Young Musicians Battle for Top Spot: American Idol for Classical String Players June 15, 2008

The 23rd annual Irving M. Klein International String Competition
Public concerts: June 14-15, 2008 at McKenna Theatre, San Francisco State University

The annual Irving M. Klein International String Competition is recognized as the worlds leading competition for young string artists. For the past 23 years, the Klein Competition has given classical music virtuosos between the ages of 15 and 23 a place to showcase their skills and to initiate their careers.

Over the course of four days at San Francisco State Universitys McKenna Theatre, some of the worlds most dazzling young cellists, violinists, bassists, and violists will compete against each other for cash prizes and solo appearances with the Peninsula and Santa Cruz symphonies, recitals in San Miguel de Allende (Mexico), and the Tulsa Chamber Music Series (Oklahoma), plus a benefit concert and performances to be announced. All of the cash prizes are to be applied toward future educational and vocational training expenses for the winners.

This year, 74 young musicians entered the 2008 Klein Competition they represented 11 countries and ranged from 15 to 23 years of age. From this group, eight exceptional young artists from the United States, China, South Korea, and Spain advanced to the Semifinalist stage of the competition.

Mitchell Sardou Klein, Director of the Competition commented that according to the Jury this is one of the strongest groups of applications ever into the Klein Competition. The level of artistry and maturity in the qualifying performances was exceptional. We are also pleased that this year we expect to have all four instruments included among the performers (including double bass, which is not often represented at the Competition).

Comprising the Semifinalists are five violinists, two cellists, a violist, and a double bassist each of whom will perform a new Commissioned Work by Frank Stemper.

________________________________________

WHAT: The Irving M. Klein International String Competition

WHEN: Semifinal round with Piano Accompaniment: Sat. June 14, 2008 @ 10:00am - 4:00pm
Final round with Piano Accompaniment: Sun. June 15, 2008 @ 4pm
*An award ceremony will follow the Final Round at 7pm on June 15.

WHERE: McKenna Theatre, San Francisco State University
(1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco)

TICKETS: Saturday, June 14 (Semi-final round) - $10 general; $5 student/senior
Sunday, June 15 (Finals) - $20 general; $10 students and seniors
Weekend Pass to both concerts: $25 general, $15 student/senior
BOX OFFICE: Advance tickets www.kleincompetition.org; tickets also available at the door.

PUBLIC INFORMATION: (415) 282-7160 www.kleincompetition.org

Event submitted by Eventful.com on behalf of NEQA.