Monthly Feature

VSA arts International Young Soloists Award

VSA arts has announced the 2009 recipients of its International Young Soloists Awards, including Emily R. Grissing, 23, a cello player from Rochester, N.Y. Grissing, with other awardees, will each receive a $5,000 cash prize and perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on April 28, 2009.

Grissing was chosen as the NY State winner and sent on to nationals by NYSAAE, who felt her technique, tone, and performance highly qualified her for the national award. Having begun her cello training at age seven, Emily has flourished as a player through severe eye and autoimmune disease, saying her health challenges became "an opportunity to learn that I could meet the added demands in the face of this part of my life, and still be there to perform when expected and at the level expected." Executive Director Jeremy Johannesen congratulated Grissing on achieving this high honor, stating "we are excited that Emily's achievements have been recognized on a national level, and feel she is a shining example of overcoming disabilities to excel at an activity you love."  Grissing has continued her training at SUNY Fredonia, where she is a cellist in a fine piano trio, and continues both ensemble and solo master classes with top professional musicians.