-
Yang (left), Ren, and Lui (right)
As part of earning first-place distinction at the 2024 Concerto Competition presented by the Symphony of Southeast Texas, Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School flutist Claire Ren, from Beaumont, has been awarded the honor of playing her competition piece for area students Jan. 24, as well as $750 in cash.
Ren, who placed third in last year’s Concerto Competition, took top spot this year with Howard Hanson’s Serenade for Flute and Orchestra. Led by Maestro Chelsea Tipton II, Ren will play her award-winning number alongside the SOST orchestra at the upcoming Youth Education Concerts concert.
The second-place winner is pianist Cindy Yang, of Beaumont, a student at West Brook High School. Yang won the prize of $500 playing the piano to Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.3.
The third-place winner is violinist Crystal Liu, of Beaumont, a student at West Brook High School. She won the prize of $250 performing Tchaikovsky’s Concerto in D major.
“I’m pleased to congratulate the winners of the 2024 Concerto Competition, namely Claire Ren, Cindy Yang, and Crystal Liu,” Tipton expressed. “At the Symphony of Southeast Texas, we believe that education is a crucial part of our mission. We are thrilled to highlight our first-place winner, Claire Ren, who will be performing at our Youth Education Concerts on Jan. 24. It is important for talented young people in our community to inspire and motivate the next generation.”
Cash prize will be presented to winners at the SOST Classic Series III concert on Feb. 3 at the Julie Rogers Theatre. Funding for these prizes is provided by the Symphony League of Beaumont.