Finalists of the 57th Annual Stanger Competition Announced

Elmhurst, IL – The Elmhurst Symphony Association is proud to announce the finalists of the 57th 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 16th, the Rising Stars 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 14

• Winner: Ella Wimbiscus, Cello
  Performed Dvorak Cello Concerto in b minor, Op. 104, 1st Movement
  Sophomore
  Cello Teacher: Hans Jensen
  
  
• Runner-up: Julia Perekhozhuk, Violin
  Performed Saint-Saens Violin Concerto No. 3 in b minor, Op. 61, Mvmt 3
  Junior
  Violin Teacher: Sang Mee Lee
  
  

Wind/Brass/Percussion Division Results – February 21

• Francesca Gaus Ehning, Oboe
  Performed Oboe Concerto, Op. 7 Movement Mvmt III: Final. Moderato Maestoso, By Clemence de Grandval,
  Senior
  Teacher: Heidi Brann
  
  
• Jaden Teague Núñez, Steel Pan
  Performed A Visit to Hell Movement 2 (Gates of Hell), 3 (Fanfare for the Devil) and 4 (Escape from Hell), by Liam Teague
  Senior
  Teacher: Liam Teague
  
  

Piano Division Results – February 15

• Adrian Gonzalez
  Performed Concerto No. 3 Movement I. Andante – Allegro, by Sergei Prokofiev
  Freshman
  Teacher: Sueanne Metz
  
  
• Edie Park
  Performed Piano Concerto in A minor, Op.54 Movement 1. Allegro Affettuoso, by Robert Schumann
  Junior
  Teachers: Winston Choi and Marta Aznavoorian
  
  

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