VSA arts International Young Soloists Program Celebrates 25th Anniversary

VSA arts International Young Soloists Program Celebrates 25th Anniversary

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

CONTACT: Stephanie Taylor of VSA arts, +1-202-628-2800 ext. 3883,
SKTaylor@vsarts.org

Web Site: http://www.vsarts.org/

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