CdA Symphony welcomes young talent

Some of the most talented young musicians from around the Northwest will take the stage with the Coeur d’Alene Symphony on Friday night for the Regional Talent Extravaganza.

The symphony, under the baton of David Demand, will perform Tchaikovsky’s “Variations on a Rococo Theme.” The concert is at 7:30 p.m. at Schuler Auditorium at North Idaho College.

Forty-five students from seven states competed in the symphony’s young artist competition. Winners from the high school division who will perform at Friday’s concert include Joy Adams on cello; Mackenzie Trail, vocalist; and Jasmine Nagano, piano.

Winners of the collegiate division who will perform include Chad Spears, piano; Gabriel Renteria, oboe; and Gordon Tsai, violin.

Cellist Kevin Hekmatpanah, an associate professor at Gonzaga University, will perform “Variations on a Rococo Theme,” a challenging piece for solo cellist and orchestra.

The Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra is a nonprofit organization made up of more than 65 members from the Inland Northwest. The symphony awards cash prizes for the competition and provides scholarships for college music students.

The concert is sponsored by John and Joy Richards, Duane and Susan Jacklin, Anita Robinson and Dr. Chris Kutteruf, and Roger and Joyce Torgerson.

For ticket information, call Tickets West at (800) 325-7328 or order online at www.ticketswest.com. Tickets are also available at the North Idaho College box office, Spokane Opera House, Spokane Arena, Templin’s Best Western in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene Albertsons and Spokane Rosauers (29th Avenue, U-City and Heritage Village).

More information on the concert and student competition can be found on the symphony’s Web site, www.cdasymphony.org.