'Loudoun's Got Talent' Spotlights Young Musicians

Music is one of our most celebrated traditions, but for many young people, family finances get in the way of musical interests. Music and arts programs in the public schools constantly face budget-cut threats, lessons and instruments are expensive, and scholarships are hard to come by.

However, for the third year in a row, the Loudoun Symphony Orchestra (LSO) is celebrating and recognizing young musicians through its Loudoun’s Got Talent competition.

“The quality of talent is phenomenal,” said LSO President Ara Bagdasarian, praising performers of past years.

The contest was conceived to further the orchestra’s mission, extend educational outreach and showcase up-and-coming instrumental and vocal performers. To produce it, the orchestra partners with local businesses to fund scholarships for the winners: 1st place, $1,000; 2nd place, $500; and 3rd place, $250.

Maddy Curtis, a local singer who won Loudoun’s Got Talent in 2009, is back for another shot this year. Curtis, who aspires to be an opera singer, is using the competition as a way to gain experience in a competitive atmosphere.

“It’s lots of fun, but there is some tough competition,” she said. “All of the kids are quite great musicians. It’s what I need to get used to the future.”

The contestants also appreciate the competitive experience the orchestra provides through the event, which helps enhance the lives of young musicians across the county.

“LSO prepares young musicians for the future,” Curtis said. “Competition is what we are up against. In order to make it in the real world, we need to realize that we are going to be a small fish in the ocean, not a pond anymore.”

Luke Monteiro, a viola player, will audition for the first time this year. He’s been playing the viola for four years and had played the violin for four years prior to transitioning over.

“I think that doing this competition will be good practice for me,” he said. He practices every other day and believes that success in the competition will be “all about practice and the selection of the piece.”

Despite the competitive pressure, the student musicians are just looking to have a good time.

“It doesn’t matter what I place, as long as I do the best I can,” Monteiro said. “It’s more about the experience and meeting other musicians.”

Loudoun’s Got Talent is open to all high school musicians and vocalists. Applications for the auditions can be found online and will be accepted until Feb. 25. 

Following auditions on March 5 at Stone Bridge High School, a panel of judges will narrow the field to ten finalists. Finalists perform a concert on March 27 at Franklin Park Arts Center, where the audience will help determine the winners.

The winner of the competition earns the opportunity to perform with the LSO at its holiday concert. Musicians must be in high school to enter the competition and the competition is steep.

Judging will be based on level of difficulty, stage presence, technique and overall performance.

“One instrument doesn’t take favor over others,” said Bagdasarian, adding that the finals performance makes quite a show. “Last year that performance sold out. There were over 260 people in the seats and we were left with standing room only.”