Four West Virginia University students will share their passion for music this summer as the resident quartet at Interlochen Arts Camp.
Montani Quartet, comprised of Doctor of Musical Arts students Lauretta Werner, violin; Yaniv Gutman, violin; Gabrielle Padilla, viola; and Master of Music student Ryan Phipps, cello, will serve as String Quartet Teaching Fellows.
Talent West Virginia consisted of two rounds: a virtual audition and voting round from February 4 - March 8, and the live finale in WVU’s Gluck Theatre. The competition provided three prizes to winning contestants, with its Collegiate/Professional level 1st prize providing $1,500 and a full album recording contract with WVU’s recording label: Mon Hills Records. Its Secondary level 1st prize providing $1,000 and a EP recording contract with Mon Hills Records, and its 2nd prize being selected by the highest vote winner regardless of eligibility level providing $750 and a demo recording production with Mon Hills Records.
Hosted by WVU Alumna and QVC personality, Kim Parrish kicked off the talent competition with high energy and enthusiasm with musical acts following, providing a memorable night. Judges Rick Modesitt from RMA Presents, Dallas Rogers from Nashville Access, and Keith Jackson Dean of the College of Creative arts facilitated the judging of the acts resulting in choice of finalists with assistance from viewers.
The West Virginia University Symphony Orchestra will make their first appearance ever at Lewisburg’s historic Carnegie Hall on April 17.
WVUSO is comprised of WVU students studying a variety of majors in the university’s 14 colleges and schools. The ensemble will perform pieces by Antonín Dvořák, Frederick Delius and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky at 7:30 p.m. in the Hamilton Auditorium. Tickets are only five dollars and available for purchase at www.carnegiehallwv.com.
Who is a part of the Montani Quartet?
Lauretta Werner, Doctor of Musical Arts in Violin
Charleston’s Maier Foundation has granted $85,000 to West Virginia University in support of its All-Steinway Campaign, “All Keyed Up.”