Finalists of the 56th Annual Stanger Competition Announced

Elmhurst, IL – The Elmhurst Symphony Association is proud to announce the finalists of the 56th Annual Dr. Robert Stanger Young Artist Competition, sponsored by The Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst. This prestigious competition recognizes and encourages talented young musicians from across Chicagoland and surrounding areas. The winners of each division will compete in the final round of the competition at a live performance on May 10th, the Rising Stars of Stanger concert, accompanied by the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Assistant Conductor Eli Chen.

The Stanger Competition aims to promote serious study and high standards among young musicians while offering an opportunity for personal growth and self-evaluation. Cash awards, as well as the chance to perform as a soloist with the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, further motivate participants to prepare and perform at their highest levels.

String Division Results – February 22

• Winner: Neal Eisfeldt, Violin
  Performance: Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35, Movement 1
  Neal, a sophomore who is homeschooled, studies under Almita Vamos and Injoo Choi.
  
  
• Runner-up: Paloma Furst Chavira, Violin
  Performance: Sibelius Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47, 1st Movement
  Paloma, also a sophomore and homeschooled, is taught by Desiree Ruhstraat.
  
  

Wind/Brass/Percussion Division Results – February 15

• Winner: Horn Quartet consisting of Sarah Gomez, Sam Deverman, Elyse Schlesinger, and Julian Kolthammer
  Performance: Robert Schumann’s Konzertstück for Four Horns and  Orchestra
  Teacher/Coach: Lisa Taylor
  
  
• Runner-up: Otto Hammons, Saxophone
  Performance: Paule Maurice’s Tableaux de Provence
  Otto is a Junior at Rolling Meadows High School, and his teacher is Richard   Brasseale.
  
  

Piano Division Results – February 15

• Winner: Tong-Bai Deng, Piano
  Performance: Sergei Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 16, Movement 1
  Tong-Bai, a Junior at Hinsdale Central High School, studies under Winston Choi.
  
  
• Runner-up: Noah Kim, Piano
  Performance: Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Movement 1
  Noah is a Junior at Vernon Hills High School, and his teacher is Christopher Guzman.
  
  

About the Stanger Competition

The Stanger Competition was founded to honor Dr. Robert Stanger, former President of Elmhurst College and the Elmhurst Symphony Society. As a long-standing community leader, Dr. Stanger played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of Elmhurst. The competition encourages high standards of performance and fosters a spirit of personal fulfillment and self-assessment.

This year, the Stanger Competition saw an impressive increase in participation, with 32 registrations—almost double the number of entries in previous years. Students from across Chicagoland, as well as areas of southeast Wisconsin and northwest Indiana, were eligible to enter.

The competition consists of three divisions: Strings, Piano, and Winds, Brass, Percussion, and Harp. In the final round, the winners from each division will perform as soloists with the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra.

Thank You for Your Support

The Elmhurst Symphony Association extends heartfelt thanks to the community and The Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst for their ongoing support of the Stanger Competition. The expanded geographic reach of the competition has enabled a diverse group of talented young musicians to showcase their skills and continue the legacy of excellence that the Stanger Competition represents.

For more information, please visit the Elmhurst Symphony Association’s website at www.elmhurstsymphony.org or contact the Association at (630) 941-0202.

Contact

Elmhurst Symphony Association
Phone: (630) 941-0202

Email: contact@elmhurstsymphony.org
Website: www.elmhurstsymphony.org