FWYO’s 2025-26 Concerto Competition Winners
- Lauren Arie
- 6 hours ago
- 5 min read
For a young musician, stepping forward as a soloist is both thrilling and terrifying. It means standing alone with your instrument and relying on months (or perhaps years) of preparation. This year, the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra's Concerto Competition gave students the opportunity to show their courage, artistry, and growth.
Across two competitions — the Young Artists Competition for Youth Orchestra members, and the Young Performers Competition for Philharmonic Orchestra members — seventeen students from grades 7-12 put themselves forward, each performing a full concerto movement from memory.
As Dr. Corey Mackey, one of the Young Artists judges, reflected:
"I was so impressed with all of the performances. There were so many thoughtful character changes, students demonstrated beautiful tone quality, and they showed excellent control of the instrument — not to mention the memorization! It was truly a pleasure to hear."
From this talented group of seventeen students emerged four winners, each with a well-earned place in the spotlight.
First Place, Young Artists: Elise Poling
A 16-year-old sophomore from Arlington and principal cellist of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra, Elise has been playing cello for just five years — yet her sound carries a confidence well beyond her age.
This competition marked her very first solo concerto competition, an experience she describes as transformative.
"From this experience I realized how much I love playing music for others. I am extremely grateful and excited to have the opportunity to play one of my favorite pieces with the Youth Orchestra."
Elise studies with Deborah Brooks of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and has spent recent summers expanding her musicianship, including time at the Brevard Music Center Summer Institute. Alongside orchestral playing, she thrives in chamber music and collaborative settings.
On May 3, 2026, Elise will perform the first movement of Camille Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33 with the Youth Orchestra.
Second Place, Young Artists: Aiden Flora
A 17-year-old violist and principal violist of FWYO since 2024, Aiden brings curiosity and versatility to every ensemble he joins.
Aiden began viola at age 11 and has studied with Joni Baczewski of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra since joining FWYO in 2021. At V.R. Eaton High School, where he is valedictorian of the Class of 2026, his musical life stretches far beyond the viola: piano, jazz band, composition, arranging, musical theater, and even mariachi.
"Being able to perform solo with the FWYO has pushed me further than ever before. I can't wait to champion my beloved instrument with Walton's Viola Concerto alongside my own Youth Orchestra!"
On March 8, 2026, Aiden will perform the first movement of William Walton’s Viola Concerto with the Youth Orchestra.
Third Place, Young Artists: Finnegan Morgan
An 18-year-old senior at Birdville High School, Finnegan has played clarinet for seven years and has collected impressive musical accolades, including being a two-time TMEA All-State musician.
This season is his first year with the FWYO, where he says he’s found both new friends and new musical inspiration. His concerto selection, the third movement of Weber’s Clarinet Concerto No. 2 , was also his very first concerto!
This is the first concerto I have performed and it has been a real treat to put together. I would like to thank my private lesson teacher, Mr. Rudy Sanchez, for introducing me to this piece and helping me prepare for this amazing opportunity.
After graduation, Finnegan plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin for Aerospace Engineering, while continuing to perform with local and semi-professional ensembles.
First Place, Young Performers: Nico Ramé
A Texas native and principal bassoonist of FWYO's Philharmonic Orchestra, Nico has been playing bassoon since 2019 and is now in his second year with FWYO PHIL. At Birdville High School, he balances leadership roles, including operations manager for the Mighty Hawk Marching Band.
Nico’s interests extend well beyond the stage: he arranges music, practices taekwondo as a second-degree black belt, tends an ever-growing collection of plants, and proudly celebrates his Argentine heritage. Next year, he plans to study STEM and music at the University of Arkansas.
On March 8, Nico will perform the third movement of Carl Maria von Weber’s Bassoon Concerto in F Major, Op. 75 with the Philharmonic Orchestra.
A Celebration of Excellence
The competitions were adjudicated by a panel of distinguished musicians and educators, including Dr. Germán Gutiérrez, Dr. Haerim Lee, Dr. Corey Mackey, Samuel Branch, and Brian Coatney — each emphasizing not only technical achievement, but musical growth and artistry.
Samuel Branch shared:
"The students who auditioned for the concerto competition were exceptionally well-prepared, highly musical, and truly deserving of consideration. I was deeply impressed by their command of their solo repertoire and their poise."
For these four students — and for every musician who stepped onto the audition stage — the concerto competition was more than a contest. It was a moment of growth, a test of courage, and a celebration of the artistry flourishing within the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra.
In the words of Brian Coatney:
The Fort Worth Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition exemplifies artistic excellence, offering young musicians a rigorous, inspiring platform to showcase technical mastery, musical maturity, and interpretive depth.
We can't wait to hear these students perform this spring.
About FWYO:
Celebrating 60 years of extraordinary music education during the 2024-2025 season, the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra has won local, national, and international recognition as one of the finest youth orchestra programs in the United States. Through ten programs - including four major orchestras, two wind ensembles, a jazz band, Early Childhood Music, FWYO Suzuki School, and chamber programs - the FWYO delivers high quality musical instruction to nearly 500 students ranging in age from four to eighteen years, and represents communities throughout North Texas.
Founded by a community group headed by Betty Utter and under the direction of conductors Ezra Rachlin and John Giordano, the FWYO was founded to promote and inspire the continuing development of musical talent in qualified area youth through intensive education in classical orchestral rooted music and performance. The programs offers students the opportunity to further develop their talent as well as their leadership skills, self-discipline, confidence, and pride in personal achievement. Many of the nearly 20,000 alumni of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra program have gone on to become members of major symphony orchestras, music educators, or leaders in their fields.
The Orchestra's accomplishments include international concert tours in Europe, Mexico, Canada, and the Far East; music festivals in Switzerland and Washington, D.C.; and numerous other concert appearances across Texas and the Southwest. Its most recent tour in 2024 was to Spain with performances in Barcelona, Valencia, and Cullera. The Youth Orchestra has also been honored to perform with artists such as Van Cliburn, Jose Feghali, Yakov Kasman, Tamàs Ungàr, and John Owings, and composers Morton Gould and Samuel Adler. In 2021, the FWYO also received 2nd in the Youth Orchestra Division of the prestigious American Prize and 3rd place in the 2024 American Prize. The Wind Ensemble also won 1st place in the American Prize Youth Band division in 2024.
Under the leadership of Music Director Dr. Germán Gutiérrez since 2000 and Executive Director Andrew Reynolds since 2021, the FWYO has become one of North Texas’ most prestigious performing arts organizations. In addition to its educational programs, the FWYO owns and operates historic Orchestra Hall in Foster Park that has been home to numerous performing arts organizations since 1975.
Press Inquiries: Lauren Arie - larie@fwyo.org / 817-923-3121 x18
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