The winner of the Karin Larson YourClassical Prize, Emerging Artist category, is Anna Pitsavas Wakely of Northfield, Minnesota. Her entry featuring her violin performance of Pablo de Sarasate’s ‘Ziguernerweisen” Op. 20 was chosen by YourClassical listeners as the submission that best celebrated women in classical music.
Pitsavas Wakely received $7,500, studio time in MPR’s renowned Maud Moon Weyerhaeuser Studio, and the opportunity to perform at an MPR board meeting.
Multimedia
Anna Pitsavas Wakely’s winning Karin Larson YourClassical Prize, Emerging Artist category, entry
How does your video celebrate women in classical music? “Spanish composer, Pablo de Sarasate, composed ‘Ziguernerweisen’ after becoming acquainted with gypsy ways… their song, their music style, their culture, their dance, and their customs. The female gypsy performers, whose prime instrument was always the violin, tantalized audiences with their passionate storytelling and dynamic lyricism. These underrepresented women, who had experienced much suffering and exile, poured their voices and lives into their performances, captivating composers throughout much of history. ‘Zigeurnerweisen’ celebrates these nationless mothers and daughters whose musical traditions continue to inspire classical music enthusiasts to our present day.”
What would winning this prize mean to you? “As a daughter of first-generation immigrant parents who have been a shining model of strength and beauty, and whose love of music has accompanied me from a very young age, I must say that being considered for such a prize would be but one token of my deepest appreciation for the sacrifices that they have made toward supporting my pursuit of classical music. It would be a tremendous gift that would go toward advancing my current commitments in music as well as my future goals in performance. I have come to find that the highly competitive world of performance can often be accompanied with criticism and skepticism. Earning such an esteemed prize would be a great accomplishment — a real recognition which has the potential to help foster the confidence to keep on playing! ”
Love the music?
Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.
Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.
YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.
