Community Music School Announces Winners of the 2023-2024 Young Composers Competition
January 18, 2024
WEBSTER GROVES, MO – January 17, 2024 - The Community Music School of Webster University (CMS) proudly announces the winners of the 2023-2024 Young Composers Competition. The winners, selected across two age categories, will be celebrated during a public concert and master class, highlighting the vibrant future of classical composition.
Level One (12-16 years of age):
- Hannah Wolkowitz, now age 17, from Chesterfield, Missouri, for They are All Gone
- Winston Schneider, age 16, from Omaha, Nebraska, for Salt Creek Tiger Beetle Quintet
Two (17-21 years of age):
- Jack Damon, age 17, from Bronxville, New York, for Electric Prisms
- Zhengtao Pan, age 20, from Boston, Massachusetts, for Woodwind Quintet No. 1
Chosen from a pool of over 50 submissions worldwide, these young composers have demonstrated outstanding skill and innovation. The winning compositions will be featured in a public concert with Chamber Project St. Louis on Sunday, March 24 at 4 p.m. in the CMS Concert Hall on the campus of Webster University. Guest Composer Maria Kauotzani and Level I first place winner Hannah Wolkowitz will attend the concert.
As part of their prize, all winners will engage in a virtual meeting with Kauotzani and musicians from Chamber Project St. Louis. This private master class and dress rehearsal will provide invaluable insights and feedback to the winners ahead of the concert.
In addition, the Community Music School plans to host an online public workshop with Kauotzani on Sunday, March 24 at 11 a.m., offering a unique learning opportunity for the CMS community. For additional event information and full biographies of the winners, please visit webster.edu/cms-ycc.
About the Young Composers Competition
Since 2004, the Young Composers Competition, an initiative of the Community Music
School (CMS) of Webster University, has been fostering creativity among budding composers
aged 12 to 21. The competition culminates in the professional performance and recording
of winning compositions by Chamber Project St. Louis. Notable guest composers provide
individual feedback and insights in a dedicated master class, enriching the educational
experience for the winners.
The Young Composers Competition is generously sponsored by Arden and Harry Fisher.
About Community Music School of Webster University (CMS)
Established in 1925, CMS is a cornerstone of music education and performance opportunities
for students of all ages and abilities across the St. Louis metropolitan region. Accredited
by the National Association of Schools of Music, CMS is a certified member of the
National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts.
For press inquiries, please contact:
Leslie Wobbe
Community Relations Coordinator
Community Music School of Webster University
webster.edu/cms
lesliewobbe92@webster.edu
314-246-8154