This quartet is made up of all Emory University students, two of whom are Franklin Pond alums: Mia Motley (2020-21, 2021, 2022-23) on violin and Jaia Alli (’22-’23) on cello. They are being coached by the Vega Quartet. Despite their challenging academic schedule, these students still study and perform wonderful chamber music!
Stephen Upshaw (’03) recently shared a beautiful performance of Caroline Shaw’s “Its Motion Keeps.” View on Facebook Stephen’s beautiful musicianship and continued artistic growth are a testament to the strong foundation he built during his time with us. We are proud to see his talent and dedication flourishing in his professional career.
Kylie Dickinson (2017-18) is expertly performing the part of the onstage fiddler in “Fiddler on the Roof,” presented by the Atlanta Opera. Franklin Pond’s own Ginny Fairchild is the only violinist in the orchestra. It’s a great production! Get to it if you can.
“Reflections on Georgia”, composed by Franklin Pond student Emily Anne Klayman (2023), 13 years old, is being premiered at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Concerts for Young People throughout the fall. Emily Anne has been working with ASO bassist and composer Michael Kurth.
The Strelitzia Trio, one of our Fall Into Spring ensembles—and the winner of the 2025 Competition—has started their own Competition for little ones (ages 12 and under)! Sign up on their website—StrelitziaTrio.com—by July 5!
After winning the 2024 Augusta Symphony Youth Concerto Competition, Neel Krishnan (2023-24) was invited to perform Édouard Lalo’s “Cello Concerto” as soloist with the Augusta Symphony Orchestra. Read more
Didi Stone (FIS 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24) is presently touring with the National Youth Orchestra of the United States as the Concertmaster under the baton of Marin Alsop. They started with a concert in Carnegie Hall and will continue on to concerts in Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil.
Georgia Philharmonic announced the 2023-2024 Winners of the Samuel Fordis Young Artist Concerto Competition. CONGRATULATIONS to Tej Panchal (Harp 2022-23, 2023-24), Artisan I — Playing Handel Harp Concerto in B-flat major Op. 4 No. 6 HWV 294,I. Andante Allegro. Winners performed with the Georgia Philharmonic on February 24, 2024 at the Woodruff Arts Center. Read…
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The 2023-2024 Winners of the Georgia Philharmonic Samuel Fordis Young Artist Concerto Competition have been announced. Our very own Tej Panchal (2022-23, 2023-24) is one of the winners, and Didi Stone (2020-21, 2022-23, 2023-24) is a Runner-Up with Honorable Mention! The winners will perform with the Georgia Philharmonic on February 24, 2024 at the Woodruff…
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Lucy Gelber (2015, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19) is serving as principal violist of the Eastman Philharmonic at Eastman School of Music and performed the Mozart Sinfonia Concertante with the orchestra. She is a founding member of the Andromeda Quartet, established at Eastman in 2020. Lucy currently studies with Masumi Rostad and hopes to pursue a career…
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