Artist Series Concerts awards six young pianists

Twelve young pianists participated in the annual competition hosted by Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota. A total of $22,500 was awarded to six winners March 29, at Neel Auditorium.

There were two categories with three winners in each category divided by age — the scholarship level from ages 14 to 19, and the performance award level ages 20 to 25. The judges were Julian Martin, faculty at The Juiliard School; Robert Sherman, broadcaster, critic and educator; and Derek Han, a leading pianist.

Each year the competition rotates among voice, piano and string instruments and is open to Florida residents. For more information about Artist Series Concerts, visit artistseriesconcerts.org or call 306-1202.

Here is the list of winners:

Scholarship level:
First place: Priscila Navarro, 14, from Ft. Myers — $3,000
Second place: Alvin Xue, 15, from Wellington — $2,500
Third place: Tiffany Chen, 16, from West Palm Beach — $2,000

Performance level:
First place: Heqing Huang, 20, from Boca Raton — $6,000
Second place: Emily Charlson, 23, from Tallahassee — $5,000
Third place: Dan Sato, 25, from Miami — $4,000