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Megan Yankee Executive Director, Stulberg International String Competition
T
he forced pivot that Covid-19 imposed on many arts organizations has been hard and painful, but the Stulberg International String Competition has found a silver lining. Last year the competition drew more than 6,000 viewers when it was streamed online, and this year participant applications soared. “We had a record-breaking number of applications this year — 226 — which is a big number for us,” says Megan Yankee, who oversees the annual, internationally recognized competition for young string musicians. “The ability to compete online also has meant we've had a lot more students from all over the globe applying.” Yankee, who took over the helm of the Stulberg a few short months before last spring’s Covid-19 shutdown, says the organization had to adjust quickly, switching plans for its live, in-person competition to be conducted online, which was a challenge she enjoyed. “We only had a month to change course, and there was no precedent for what to do,” she says. “I tend to be an innovative, big thinker and that fit really well for this, and I have been supported and encouraged to do that. Margaret Hamilton (the former executive director) left big shoes to fill, but I was able to come in and really do me, which feels good. It’s been fun.” (continued on page 37)
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