The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle has announced the winners of its inaugural Competition for Young String Soloists. The competition was held April 4-6 at Meredith College's Carswell Recital Hall. First competition for young string soloists honors top performers in nation.

Chapel Hill, NC, USA, April 15, 2008 (XTVWorld.Com) -- The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle has announced the winners of its inaugural Competition for Young String Soloists. Violinist Jing Qiao, Oberlin, Ohio, was awarded the first prize of $10,000 and an opportunity to perform with the orchestra during the 2008-2009 season. Violinist Benjamin Beilman, Philadelphia, Pa., placed second and received $2,500. Cellist Fedor Amosov, East Lansing, Mich., finished third and received $1,500. Cellist Alan Toda-Ambaras, Chapel Hill, N.C. was awarded the Thomas S. Kenan, III award honoring the top performer from North Carolina and received $1,000.

"This first competition was a fantastic success by every possible measure—thirteen of America's finest young musicians performed magnificently through two days of competition," said David Lindquist, board chair of The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle. "Every one who attended the final round of performances was swept away by the exceptional artistry of the five finalists."

The Competition for Young Strings Soloists was held at Meredith College's Carswell Recital Hall April 4-6, and was made possible through support by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. Bob Greczyn, president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, presented the awards to the competition winners.

"The performance level of these young musicians was phenomenal," said Greczyn. "We're proud of our affiliation with the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle and its efforts in advancing the performing arts in our community."

The Competition for Young String Soloists was open to all violin, viola, cello and bass players between the ages of 16 and 23 that lived in the United States and were not under professional management. The Competition will be held every two years to continue The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle's history of creating performance and educational opportunities for talented young musicians.

For more information, visit
www.chamberorchestraofthetriangle.org

About the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle:
Since 1982, The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle has been received with genuine respect and enthusiasm by music critics and the community. Today, it is considered one of the finest professional ensembles in North Carolina and the Southeast. With its elite corps of musicians, the orchestra continues to present a well-chosen and unusual repertoire that delights audiences and evokes high praise from critics. That standard of excellence has become the hallmark of the orchestra and has distinguished each succeeding season. The 2007-2008 series marks the 25th concert season.

For more information, visit
www.chamberorchestraofthetriangle.org
or call (919) 942-3179.

Contact:
Brian Van Norman
919.232.5008
Brian @ articulon.com