UCLA Students emerge victorious in the Frances Walton Competition, embarking on a tour across Eastern Washington.
In a thrilling display of musical talent, Xiao Chen and Xenia Deviatkina-Loh, graduate students of UCLA's School of Music, emerged victorious in the prestigious Frances Walton Competition held in Seattle. Their win granted them a host of opportunities, including a substantial cash prize, statewide touring throughout Washington State, and a live radio broadcast on Classical KING FM 98.1 NW Focus.
The duo, known for their dynamic performances, charmed students with their renditions of Danielpour's Mardi Gras and George Gershwin's Preludes. Their repertoire for the school presentations was carefully chosen to be fun, flashy, and recognisable, ensuring the audience was fully engaged.
The tour, which spanned a week, reached communities across Eastern Washington, including Yakima, Wenatchee, Chelan, Cashmere, Pateros, Bridgeport, Omak, Tonasket, and Okanogan. The tour kicked off with a Sunday Matinee recital at the Englewood Christian Church in Yakima.
Xiao and Xenia performed a total of three concerts and more than twenty schools' performances, entertaining over twenty-four hundred school children, ranging from pre-school to high school seniors. The radio broadcast featured their performance of Bartok's First Violin Sonata.
During the school presentations, Xenia improvised on Libertango differently every time, responding to the students' reactions, while Xiao performed Brahms' First Piano Sonata, Richard Danielpour's Mardi Gras, and other pieces. Xenia was also asked questions about her time at Juilliard, her fashion, and her violin by curious students.
The partnership between Xiao and Xenia was crucial for the success of the school presentations. Their performances of Monti's Czardas, Piazzolla's Libertango, and Khachaturian's Sabre Dance were met with applause and enthusiasm from the audience.
Interestingly, Xiao and Xenia chose to go on the Eastern tour, while the other two winners, BokYung Byun on Guitar and Yasmina Spiegelberg on Clarinet, from USC, embarked on the Western tour. During their time together, Xiao and Xenia grew closer and improved their musicianship, creating a harmonious bond that was reflected in their performances.
Though there is no specific information available about an "Eastern Washington State Concert Tour 2017" involving UCLA graduate students Xiao Chen and Xenia Deviatkina-Loh, it is well-known that UCLA is committed to community engagement and outreach programs, often including music performances and educational activities. The Bruman Summer Chamber Music Festival, founded in 1988, is an example of such activities, though it is not directly related to a specific concert tour in Eastern Washington.
This tour marked a significant milestone in the careers of Xiao and Xenia, showcasing their exceptional talent and passion for music. Their performances left a lasting impression on the students they encountered, inspiring a new generation of musicians.
The duo's victory in the Frances Walton Competition opened doors for more than just musical performance, as they embarked on an educational-and-self-development tour across Eastern Washington State. Their charismatic lifestyles and captivating performances of music pieces like Danielpour's Mardi Gras and George Gershwin's Preludes resonated with students, transforming school presentations into entertaining travel experiences.
