Pianist Sage Bialuski of 亚洲天堂 Lake has won the 2013 Integris Credit Union Young Artist Competition, as announced by the Prince George Symphony Orchestra (PGSO). Now in its second year, the competition provides a $1,000 cash award and a much-coveted showcase opportunity to perform with the PGSO during its 2013/14 season.

鈥淭he concerto competition was extremely exciting for me. Playing with the symphony will be a dream come true. My goal is to complete my ARCT in piano perform颅ance, and I hope to further my music studies at a post-secondary level. Music is such a big part of my life, and I am truly grateful for this opportunity,鈥� said Bialuski.

The 2012 winner of the competition, violinist Gabrielle Jacob, played with the orchestra in February.

鈥淪age is an outstanding young pianist,鈥� says Bialuski鈥檚 piano teacher Lori Elder, 鈥淚鈥檓 thrilled that she was chosen. She's enormously talented, and I know she'll deliver an exciting performance.鈥�

Bialuski is slated to perform Mozart鈥檚 Piano Concerto in C major, K 467, next November 23, 7:30 pm, in Vanier Hall, on a program that will include a gala performance of Beethoven鈥檚 Ninth Symphony, the 鈥淥de to Joy.鈥�

The Integris Competition is open to advanced classical performers from throughout northern British Columbia. Adjudicators included Al Cannon, principal trumpet of the PGSO, and PGSO Music Director Dr. Kevin Zakresky. First runner-up in the competition was Prince George violinist Esther Chaerin Ban, and second runner-up was violinist Kiri Daust from Smithers.

Speaking on behalf of the adjudicators, Maestro Zakresky commented, 鈥淚 am always amazed by the number of talented young musicians in northern BC. The calibre of the performances made our final decision very difficult.  Each of the competitors could have been an ideal candidate to play with the symphony.鈥�

PGSO community partner Intergis echos Zakresky鈥檚 enthusiasm. 鈥淭he people of Integris Credit Union are thrilled to partner with the PGSO to inspire young talent in our com颅munity,鈥� said Integris Communications Manager Dan Wingham. 鈥淲e applaud the PGSO鈥檚 efforts to engage and inspire the next generation of musicians鈥攑eople who enrich our lives as they share their music. I must also thank Integris Members for their business.  By choosing Integris, you have chosen an organization that reflects your values. Thank you for helping us to enhance the well-being of people and our communities.鈥�