S&R Foundation Announces 2013 S&R Washington Award Winners

WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The S&R Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports talented individuals with high aspirations in the arts and sciences, today announced the winners of the 2013 S&R Washington Award – including two Grand Prize recipients.

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This year's recipients will be officially honored at the S&R Washington Awards Gala on Saturday, May 31 at Halcyon House, in Washington, DC. The event will also serve as the official unveiling of Halcyon House, following extensive restoration and renovations.

"The 2013 S&R Washington Award recipients embrace the international understanding that is a key component of the S&R Foundation's core mission," said Dr. Sachiko Kuno, president of S&R Foundation. "We are proud to recognize this talented group of artists. We've had the pleasure of introducing past Washington Award winners to sold out audiences through our Overtures Concert Series, and look forward to supporting the 2013 winners in furthering their careers."

The S&R Washington Award recipients for 2013 are:

• Michael Djupstrom (Grand Prize Winner) – Composer and pianist, Mr. Djupstrom has been honored with first prizes in an array of international composition competitions and gained further recognition through awards and grants from major institutions. He has a particular passion for chamber music, and has presented national concert tours as a founding member of the Phoenix Trio. He has performed in major metropolitan cities throughout the world, including New York, Paris, London and Tokyo.
• Tanya Gabrielian - Lauded by The Washington Post for her "strikingly poised nobility" and "commanding presence," pianist Ms. Gabrielian has captivated audiences worldwide with her gripping performances, rising to international acclaim. She has performed in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, in such legendary venues as Carnegie Hall and Alice Tully Hall in New York, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Wigmore Hall in London, and the Sydney Opera House.
• Ryu Goto – With a proven reputation in Asia, North America and Europe, Mr. Goto has established himself as a significant voice in classical music, with strong followings in Asia, North America and Europe. He has appeared as a soloist with many of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, including the National Symphony Orchestra, Münchner Philharmoniker, London Philharmonic, Wiener Symphoniker, Sydney Symphony, Hamburger Symphoniker and China Philharmonic.
• Soichi Muraji - Classical guitarist, Mr. Muraji, made his debut at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. in May 2006, and the following year released "Danza Brasilera," which has been used on in-flight audio programs for All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan Airlines (JAL) and others. He has developed a close relationship with the S&R Foundation, performing as part of the Overtures concert series and earning acclaim from audiences and critics.
• Tim Park (Grand Prize Winner) - Cellist Tim Park has been praised for his energetic and exhilarating performances which dynamically showcases his expressive and beautiful sound. He studied at Juilliard and at Yale University, and has performed as soloist, recitalist and chamber musician in many of the world's most prestigious concert halls. Mr. Park performs on a cello made by Gennaro Gagliano in 1740.

Award recipients each receive a $5,000 prize to support their emerging careers. In addition, the Awards Committee has designated two Grand Prize winners who will each receive an additional $5,000 prize and are eligible for a Foundation-sponsored event demonstrating their talents. The Grand Prize Award Winners are Mr. Djupstrom and Mr. Park.

Many previous Washington Award winners have performed at the S&R Foundation-hosted Overtures Concert Series. The 2014 Overtures Spring Concert Series begins March 11 at historic Evermay Estate in Georgetown.

The S&R Washington Awards Gala will take place at Halcyon House on Saturday, May 31 beginning at 7 pm. Individual tickets are $450. Please visit www.WashingtonAwards.org for additional information and to purchase tickets.

About the S&R Foundation
The S&R Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created in 2000 to support talented individuals with great potential and high aspirations in the arts and sciences, especially those who are furthering international cultural collaboration. Our goals are simple, yet bold: to create, support and facilitate initiatives that encourage scientific and artistic innovation, and promote cultural and personal growth. For more information, visit www.SandRFoundation.org.

SOURCE S&R Foundation