Applications Now Being Accepted for the 2023 Robinson Award skaneateles

The Skaneateles Festival is now accepting applications for the 22nd annual Robinson Award, a $2,000 prize designed to recognize an outstanding young musician for success in music performance, citizenship and contributions to the community.

In 2002 the Skaneateles Festival created the Robinson Award, an annual scholarship prize, to honor the memory of David and Louise Robinson, for their many years of tireless devotion to the festival and its ideals. The award is given annually to a young musician whose character, musicianship, and community service reflect the values of David and Louise Robinson – enthusiasm and dedication to music of high quality.

For 36 years the Robinsons opened their hearts and their Skaneateles home to musicians, their families and the audiences who came to hear them perform. Their lakeside residence, Brook Farm, served as a gathering place and rehearsal space for musicians, as well as the performance venue for the Skaneateles Festival’s outdoor Saturday evening concerts.

Applications from students between the ages of 13 and 18 residing in the Central New York region will be considered. Requirements include: two letters of recommendation; a written personal statement; and a 10-15 minute recording of their playing or singing. The annual presentation of the award is made at a festival concert in August and is accompanied by a $2,000 prize. The recipient may also be invited to perform at a Skaneateles Festival event.

For the application or for more information go to skanfest.org/robinson-award. Application deadline is March 15, 2023.

Past winners include:

2022 Winner: Kate O’Leary, flute, Marcellus

2021 Winner: Charlie Loh, violin, Fayetteville-Manlius

2020 Winner: Daiwei Shen, violin, Nottingham

2019 Winner: Kaelem Michel, piano, Fayetteville

2018 Winner: Hannah Kang, violin, Christian Bros. Academy

2017 Winner: Ivan Yumagulov, piano, C.W.Baker

2016 Winner: Christopher Spinelli, piano, Fayetteville-Manlius

2015 Winner: Brian Gadbow, cello, Whitesboro

2014 Winner: Erin Dowler, clarinet, West Genesee

2013 Winner: Cheryl Fries, bassoon, Red Creek

2012 Winner: Ben Parks, viola, Manlius Pebble Hill

2011 Winner: Katherine Zhang, flute, Fayetteville-Manlius

2010 Winner: Alicia Friedrichs, violin, Fayetteville-Manlius

2009 Winner: Nicholas Hrynyk, piano, Auburn C.S.

2008 Winner: Elizabeth Sutphen,mezzosoprano, Manlius Pebble Hill

2007 Winner: Nina Elhassan, clarinet, West Genesee

2006 Winner: Laura Britton, oboe, Westhill

2005 Winner: Owen Kelley, violin, Fayetteville-Manlius

2004 Winner: Matthew Pikarsky, piano, home schooled

2003 Winner: Stephanie Cambra, flute, Liverpool

2002 Winner: Adam Gay, piano, Skaneateles