CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Kris Becker, a senior in the University of Illinois School of Music, has won the piano prize in the Yamaha Young Performing Artist Competition, sponsored by the Yamaha Corporation of America.
Becker, 104 Whitler Lane, Altamont, was among 10 winners out of hundreds of entrants who competed in several instrumental categories in the national competition, open to classical, jazz and contemporary music performers aged 16 to 21.
Winners were selected based on submissions of live recordings, letters of recommendation and a history of accomplishment in performance. The prize includes an all-expenses-paid weekend of rehearsals, master classes and social events, prior to an awards ceremony concert featuring current and past winners. The concert, on June 21, is the opening event for the weeklong Bands of America Summer Symposium, held at Illinois State University, Normal. Competition winners also will receive the privileges of a Yamaha artist, which include services and communication with Yamaha’s artist-relations department.
