Zhang wins $500 at largest ever Concerto Competition
PHOTO: Sophomore Esther Kim hugs competition winner Sophie Zhang after judge Angelo Moreno announced the decision.
By Annie Mitchell and Kate Macaulay,
BlueDevilHUB.com Staff–
Sophomore violinist Sophie Zhang won $500 and the opportunity to perform at the Davis High orchestra program’s May finale concert after being named this year’s Concerto Competition winner.
The competition, the largest ever in DHS history, took place in the Brunelle theater on Jan. 23. Twenty students registered for the preliminary round, with nine of them proceeding to the live performance and judging.
Sophomore Esther Kim received honorable mention for her cello performance.
The first competitors to perform were junior Damian Murillo and senior Ronja Keeley, both on the clarinet.
Next up was senior cellist Nina Martin.
Junior Anna Li followed on the flute.
Junior cellist Jessica Li was the fourth contestant.
Sophomore Sophie Zhang, the competition winner, impressed the three judges with her violin performance.
Sophomore Sean Seo was the only pianist to compete.
Junior Ethan Lo was the third cellist to perform.
Senior Miyan Grasso played the guitar for his concerto.
Finally, sophomore Esther Kim won honorable mention for her cello performance.
DHS orchestra conductor Angelo Moreno judged the competition along with Michael Neumann, artistic director of the Sacramento Youth Symphony, and Richard Webb, Baroque cellist and conductor of the Holmes Baroque Ensemble.
