"I'm pinching myself!"
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Ethan Blake (BM cello), a junior, is this year's undergraduate winner. When asked about his musical selection鈥攑erformed with collaborative pianist Chen-Fang Hsu鈥攈e says, 鈥淭he Dvo艡谩k concerto was one of the first concerti I learned, and it was one of the pieces that really got me into playing cello.听
"To be able to play it with an orchestra is both a blessing and a revitalizing experience for any cellist.鈥
Indeed, the opportunity to perform with an orchestra is rare, which makes winning the Honors Competition all the more impactful.
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Specifically, Dumar will perform Maurice Ravel鈥檚 "Tzigane" next fall. She credits her teacher Harumi Rhodes, associate professor of violin and Tak谩cs Quartet artist-in-residence, for providing the courage and support to tackle it.
To enjoy the winners' performances in the fall semester, visit for details.