Alumni Stephen Waarts and Kenneth Renshaw Snag First Prize in the International LOUIS SPOHR Competition
Stephen on From the Top
From the Top alum and violinist Stephen Waarts, who appeared on Show 207 in Stanford, California, recently won one of the two first place prizes in Division 1 of the International LOUIS SPOHR Competition for Young Violinists in Weimar, Germany! Stephen also received a special award for the best interpretation of a romantic concerto, in all divisions.
Kenneth on From the Top
From the Top alum and violinist Kenneth Renshaw, who appeared on Show 186 in Lubbock, Texas and Show 211 in Santa Barbara received first place in Division 2. Kenneth also received two special awards: the best interpretation of a violin concerto by W. A. Mozart, and the best interpretation of a Beethoven sonata.
The annual competition, which is focused on giving up-and-coming young musicians exposure to international judges, took place from October 26-November 7. It included three divisions based on age, plus a special awards section that encompassed all divisions.
In the final round of the competition Stephen performed Mozart Concerto No. 5 with the student Chamber Orchestra of the Music Conservatory in Weimar. Then in the Winner’s Recital, he performed Saint-Saens Concerto, 1st Movement, with the professional Staatskapelle Orchestra conducted by Martin Hoff in the Weimar Hall, Weimar.
More information and a complete list of winners is available on the contest website.
Congratulations, Stephen and Kenneth!
