2020 NANCY F. WALKER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Matinée Musicale Cincinnati is proud to have held the Third Annual Nancy F. Walker Scholarship Competition for Classical Vocal and Instrumental Students for Spring 2020.  $51,000 in total scholarships were awarded.  Here are the winners:

HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL

1st Place                     Kasey Shao, Piano
2nd Place                    Simon Bakos, Bass Clarinet
3rd Place (tied)           Daniel Dorsey, Cello, Meagan Hipsky, Cello

Honorable Mention    Jennifer Armor, Violin
Honorable Mention    Nolan Meister, Piano
Honorable Mention    Arun Kamath, Piano
Honorable Mention    Andrew Lu, Piano

 

HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL

1st Place                    Jadyn Riggs, Mezzo
2nd Place                   Mary Wilkens, Soprano
3rd Place                    Eric Riedel, Tenor
Honorable Mention   Claire Northcut, Soprano

COLLEGE INSTRUMENTAL

1st Place                    Yang Gao, Piano
2nd Place                   Janna Young, Harp
3rd Place                    Phillip Palmore, French Horn
Honorable Mention    Kasey Stokes, Piano
Honorable Mention    Charlie Gately, Trumpet
Honorable Mention    Natalie Orth, Violin
Honorable Mention    Stephan Freeman, Piano

COLLEGE VOCAL

1st Place                    Sara “Storm” Hargrave, Soprano
2nd Place                   Nathanial Wilkens, Baritone
3rd Place                    Kayla Kramer, Soprano
Honorable Mention    Logan Wagner, Tenor
Honorable Mention    Hayden Smith, Baritone

 

All eight counties were represented with a total of 65 applicants from 4 colleges, 21 high schools and several homeschools. Among the winners were a set of siblings, who each won 2nd place, one at the college level, the other at the high school level. Hearty congratulations to all of these very talented and accomplished young musicians!
 
Due to the coronavirus shutdowns, Matinée Musicale could not hold the auditions in person this year. After much discussion, with legal consultation, and agreement from our judges, we were able to make these awards via the following adjustments in procedure:

 

  • Auditions were done via YouTube submissions of up to 10 minutes of memorized music.
  • If necessary, they were allowed to be recorded without an accompanist.
  • DUE DATE for all videos and forms was April 11, 2020.
  • All applicants were notified during the week of April 11 as to whether their video would be adjudicated.
  • Adjudicated videos were emailed to 3 highly qualified judges who assigned scores and made comments. Their comments were compiled, in no special order, and anonymously, and emailed to individuals after April 18.
  • Results of the competition were emailed on or around April 18, 2020 to all whose videos were adjudicated.
  • First place winners are not required to perform at the Winners Luncheon at Greenacres Arts Center, since we can’t be sure that it will even occur. However, should it be postponed to a later date, First Place winners will be invited to perform.
 
ELIGIBILITY:

Only high school and college Juniors and Seniors from:

  • Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren Counties in Ohio
  • Dearborn County in Indiana
  • Boone, Campbell, Kenton Counties in Kentucky
 
Nancy Fuldner Walker

Nancy Fuldner Walker

Nancy Fuldner Walker, memorialized by these scholarships, was a musician, music teacher and strong advocate for all music and arts organizations. She provided able leadership to Matinée Musicale for more than four decades before her death in October 2017. Matinée Musicale Cincinnati is honoring her legacy of support and encouragement of young musicians through these scholarships.

Matinée Musicale Cincinnati has presented memorable classical music recitals by rising professional musicians since 1912. Performers who have gone on to illustrious careers — from pianists Nadia Boulanger and Leon Fleisher to violin prodigy Joshua Bell and singers including Beverly Sills and Jamie Barton (who sang to a sold-out audience at Memorial Hall in January 2018) — constantly praise the recital series’ renowned reputation.