Senior arts project results in annual Concerto Competition
Unless you're loitering in the halls of the Mattin Center or attending weekend Hopkins Symphony Orchestra performances or a capella concerts, the musical talent at Homewood might completely pass you by. And, what wonderful gifts you would be missing. The need for promoting and rousing more student involvement in the musical arts on campus has been addressed over the years. This year HSO member Hernan del Aguila did not miss an opportunity to help the community grow. Del Aguila used the Senior Arts Certificate Program to create the Hopkins Concerto & Aria Competition.
The competition calls for musical performers to audition their talents, to the end prize of a performance with the Hopkins Symphony Chamber Orchestra. Given that the opportunities for solo instrumentalists or vocalists to perform with an orchestra are quite rare, the project offers not only healthy competition but a magnificent musical opportunity. So says pianist Ji Hea Hwang, competition winner: "Opportunities to play with an orchestra don't happen often," and she awaits the excitement of the performance.
The unique project was enabled by an Arts Innovation Grant, which is, unbeknownst to many, funding made available to innovative and community building projects in the arts. Eileen Soskin, Associate Vice Provost for the Arts, and Winston Tabb, Vice Provost for the Arts, review the biannual submissions. When asked about their decision to support Hernan's project Tabb said: "[We] thought this was a great idea - one which would showcase talented students and give them a great experience in auditioning and performing." Soskin continued: "It was innovative, and it gave JHU's talented students a new way of sharing their artistic gifts not just with the JHU community, but with all of Baltimore."
The final project was ultimately made possible by the work of creator Hernan del Aguila and his collaboration with HSO General Manager Edie Stern. HSO Musical Director Jed Gaylin and Homewood Arts Director Eric Beatty were also integral in making his dream a reality. Del Aguila admits to feeling greatly indebted to them.
The competition calls for musical performers to audition their talents, to the end prize of a performance with the Hopkins Symphony Chamber Orchestra. Given that the opportunities for solo instrumentalists or vocalists to perform with an orchestra are quite rare, the project offers not only healthy competition but a magnificent musical opportunity. So says pianist Ji Hea Hwang, competition winner: "Opportunities to play with an orchestra don't happen often," and she awaits the excitement of the performance.
The unique project was enabled by an Arts Innovation Grant, which is, unbeknownst to many, funding made available to innovative and community building projects in the arts. Eileen Soskin, Associate Vice Provost for the Arts, and Winston Tabb, Vice Provost for the Arts, review the biannual submissions. When asked about their decision to support Hernan's project Tabb said: "[We] thought this was a great idea - one which would showcase talented students and give them a great experience in auditioning and performing." Soskin continued: "It was innovative, and it gave JHU's talented students a new way of sharing their artistic gifts not just with the JHU community, but with all of Baltimore."
The final project was ultimately made possible by the work of creator Hernan del Aguila and his collaboration with HSO General Manager Edie Stern. HSO Musical Director Jed Gaylin and Homewood Arts Director Eric Beatty were also integral in making his dream a reality. Del Aguila admits to feeling greatly indebted to them.
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