Westmoreland young artists winners host recital

Patrick Varine | Sunday, February 19, 2023 12:01 a.m.

Patrick Varine | Tribune-Review

Elsa Bandli, 14, an eighth-grader at Franklin Regional Middle School, performs on flute during a recital by winners in the Westmoreland Symphony’s Young Artist Competition. The performance was held Feb. 12 at the Seton Hill Performing Arts Center in Greensburg. Bandli earned a third-place finish in the competition’s Level I instrumental division.

Winners in the Westmoreland Symphony’s Young Artist Competition hosted a Feb. 12 recital at the Seton Hill University’s Performing Arts Center in Greensburg.

On Feb. 5, finalists from across the region competed for cash prizes and a chance to perform at the recital.

Performers included:

• Level I: A.J. Schmidt, Franklin Regional freshman (flute, first place); Nia Hannington, Franklin Regional freshman (flute, second place); Elsa Bandli, Franklin Regional eighth grade (flute, third place); and Nolan Schnauber, Greensburg Central Catholic seventh grade (violin, honorable mention)

• Level I piano: William Duvall, PA Cyber Charter School freshman (first place); and Levi Pecorari, homeschooled, fifth grade (honorable mention)

• Level II: Anna Qin, Franklin Regional sophomore (flute, first place); Madison Kraynick, Greater Latrobe senior and Regina Zezza, Greater Latobe sophomore (tied for second place)

• Level II piano: Lucy Zheng, Franklin Regional sophomore; and Praneel Varshney, Franklin Regional senior

Students presented a recital of pieces chosen from their audition programs by the judges.

The Young Artist Competition has been held since the 1980s, and is open to students who reside or take private music lessons in Westmoreland or Fayette counties.