Released on: April 14, 2008, 12:39 pm

Press Release Author: Brian Van Norman/The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle

Industry: Entertainment

Press Release Summary: 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.

Press Release Body: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Brian Van Norman
919.232.5008
Brian@articulon.com


National Competition Winners Announced
First Competition for Young String Soloists Honors Top Performers in Nation

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (April 14, 2008) - 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.

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Web Site: http://www.chamberorchestraofthetriangle.org

Contact Details: Brian Van Norman
brian@articulon.com
(919)232-5008

The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle
1213 E. Franklin Street
Chapel Hill, NC 27514