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 5: Moran Katz, Clarinet
Allison Conlan: Do you come from a musical family?
Moran Katz: My mother is a piano teacher and my younger sister is a cellist.
AC: At what age did you begin playing your instrument?
MK: I picked up the clarinet at the age of twelve, but have already been playing the recorder since I was five.
AC: Where did you grow up, and how did that community affect who you have become — in general and/or as a musician
MK: I grew up in Israel and maybe living in the Middle East makes music even more essential to survival.
AC: Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
MK: I enjoy physical activities such as yoga, gym and dancing.
AC: Do you have any pre-performance habits/rituals?
MK: If there’s a banana around, I’ll have one.
AC: Who are some of your most profound influences?
MK: My parents, my first recorder teacher.
AC: Who is the most famous person you have met?
MK: I had lunch with the Phoenix Suns.
AC: Favorite TV shows, sports teams, food and city?
MK: Curb, Italian food, Tokyo.
AC: Explain your personality/life in a six word sentence…
MK: Smiling running 16th notes on flats.
(I smile a lot, run a lot but like to be comfortable)
Don’t miss the semifinals performances on May 30, and the finals concert on June 1!
