POTSDAM â When pianist Alex Wu, a Syracuse-area high school student, placed second last year in the Orchestra of Northern New Yorkâs annual James and Katherine Andrews Young Artist Competition, he was happy, but not satisfied. The pandemic couldnât stop him from competing again in 2021 and this time, he achieved his goal of winning top honors.
The 15th annual ONNY Young Artist Competition was held live via Zoom on Feb. 20 as the COVID-19 pandemic prevented such in-person gatherings.
Alex, 16, is a sophomore at Fayetteville-Manlius High School. He performed the first movement, âAllegro,â of Beethovenâs Concerto No. 5 in Eb Major, Op. 73, âEmperorâ (1809-1811). He received the $500 cash prize and will have the opportunity to solo with ONNY, the North Countryâs only year-round professional symphony orchestra, at a date to be announced.