WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY)

A young pianist from Indian River High School recently won first place in the 16th Annual James and Katherine Andrews Young Artist Competition, sponsored by the Orchestra of Upstate New York. ONNY has been the North Country’s professional symphony orchestra since 1988. Sixteen-year-old Victoria Huffman performed from memory the first movement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major, K. 453 (1784) as required competition rules, to secure a solo opportunity with the Orchestra at the April 2 and 3 concerts in Potsdam and Watertown respectively.

As the first place winner, she also won a cash prize of $500. Last year, Victoria won second place in the CNYAMT Advanced Piano Competition and the 15th Annual ONNY Competition. She enjoys playing bass guitar and performing in her school’s drama club, choir and choir.

She is a member of various school clubs and organizations, serving as vice president of the junior class, student council, and national honor society. Victoria is the daughter of James and Lydia Huffman, Theresa. Soren Krantz, 16, took second place with a cash prize of $350. He performed the first three movements of Bach’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in F minor, BWV 1056 (1738). continued on next page He began studying the piano at the age of five under the tutelage of his mother and the watchful eye of his three older siblings who also play the piano. The number of strings he broke on the piano is matched only by his older brother.

At age 14, Soren became a pupil of piano teacher, John Spradling, Syracuse. Homeschooled since kindergarten, he currently attends Onondaga Community College. Soren is the son of Alex and Sabine Krantz, Syracuse. Trombonist Sean Alvaro, 17, a junior from West Genesee High School won third place and $150 for his efforts. A trombone student since fourth grade, Sean studies with Dave Diggennaro, Syracuse.

Performing at numerous festivals throughout the county, Sean is a member of his school’s wind band, jazz band, choir and musical productions, and is currently the drum major of the marching band. In 2020, Sean won the Outstanding Underclass Brass Award and recently received an honorable mention at the CNYAMT instrumental competition. He attributes his success to his parents, both music teachers, and other music teachers. Sean is the son of Anthony and Maureen Alvaro, Syracuse. The ONNY Young Artist Competition was established in 2007 to enable talented high school students in upstate New York to reach their highest artistic level. The next competition will take place in February 2023. For more information, contact [email protected] or Executive Director Kathy Del Guidice at 315-212-3440

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