Pre-College Chamber Music Competition: Winner

Liz Kiebler, Pre-College Chamber Music Chairman FSMTA is proud to announce the winners of the Pre-College Chamber Music Competition, held at Jacksonville University on Saturday, May 15. The winners are the "Douglas Anderson Duo." Orlando Diaz, Piano, and Victor Huls, Cello performed the Sonata in G Minor, op. 19 for Cello and Piano, II movement, Allegro Scherzando. Rarely have I heard this piece performed so beautifully, It is wonderful to know that such great talent abounds in Jacksonville Florida. Congratulations Orlando and Victor!

Victor Huls was homeschooled until high school. Now, as a Douglas Anderson School of the Arts student, Victor plays with many ensembles in piano chamber music class. He has led the JSYO Philharmonic Orchestra as principle cellist for three years and has served in the Jacksonville University honors string Quartet, Jacksonville University Orchestra, University of North Florida student quartet, and Chamber Music Society of the good Shepherd Church. Victor was a winner of the 2008 JSYO competition, as well as a winner in the Sewanee Summer Music Festival competition. He looks forward to returning this summer to Tanglewood Institute.

Orlando Diaz was born July 2nd, 1992 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He began taking lessons at the age of six. When his family moved to Oregon, Orlando played for the school choir there. At 16, his family moved to Jacksonville where he is currently a senior at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. Orlando's recent achievements include winning the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra Young Artist Competition, and taking 2nd place in the MTNA District Competition. He plans to attend Boston Conservatory in the fall of 2010.