Three young musicians and a group ensemble have been named as winners of the 2018 VSA International Young Soloists Competition, a Jean Kennedy Smith and Arts and Disability program at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. One of the winners is UF international student Eva Casado Ariza, age 22.
Eva is a violinist and conductor who was diagnosed at age 12 with post-viral Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. She is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Music, with concentrations in Violin Performance and Instrumental Conducting at the University of Florida. While working as a graduate assistant, Casado Ariza performs regularly as a concertmaster in the official quartet of the university and as the assistant conductor of the University Orchestra. She plans to pursue doctoral studies to develop a brighter future for rising generations of young music students with disabilities.
The program focuses on identifying, elevating, and celebrating the work of young musicians living with disabilities. The winning recipients, who each receive a $2,000 award, will spend May 28-29 participating in pre-professional development activities including rehearsals and roundtable discussions with music professionals. The two-day intensive culminates with a performance on the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage on May 30 at 6 pm. This performance is free and open to the public and will be streamed online.