Bay Chamber announces 2026 Young Stars of Maine prizewinners
From violinists to flautists, Bay Chamber Concerts and Music School will recognize eleven young musicians in their free 2026 Young Stars of Maine Prizewinners concert on May 21, at 7 p.m. The concert is free and no advanced registration is required.
The annual Young Stars of Maine program awards prizes to music students between the ages of 12 and 25 who are serious in their performance and study of music. The award for each prize is $1000.
The opportunity is part of Bay Chamber’s 65-year tradition of uplifting young musicians through educational and performance opportunities, according to Bay Chamber, in a news release. Previous award winners have gone on to perform professionally and earn advanced music degrees.
2026 Young Stars of Maine, instrument and residence:
-Martin Estes, Clarinet, Sidney
-Miles Ortiz, piano, Rockland
-Erik Frey, piano, Cape Elizabeth
-Hana Hirschkorn, piano, Portland
-Mary Philbrick, violin, Alna
-Aberdeen Brickett, voice, Lyman
-Aubrey Hanscom, voice, Holden
-String Quartet: Preston Couto, violin, Bangor; Elizabeth Ruggiero, violin, Eddington; Ryker Olsen, viola, Garland; Robert Mahoney, cello, Eddington.
To learn more about Bay Chamber Concerts and Music School and the Young Stars of Maine Prize Program, visit baychamber.org.
