0 itemsMIC Academy Fellowship Program
This year the Music Institute of Chicago announced a new Fellowship program designed to recognize and support extraordinarily talented pre-college musicians as they prepare for careers in music. Chosen from a field of 14 young students who auditioned before a distinguished panel of internationally recognized music educators and performers, six recipients were selected. The prestigious Fellowships are named for the generous benefactors who have provided full underwriting for the new program:
The Kathy and Gerhard Bette Academy Fellowship Laura Park
The Susan and Richard Kiphart Academy Fellowship Kate Liu
The Susan and Richard Kiphart Academy Fellowship Alexandra Switala
The Susan and Richard Kiphart Academy Fellowship Gallia Kastner
The Betsey and John Puth Academy Fellowship Johannes Gray
The Sage Foundation Academy Fellowship Kelly Talim
Slideshow of Academy Fellowship winners and their benefactors.
Each Academy Fellow is receiving a scholarship covering 95% of their tuition for a year of study in the Academy, exclusive opportunities to perform and coach with an array of world-class guest artists, and complimentary sessions of professional recording and piano accompanist services for competitions and conservatory auditions.
The Music Institute of Chicago has established the Academy Fellowship program to serve pre-collegiate students of the absolute highest talent level, offering them the tools and opportunities to pursue and fulfill their professional aspirations. The Academy Fellowship recipients have a promising chance at professional solo, chamber music, or orchestral careers. Academy Fellows must exhibit an uncommon level of dedication and work on the most advanced repertoire.
About the Fellowship Recipients
Laura Park, violin | age 17
Hometown: Des Plaines | home-schooled
“I have met so many mentors, colleagues, and friends through the Academy. Thanks to an unprecedented number of master classes and enrichment opportunities, I have not only learned the fundamentals like theory and ensemble work, but also discovered there are many layers to music—and it requires all of the heart, mind, and soul.”
Laura is first prize winner of many competitions, including the Chautauqua Music Festival’s Sigma Alpha Iota Concerto Competition and Walgreens National Concerto Competition. She also recently won fourth prize at the 2010 at the Lipizer International Violin Competition in Gorizia, Italy.
Kate Liu, piano | age 17
Hometown: Winnetka | student at New Trier
“Music has always been the center of my life ever since I first sat down at the piano and played. I started piano when I was four years old and have been at the Music Institute for seven years now. The Academy was one of the driving forces that encouraged me to pursue piano as my future career.”
Kate is one of 150 National Finalists performing in 2012 YoungArts Week. She also won first prize and best performance of commissioned work at the 2010 New York International Piano Competition and was selected to perform with Lang Lang at Chicago’s Symphony Center in 2008.
Alexandra Switala, violin | age 17
Hometown: Grapevine, Texas, currently living in Evanston | home-schooled
“Music is as important to me as breathing, and I cannot imagine living without it, or not being able to share it. I also feel very fortunate to have found the perfect program to nurture my development. The Academy surrounds me with other like-minded and hard-working musicians that keep me motivated and focused.”
After winning the Sphinx Competition Junior Division in 2011, she has performed with orchestras across the nation including the New World, Buffalo, Cleveland, Ann Arbor, and South Bend symphony orchestras as well as the New York Philharmonic. She also took second place in the 2011 Cooper International Competition.
Gallia Kastner, violin | age 14
Hometown: Arlington Heights | student at John Hersey High School
“Without the Academy, I would not be where I am now. I believe in the beauty and all of the advantages music can bring to the world. I look forward to giving back my gift of music to the community whenever I am needed.”
First place winner of the 2011 Walgreens National Concerto Competition Junior Division.
Johannes Gray, cello | age 14
Hometown: Wilmette | student at New Trier
“As a Fellow, I would like to encourage young musicians the same way other musicians have inspired me, including the Music Institute alumni and faculty. No matter what career path I decide to take later in life, I will always play the cello.”
First place winner of the 2011 Crain-Maling Foundation Chicago Symphony Orchestra Youth Auditions.
Kelly Talim, violin | age 16
Hometown: Originally from Portland Oregon, currently living in Lincolnshire | student at Adlai E. Stevenson High School
“Music has been a part of my life since I was born. As I developed, I realized that music is a very powerful force; it can make one laugh or cry, and when one really connects with music, it’s a wonderful feeling. The Academy is a vigorous program that is challenging but fun. With so many talented individuals, we can grow as people and musicians.”
First prize at the 2011 Blount-Slawson competition in Alabama and a laureate at the 2011 Cooper International Competition and 2011 Crain-Maling Foundation Chicago Symphony Orchestra Youth Auditions:
