SALT LAKE CITY — Professional-level, classical-music technique was combined with youthful bravado to become the hallmarks of the Salute to Youth Concert at Abravanel Hall Tuesday evening.
Continuing a 56-year tradition, nine young soloists, ranging in age from 11 to 18, had the unique experience to perform on stage with the full Utah Symphony, conducted by Vladimir Kulenovic, the orchestra's assistant conductor.
Following the concert, Kulenovic spoke enthusiastically of the young musicians' gifts. "Tonight, everyone was present," he said. "The young soloists, the orchestra, the audience and the composers. We were all present."
The Deseret News has sponsored the event since its inception. Paul Edwards, Deseret News national editor, addressed the young soloists and their families at a post-performace gathering. "There was tremendous heart evident in all of the performers," he said. There was a beautiful spirit that came through.
"We salute you and congratulate you on a wonderful performance."
Edwards complimented the soloists and acknowledged their hard work and dedication to their musical gifts.
"I didn't see talent alone, he said. "I saw artistry. Artistry is seen when talent is joined with persistence. This was truly a magnificent evening of inspired music."
The soloists were invited to perform with the orchestra following a series of auditions that began with 107 competitors. The musicians and the challenging pieces they performed were:
Elizajane Schetselaar, 11; violin, Vivaldi's Spring from "Four Seasons"
Trenton Chang, 13; piano, Beethoven's Concerto No. 1, op. 15
Mariah Sam, 14; piano, Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No. 2
Anastasia Magamedova, 13, and Kana Yoshigi, 12; duo piano, Mozart's Concerto in E flat major, No. 10
Michael Marsden, 14; marimba, Mayuzumi's Concertino for Xylophone
Sara Noel Bauman, 18; violin, Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 1 in D major
Catherine Winters, 15; flute, Nielsen's Flute Concerto
Rebekah Willey, 17; violin, Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor
For Willey, it was her third Salute to Youth performance and the 10th time a member of her immediate family had soloed with the orchestra. Bauman, Chang and Winters had each performed at last year's event.