Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra announces Young Performers Competition winners, runners-up

The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra selected several student musicians as the winners and runners-up of its annual Young Performers Competition, recognizing outstanding young musicians in the region.

The honorees in both junior and senior divisions are set to be featured with the IVSO in upcoming concerts.

Brennen Heaver, an eighth-grade trombonist from Shepherd Junior High in Ottawa, was named the Junior Division winner. Heaver, the son of Nicole and Dan Heaver, studies privately with Chris Hansen and holds the first chair position in both concert band and jazz band at Shepherd.

Senior Division winner Ava Rosengren is a flutist and senior at Serena High School. Rosengren, the daughter of Mike and Tami Rosengren, has studied flute since age 6 under the instruction of Cindi Isenhower, Jennifer Etscheid and currently, Sue Gillio. She previously won the Junior Division title in 2022 and was the Senior Division Runner-Up in 2024.

Both winners will perform with the IVSO at school concerts at Ottawa High School and Streator in February as well as on IVSO’s Stunning Soundscapes feature performance at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at Ottawa High School. This concert is open to the public and tickets are available online or at the door: $20 admission for adults, $5 for college students with ID and students through 12th grade are free.

Additionally, honorable mentions and runners-up from the competition will be recognized at the IVSO Honors Recital at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at the Westclox Fine Arts Factory at 408 Fifth St. in Peru. Admission to this recital is free.

The Honors Recital celebrates the exceptional performances of the runners-up and honorable mention recipients. In the Junior Division, Mia Gross (piano) and Revel Pattar (clarinet) were named runners-up. In the Senior Division, Jadyn Leone (voice) and Ella Lewis (saxophone) were awarded runner-up honors, while Chloe Camone (violin) received an honorable mention.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. The IVSO recognizes its season sponsor Miller Group Charitable Trust and concert sponsor Maze Lumber. All IVSO venues are accessible in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. To inquire further about accommodations, email accessibility@ivso.org.

For more information about the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra, to buy tickets, or to view upcoming events, visit ivso.org.