.org or call the symphony office at (409) 892-2257.