Winners of the Cox Communications Young Artists' Concerto Competition are Announced!

The Las Vegas Philharmonic and Cox Las Vegas congratulated the winners of the 2016-17 season Cox Communications Young Artists' Concerto Competition on Saturday, March 4, 2017 on Reynolds Hall stage at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts before the orchestra's Cabrera Conducts The Music of John Williams concert. The winners, Erika Dalton (age 16), violin, and Jordan Farber (age 15), bassoon, were acknowledged by Michael Bolognini, Cox Communications' Vice President and Market Leader for Las Vegas and by Jeri Crawford, Las Vegas Philharmonic's President & CEO. Each winner received a cash prize of $2,000 from Cox Communications and the opportunity to perform with the Las Vegas Philharmonic as soloists during the Youth Concert Series. The competition was held on October 15, 2016 at the College of Southern Nevada, Cheyenne Campus. Dalton performed the 1st movement of Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 3 in the November youth performances and Farber performed the 1st movement of Weber's Bassoon Concerto in the January youth performances. Both students had the opportunity to perform again for 300 guests at the Philharmonic's Annual Gala on February 9, 2017.

"We are so excited to support these tremendously skilled young artists as the exclusive sponsor of the Young Artists' Concerto Competition," said Michael F. Bolognini, vice president and market leader for Cox Las Vegas. "Cultivation of the arts is an important part of who we are as a society and Cox's support of young artists in Southern Nevada is a way for us to give back and help carry the arts forward to the next generation of youth."

Dalton is 16 years old and attends Las Vegas Academy of the Arts. She has played violin for 12 years and currently studies under Eugene Watanabe. Dalton has won several competitions including the Las Vegas Philharmonic's 2014 concerto competition, the American Protégé International and the ENKOR International. Dalton's goal is to attend a top music conservatory on full scholarship. She plans to use the prize money towards attending the Aspen Music Festival next summer.

Farber is 15 years old and attends Las Vegas Academy of the Arts. He has played bassoon for 3 years and currently studies under Dr. Kevin Eberle. He has performed in numerous ensembles has been selected as the Principal Bassoon for All State Band and several other state and regional awards for performance. He plans to use the prize money towards purchasing a new instrument.

The Cox Communications Young Artists' Concerto Competition has been a key component of the orchestra's education and community outreach since 1999, with the Las Vegas Philharmonic's free annual Youth Concert Series reaching 200,000 school children to date. By presenting a young musician on stage in close age to the children in the audience, the organization hopes to inspire young students to play an instrument and develop a life-long appreciation for classical music.

Cox Communications' partnership with the Las Vegas Philharmonic represents year two of a five-year, $65,000 pledge by Cox Las Vegas to strengthen music education and outreach. Cox's support of The Las Vegas Philharmonic is part of the Company's longstanding support of the arts - in particular, youth art education - and is part of the Cox Hearts for Arts program.

About the Las Vegas Philharmonic
The Las Vegas Philharmonic, led by Music Director, Donato Cabrera, established its presence in Southern Nevada in 1998. The mission of the organization is to perform music that enriches and educates, helping to build a vibrant, culturally rich community. A proud resident company of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, the Las Vegas Philharmonic brings a valued cultural dimension to the city, providing over 16,000 children each year with vital access to a music education program and showcasing local talents alongside stellar nationally and internationally known guest artists on the magnificent Reynolds Hall stage. At the orchestra's core are 76 contracted professional musicians, many of whom are esteemed educators who also perform in other professional productions in Las Vegas, bringing depth and variety to the organization. lvphil.org / 702.258.5438

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About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and home security and automation services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable company, Cox serves approximately 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and digital media advertising. Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in broadband, voice and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For nine years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity 11 times. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.

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