Spokane 6th Grader Wins Scholarship in International Music Competition

The prestigious Philadelphia International Music Festival awarded over $50,000 in scholarships and performance opportunities this past year to young musicians who took top spots in PIMF’s Concerto Competitions, online and at its summer festivals.

Bonnie Lee, 11, of Spokane, WA won an Honorable Mention in the Age 6-11 Division and was awarded a scholarship valued at $300 to PIMF’s intensive classical music training program featuring members of The Philadelphia Orchestra, and is invited to perform in PIMF’s Winners Circle Concert with members of The Philadelphia Orchestra next year.

The Libby Center 6th grader performed a movement from the Carmen Fantasy by F. Borne in her competition submission. “I chose this piece because it’s so expressive and full of emotion,” Bonnie explained. “It’s different from other pieces I’ve played before- there’s something really special about it. The Habanera and the variations are especially fun to play. I (also)performed it at a local competition in Spokane, and I loved sharing how amazing it is with people. I think the mix of different emotions in thebeginning part also makes the music so beautiful and exciting to me.”

Bonnie has been playing the flute for over three years and studies with Colleen McElroy of The Spokane Symphony. She’s a member of the Spokane Youth Symphony as flutist but also plays piano. Her goals are to keep developing her musical skills and understanding music better: “Music brings me a lot of joy. It makes me happy to see other people enjoying my music, and that encourages me to keep practicing and improving.”

Musicians in three age groups from 6 to 19 years of age submitted videos for the spring event from all over the world. PIMF’s Fall 2024 Virtual Concerto Competition is accepting submissions through December 31, 2024.

Young musicians interested in working with principal players and other members of the world famous Philadelphia Orchestra can find a summer music home at The Philadelphia International Music Camp and Festival this year. Chat online for additional information at: pimf.org or phone: 856.875.6816.

ABOUT The Philadelphia International Music Festival:

The Philadelphia International Music Festival (PIMF) is a resident summer music program directed by Kimberly Fisher, Principal Second Violin of The Philadelphia Orchestra, offering student musicians from around the world the unique opportunity of spending up to four weeks immersed in music education and performance training with members of the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra.

PIMF offers summer camp programs both online AND live on Philadelphia’s prestigious Main Line. Since March 2020, PIMF’s online platform has expanded its training programs year-round with Master Classes taught by principal players and other members of The Philadelphia Orchestra.