Rochester Symphony Orchestra announces Young Artist Competition winner

The Rochester Symphony Orchestra (RSO) is proud to announce that Violinist Madeline Cha is the recipient of the 2021 Young Artist Competition award.

In addition to this award, Cha has won many others: in 2018, she received an honorable mention in the Walgreens National Concerto Competition, in 2019 Cha was the category winner of the Open Strings Junior Division in the Walgreens National Concerto Competition, in 2018 and 2019 she was named the state winner and nationals alternate for the competition held by MTNA (Music Teachers National Association), and in 2019 Cha won the Royal Oak Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition.


Violinist Madeline Cha is the recipient of the 2021 Young Artist Competition award.

She is a ninth-grade student at HH Dow High School In Midland. She made her debut in Weill Recital Hall inside the famed Carnegie Hall in New York in 2018, and shortly after her debut, she began winning awards for her talents.

During her time at the University of Michigan String Prep Academy, she performed in masterclasses for Danielle Belen and David Halen. Currently, Cha is playing in the Michigan Youth Symphony Orchestra at the University of Michigan. Over the past few summers, she has attended the Bowdoin International Music Festival in Brunswick, Maine, and International Interlochen Summer Arts Camp in Michigan. She also attended the Liberec International Violin Academy in the Czech Republic.

Cha currently studies under renowned violinist Sunmi Chang, who not only performs throughout North American and Europe but also has served as a dedicated teacher for the past 20 years for the next generation of young, aspiring musicians such as Madeline Cha.

As the winner of the 2021 Young Artist Competition, Cha received $1,000 and the opportunity to perform with the RSO when performances resume. She also will share the stage with last year’s Young Artist Competition recipient Susie Lee, which will be a concert not to miss!

The Young Artist Competition is an annual event open to talented student musicians under the age of 22. The winner is chosen by audition, earns scholarship funds, and has the opportunity to perform with the Rochester Symphony Orchestra. For additional information on the competition, call Rita May, vice president of the RSO Board of Directors, at 248-652-9154.

The Rochester Symphony Orchestra began in 1961 as part of the Department of Adult Education of the Rochester Board of Education. The small group of musicians was determined to share the enjoyment of making music with the people of their community.

The RSO offers subscription concerts, which feature noted guest artists and soloists. In addition to its subscription concerts, the RSO also conducts educational and outreach programs in the community, including the annual Young Artist Competition, which the orchestra has held since 1982.

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