Named to honor the memory of Miss Ima Hogg, a co-founder of the Houston Symphony, the Ima Hogg Competition is open to young musicians between the ages of 13 and 30 who play standard orchestral instruments or piano. Through the support of the Houston Symphony League since 1976, the Competition provides performance opportunities for aspiring musicians ages 13-30.
The 2013 semifinal round will take place on Thursday, May 30 at Stude Concert Hall at the Shepherd School of Music of Rice University. Ten semifinalists will perform two concertos with piano accompaniment. At the conclusion of the semifinals, four finalists will be selected to perform one concerto with the Houston Symphony at the Finals Concert on Saturday, June 1. The first place winner will then perform with the Houston Symphony at the Houston Chronicle Concert on July 13, 2013 as part of the 2013 Day of Music; the second place winner will perform with the Houston Symphony at Miller Theatre on June 29, 2013.
Our Education and Community Engagement Coordinator, Allison Conlan, had the chance to post some questions to our semifinalists. Their insightful answers can be found on this very blog!
Learn a little more about contestant number 7: Ben Lash, Cello
Allison Conlan: Do you come from a musical family?
Ben Lash: My parents are amateur musicians (mother violist and father cellist) and met at a string quartet workshop.
AC: At what age did you begin playing your instrument?
BL: I began playing when I was six years old.
AC: Where did you grow up, and how did that community affect who you have become — in general and/or as a musician?
BL: I grew up in Evanston, Illinois. It was a great place to grow up because it is a diverse community and is very close downtown Chicago. I had lots of cultural opportunities growing up in Evanston.
AC: Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
BL: Playing frisbee, ping pong, watching baseball, and baseball statistics (sabermetrics).
AC: What has been your most exciting event in your musical career?
BL: I recently performed a recital on the Dame Myra Hess recital series. It was exciting for me because over 500 people attended and it was broadcast live on WFMT. It took place in the Chicago Cultural Center in a hall which has an amazing Tiffany glass domed ceiling.
AC: Do you have any pre-performance habits/rituals?
BL: I don’t really have pre-performance rituals but I usually try to do stretches and eat a banana.
AC: Who are some of your most profound influences?
BL: My two cello teachers (Tanya Carey and Ronald Leonard) have had a profound influence on me. I have been inspired by the integrity that they bring to their work and their deep commitment to their students.
AC: Who is the most famous person you have met?
BL: I met Ron Santo at spring training in Arizona the year before he died. It was an honor meeting him. He was as kind and humble in person as he was on the radio.
AC: Favorite TV shows, sports teams, food and city?
BL: Favorite TV shows: Curb Your Enthusiasm, How I Met Your Mother.
Favorite Sports Teams: Cubs, Bulls and Bears.
Favorite Foods: Seafood pasta and bossam.
Favorite City: Chicago.
AC: Explain your personality/life in a six word sentence…
BL: Watching baseball while playing a scale.
A few years ago, I discovered that I was able to very effectively practice technique while watching muted sports events on TV. My room mates think that this is a strange way to practice but it seems to work for me!
Don’t miss the semifinals performances on May 30, and the finals concert on June 1!
