On Friday, Jan. 5, Westfield State senior Veronica Rovatti will perform at the 2019 Jefferson Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition – Strings at Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, Col.
A senior music education major from Agawam, Rovatti is among 11 finalist selected from entries to compete for cash awards. She will perform the Violin Concerto in G major, K. 216 (W.A. Mozart) in the competition. The overall winner will receive a $3,000 award and will perform with the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra on March 31, 2019.
Applicants were required to be born after December 31, 1994, enrolled in an accredited educational institution and to submit a CD recording of a complete concerto.
Rovatti has been working with her professors for years to improve her skills, guided by violin teach Jessica Foskitt, collaborative pianist Scott Bailey, and Dr. Andrew Bonacci, chair of the Westfield State University Department of Music.
“Veronica entered college as a 17-year-old freshman and I could see that she was passionate about the violin from the first time I heard her play,” says Foskitt. “She is incredibly devoted, often arriving to school very early and leaving late. Veronica is a thoughtful student, often helping me and other members of the Westfield State community whenever the need arises.”
Despite 17 years of violin playing experience, this will be Rovatti’s first competition. “I’m so excited and grateful to have this opportunity to travel to a place that I’ve never been, to perform for a new audience, and to meet other students and professionals who share my passion,” said Rovatti. “I am honored to represent Westfield State.”
Started in 1959, the Jefferson Symphony International Young Artists Competition celebrates the talent of outstanding young musicians. While this annual one-day competition was originally meant to give local students their first experience at public performance, it has evolved into a gathering of international musicians competing for substantial cash awards.