Matt Trkula playing his guitar. Photo Courtesy of George Mason University
Where and When
Young Masters Concert, George Mason University Center for the Arts Concert Hall, Mason Pond Road, Fairfax, Virginia. Performance: Sunday, May 6, 7 p.m. Tickets: $15-$20 with post-performance meet the artists reception. For general ticket information call 888-945-2468 or visit cfa.gmu.edu. Additional ticket packages benefiting School of Music Scholarships available. Call Kate Leeds-Brody at 703- 993-4749 or kleeds1@gmu.edu.
Showcasing the talents of four scholarship recipients, George Mason University's School of Music will be presenting The Young Masters Concert on Sunday, May 6 at 7 p.m. "We know our audience will enjoy these terrific performances, and we congratulate and commend these four outstanding students." said Linda Apple Monson, Associate Director for Academic Affairs.
The event will benefit the Mason School of Music Scholarships.
The musical performance is dedicated to the memory of Donald de Laski, who passed away on March 9, 2012. The de Laski Performing Arts Building on the Fairfax Campus, dedicated in 2010, was named in Donald and Nancy de Laski's honor for their commitment and support toward the expansion of Mason's performing arts facilities.
"The Young Masters Concert promises to be another spectacular presentation by our talented Mason Music student soloists." said Dennis M. Layendecker, Heritage Chair in Music, Director, School of Music. The evening event will also include performances by the Mason Symphony and the Combined Choirs.
The soloists are:
*HyunJi Kim, Centreville. She is a freshman, originally hailing from South Korea. She is an orchestral pianist for the American Festival Pops Orchestra, Mason Symphony Orchestra and Mason Wind Symphony. Kim also serves as an accompanist for the Rothem Presbyterian Church in Springfield.
*Emma McDermott, Catlett, Va. She is pursuing a Master of Music degree with a double concentration in vocal performance and piano performance. She has performed in Mason Opera Theater productions and has won numerous prizes.
*Wade Meyers, Burke. He is in his final semester of the Master of Music program in piano performance. He won the Florida Young Artists Concerto Competition. Meyers frequently plays in the orchestra for the Alliance Theatre, and has been a substitute pianist for Truro Church in Fairfax and Vienna Baptist Church.
*Matt Trkula, Fairfax. A 2002 graduate of Lake Braddock Secondary School, is pursuing a Master of Music degree in music education. He has performed in festivals such as the Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts. Trukula has received awards including first prize National Federation of Music Clubs competition.