University of Northwestern Announces Concerto-Aria Competition Winners

ST.PAUL, MINN. (03/01/2016)(readMedia)-- The Department of Music & Theatre is proud to announce Curtis Baum and Grace Lugo as winners of the 2015-16 Concerto-Aria Competition. They were among the 12 contestants who participated in the annual event held Tuesday evening, February 23, in Nazareth Chapel.

Curtis Baum won the Concerto division with his performance of Schumann's Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54, accompanied by Peter Liu, piano. Curtis, a sophomore at University of Northwestern, studies piano with Dr. Richard Lange and is pursuing a Music Performance degree.

Grace Lugo, won the Aria division with her performance of Voce di donna from La Gioconda. Grace, a junior at University of Northwestern, studies voice with Carol Eikum and is a Theater Major.

Nicole Moran, soprano, was recognized with Honorable Mention for her Aria performance. Renee Pyne, violin and Erik Holm, marimba were recognized with Honorable Mention for their Concerto performances. Guest adjudicators for this event were Herbert Johnson (Professor of Piano and Director of Keyboard Activities at Bethel University), Carole Mason Smith (Bassoonist for the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and adjunct music faculty at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls, Hamline University and Macalester College), and Philip Zawisza (Opera and concert vocalist and Instructor of Voice and diction at the University of Minnesota).

Curtis Baum and Grace Lugo will perform as featured guest artists with the University of Northwestern Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Kirk Moss on Friday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. & 9:00 p.m. in Nazareth Chapel on the campus of University of Northwestern – St. Paul. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information about the Department of Music & Theatre at University of Northwestern, visit www.unwsp.edu/music.

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University of Northwestern – St. Paul is a nonprofit Christian university offering bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and adult undergraduate degree completion programs. A biblical worldview is integrated into all programs, providing a unique educational experience for students who want to combine faith and education. UNW offers 75+ areas of undergraduate study, six master's degrees, and online and early college programs. Northwestern Media, a ministry of UNW, operates 15 Christian radio stations throughout the Midwest, with over 1,000,000 listeners. UNWSP.EDU