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VSA arts International Young Soloists Program Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Posted on: Wednesday, 22 April 2009, 11:01 CDT

WASHINGTON, April 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On the 25th anniversary of its International Young Soloists Program, VSA arts would like to recognize the achievement of its alumni. The program annually recognizes outstanding young musicians with disabilities from all over the world. It supports and encourages them in their pursuit of a musical career by providing a monetary award and giving them the opportunity to perform at various prestigious venues, including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This year's International Young Soloists Concert will take place at the Kennedy Center on April 28 at 7:30 p.m.

"The International Young Soloists Program has encouraged young artists to pursue careers in music for more than two decades," said Soula Antoniou, president of VSA arts. "We've had alumni go on to make remarkable achievements, testifying to the strength of the program."

Previous recipients have gone on to develop promising musical careers, earn multiple awards, record CDs, and contribute to the development of music education. Past awardees include:

• Scott MacIntyre of the MacIntyre Family Singers (2008) has risen to fame as a Season 8 finalist on the popular television show American Idol. Scott, who is blind, received the International Young Soloists Award along with his siblings Todd and Katelyn. The ensemble has received numerous awards and tours frequently.
• Melody Gardot (2007) is an up-and-coming jazz singer/songwriter. Her third album, "My One and Only Thrill," will be released by Universal Records at the end of April. Drawing acclaim from major media outlets, Gardot's latest album was described as "beautiful," "stately," and "dramatic" by The Times of London. After being hit by a car at age 19, Gardot developed photosensitivity, sensitivity to noise, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
• Laurie Rubin (1997), an accomplished mezzo-soprano, has performed with several operas and symphonies, including the New York City Opera, Burbank Philharmonic Orchestra, and Yale Symphony. Rubin, who was born blind, was praised by critics at The New York Times and The L.A. Times and has performed at the White House and Carnegie Hall. She recorded a CD of classical music and Yiddish songs.
• Amy Parks (1995) is currently the dean of Levine School of Music in Washington, D.C. The French horn player has appeared with the Baltimore, Harrisburg, Delaware, Arlington, and Key West Symphony Orchestras. Parks has also returned in recent years as a jury member for the International Young Soloists Program.
• Tony Deblois (1992) specializes in piano, but can play 20 instruments. His favorite musical genre is jazz. He began playing piano at age two and can perform 8,000 songs from memory. Tony, who has autism and Savant Syndrome, has been blind since birth. He graduated magna cum laude from the Berkeley College of Music and was the subject of the CBS made for TV movie Journey of the Heart. He has earned international acclaim and has appeared on the Today Show and the Learning Channel.

About VSA arts

VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization founded 35 years ago by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts. VSA arts provides educators, parents, and artists with resources and the tools to support arts programming in schools and communities. VSA arts showcases the accomplishments of artists with disabilities and promotes increased access to the arts for people with disabilities. Each year millions of people participate in VSA arts programs through a nationwide network of affiliates and in 55 countries around the world. VSA arts is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. For more information, please visit www.vsarts.org.

SOURCE VSA arts

Source: PR Newswire

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