The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce that the annual Elizabeth Loker International Concerto Competition (ELICC) has attracted a record-breaking number of applicants from across Maryland, Delaware, and 22 states, as well as internationally from China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Poland, Germany, The Netherlands, Spain, Israel, and Canada. This year, 155 young musician soloists have entered the competition, marking a significant milestone in the event's history.

The final round of the competition will be held on March 24 at 3 PM at the Todd Performing Arts Center at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, Maryland. The ELICC is quickly emerging as one of the most distinguished competitions worldwide for young classical musicians aged 12 to 25.

The Elizabeth Loker International Concerto Competition is unique from most competitions as the three finalists competing in the final round will be performing with the full orchestra and conducted by MSO Music Director Michael Repper. This unique platform has resonated globally, drawing unprecedented interest and participation.

Among the exceptional talents vying for top honors, three finalists have have now been selected: Sophia Geng, Violin, from Andover,  Massachusetts, performing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major; Rebekah Hou, Harp, from Cleveland, Ohio, performing Ginastera’s Harp Concerto; and Alejandro Gomez Pareja, Cello from Madrid, Spain, performing Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1. These finalists will compete for a top prize of $5,000, second place prize of $2,500, and third place of  $1,000, along with a $500 Audience Choice Award.

The esteemed panel of judges for this year's competition includes:

●     Edward Polochick, Music Director of Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra (Nebraska)

●     James Kelly, Executive Director of the National Philharmonic Orchestra (Washington, D.C.)

●     Sachi Marasugi, Concertmaster of the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra (Maryland) and a member of the Violin Faculty of Salisbury University

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra invites the community to join us for an afternoon of exceptional music as these young virtuosos showcase their talents on stage. Your presence and support are invaluable as we celebrate the next generation of musical prodigies.