4/18/2010

By ERIN MATHEWS

Salina Journal

His father was a composer. His mother a pianist. Between the two of them, the violin was the only instrument they didn't play.

"They said that's why I started," said Itamar Zorman. "I also liked the sound."

Zorman's parents would have been proud to see the 24-year-old violinist from Israel walk across the Stiefel Theatre stage Saturday to accept the Salina Symphony's King Award for Young Artists and the gold medal for stringed instruments.

Zorman, who is studying at the Manhattan School of Music in New York, said he was encouraged to enter the competition by a teacher.

"I definitely don't regret it," he said.

As winner of the second annual King Award, Zorman will receive $10,000, and plans are for him to return to Salina in the fall to solo with the Salina Symphony during the opening concert of its 2010-11 season.

Nearly 90 entries

Zorman took top honors in the contest that drew nearly 90 entries from applicants between the ages of 18 and 26 from around the world. He was among 12 semifinalists selected to perform this weekend on piano or stringed instruments before a four-person competition jury, chaired by David A. Wehr, who holds the Jack Geltz Distinguished Piano Chair at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Semifinalists in this year's contest came from six countries other than the United States: China, Israel, Macedonia, Russia, South Korea and Taiwan.

Salina businessman Craig King, who sponsors the award, said he wanted to do something to honor the dedication and talent of top-flight young musicians.

"They are so dedicated, and they've devoted so much of their life to this," King said. "I have huge respect and admiration for them. No doubt there have been many sacrifices made."

Other winners, who will receive a total of $11,000 in cash awards, were:

n Yekwon Sunwoo, 21, South Korea, studying at the Curtis Institute of Music, gold, piano.

n Deborah Pae, 21, United States, the Juilliard School, silver, cello.

n Anna Bulkina, 23, Russia, Texas Christian University, silver, piano.

n Anna Burden, 25, United States, Manhattan School of Music, bronze, cello.

n Jannie Lo, 24, United States, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, bronze, piano.

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