Congratulations Blount-Slawson Finalists

Finalists: Coleman Itzkoff, Vince Meklis, Kimberly Hou, & Matt Lipman (Montgomery Advertiser, Lloyd Gallman)

Approximately 70 young string players met in Montgomery, Alabama over the weekend to compete in the Montgomery Symphony’s annual Blount-Slawson Competition for string and percussionists in 7th through 12th grades. For the first time, From the Top’s Music Producer Tom Vignieri was among the panel of 9 judges. Congratulations go out to this year’s winners!

First prize: Matthew Lipman, viola
Seond prize: Kimberly Hou, piano
Third prize: Vince Meklis, violin
Fourth prize: Coleman Itzkoff, cello

Top prize in the competition is $10,000, a chance to perform with the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra during its final concert this year, and the opportunity to be featured on From the Top. The remaining finalists also split about $7,000 worth of prize money. Read more.