MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX — Young Texas Artists (YTA) promised an unforgettable come back for 2022, and it delivered in a major way. After two years of COVID-19-related cancellations, the performing arts organization delighted audiences with a Finalistsâ Concert & Awards presentation packed with classical music talent; a sensational Bach, Beethoven & Barbecue gala; and â for the first time â events showcasing emerging artists in visual art, dance and poetry during the second weekend of March.
âThe excitement was palpable throughout the weekend,â YTA President/CEO Susie Moore Pokorski said. âEveryone was thrilled to be back, and theyâre still elated. Iâve been getting a constant stream of calls, messages and texts from people who loved what they experienced. Theyâre already looking forward to 2023, and I feel the same way.â
The three-day Young Texas Artists Music Competition, under the leadership of Artistic Director Emelyne Bingham, saw nearly 70 talented classical musicians from Texas and around the world vying for a share of $40,000 in monetary prizes along with career mentoring and performance opportunities. The artists, ages 18-30 (20-32 in the Voice Division), are Texas residents or affiliated with a Texas music school. They competed in one of four performance divisions: Piano; Strings; Voice; and Winds, Brass, Percussion, Harp and Guitar.
During the March 12 finalistsâ concert at Crighton Theatre in Conroe, audiences responded to the contestantsâ performances with standing thunderous applause.
âThe musiciansâ dedication to excellence is so inspiring, and Iâm always over the moon when audiences show enthusiasm for the artistsâ hard work and abilities,â Pokorski said. âThe level of talent is extraordinary; it always floors people.â
YTAâs 2022 Grand Prize winner was French-Russian violinist Clara Saitkoulov, who is pursuing her masterâs degree at Rice University. Saitkoulov also won the Gold Medal in Piano with her performance of Karol Szymanowskiâs âViolin Concerto No. 1, Op. 35.â Saitkoulov won a total of $10,000.
Additional Gold Medal winners were: Seolyeong Jeong, Piano Division, Rice University; Brigit Fitzgerald, bassoon, Winds, Brass, Percussion, Harp and Guitar Division, The University of Texas at Austin; and Bronwyn White, soprano, Voice Division, Purchase College Conservatory of Music-State University of New York (also YTAâs 2019 Silver Medalist in Voice). The Gold Medalists received $5,000 each, and the Jeong, also the Audience Choice Award winner, received an additional $3,000.
Silver medals went to Josh Liu, violin, Strings Division, The University of Texas at Austin; Guobi âMalcolmâ Liu, Piano Division, The University of Kansas; William Yeh, flute, Winds, Brass, Percussion, Harp and Guitar Division, Rice University; and Sarah Dyer, contralto, Voice Division, University of Houston. Each Silver Medalist received $3,000.
Finalistsâ concert audiences also were treated to phenomenal performances by baritone Michael Mayes, YTAâs 2002 Gold Medal Winner in Voice and an internationally acclaimed opera singer. Mayes was the guest of honor at the finalistsâ concert as well as the Bach, Beethoven & Barbecue gala, which took place earlier that evening.
The gala is a long-time YTA tradition that raises money for YTAâs music competition, but this year, it was also an opportunity to celebrate the organizationâs come back.
âIn some ways, it felt very familiar when we gathered in our Grand Pavilion in downtown Conroe and enjoyed the live Texas swing music by Bill Mock & His Highway 105 Band, the auction, the delicious barbecue like we have in the past, but the jubilation about our return was unique and very special,â Pokorski said.
The gala co-chairs were Terry Husbands Giles, Allyson Ayton and Mimi Devereaux. Mimi Sadler was the dinner chair, and Garlaine Kelly was the auction chair.
Also unique was the weekend of activities YTA lined up in downtown Conroe to support young artists in multiple disciplines: modern art, contemporary dance and poetry.
âGuests were enthralled with the talent that the organizers lined up: young people from Texas who are tremendously gifted,â Pokorski said.
The Audience Choice Award winners were:
Contemporary Dance: Cameron Edwards, The Ailey Studios, first; and Mimi Rosepink, who has a bachelorâs degree in dance from Marymount Manhattan College, second
Poetry: Adriana Winkelmayer, 14, a Houston high school student
Visual Art: Sid Ylagan, a graphic designer, muralist and digital artist from The Woodlands
The YTA weekendâs team included LuAnne Carter, director of the Contemporary Dance Showcase; Dede Fox, director of the Young Texas Poets Showcase; and Joseph Staley, curator of the Fine Art Invitational Show.
YTAâs major sponsors this year include the City of Conroe, Carol and Dr. Douglas Aycock, Annette and Ken Hallock, Lynda and Dan Kain and two anonymous donors.