Based upon the performances of several talented teenagers with the Plano Symphony Orchestra, it is safe to say that the future of classical music in north Texas is in good hands.

The young artists featured on March 28 were Laura Liu on violin, Austin Taylor on saxophone, and pianist Alison Chiang. They were the winners this year of the Collin County Young Artist Competition.

Ms. Chiang played to the first movement of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2. She was confident and capable as she performed in front of the sold out audience at St. Andrew United Methodist Church.

Mr. Taylor did very well with Ibert’s Concertino da Camera. He was especially thankful, as it was the first time he had ever performed with a symphony. I doubt the audience would have known otherwise. He obviously had fun and has a bright future with the saxophone.

Ms. Liu stole the show with Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D. She has played the violin for nine years, and her experience was evident. She could easily have been – and probably will be at some point – a symphony star.

The Young Artist Competition is in its 25th year. Twelve finalists were chosen to perform five minutes of their concertos before a full audience on January 10. The three grand prize winners were chosen as featured soloists for the March symphony performance.

The next performance for the Plano Symphony will be this Saturday, April 18, also at St. Andrew Church. It is titled “An Insiders Beethoven 5th.” For more information on this, subscriptions for next season, and for the Young Artist Competition, visit www.planosymphony.org.