Young artists shine with Coeur d’Alene Symphony in ‘Discovering Prodigies’ concerts

There will be quite a few unfamiliar faces onstage with the Coeur d’Alene Symphony on Friday and Saturday, but remember their names; it’s likely you’ll be hearing them for a long time.

During the “Discovering Prodigies with Young Artists” concerts, the symphony will perform with the winners of its annual Young Artists Competition.

Former conductor/artistic director David Demand launched the competition in 2001, reaching out to schools and teachers both near and far.

This year, there were 80 applicants, and the competition judging took at Whitworth University in January.

The following young artists will perform with the symphony: cellist Carson Ling-Efird, 13, from Seattle; pianist Janet Phang, 17, from Spokane; pianist Alison Lee, 27, from Fremont, California; violinist Elizabeth Hamilton, 19, from Spokane; pianist Yin Zhang, 25, from the University of Nebraska; mezzo soprano Kimberly Milton, 32, from Valdosta State University; and soprano Lindsay Webber, 24, from the University of Cincinnati.

“We are thrilled with the quality of the winners,” conductor Jan Pellant said in a press release. “This weekend’s concert should not be missed.”