Released on: March 3, 2008, 10:16 am

Press Release Author: Brian Van Norman/The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle

Industry: Entertainment

Press Release Summary: The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle will host the first
Competition for Young String Soloists April 4-6. The competition will be held on the
campus of Meredith College. Sixteen soloists will perform in the semi-finals on
April 5, with five moving on to the finals on April 6.

Press Release Body: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Brian Van Norman
919.232.5008
Brian@articulon.com

$15,000 in Prizes to be Awarded in Competition for Young String Soloists
BCBSNC Sponsors Inaugural Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle Competition

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (March 3, 2008) -The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle will host
the first Competition for Young String Soloists April 4-6 continuing its history of
creating performance and educational opportunities for talented young musicians. The
competition is sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC),
and will be held in the Carswell Concert Hall at Meredith College in Raleigh.

"The idea behind this competition is to attract the best young string players from
around the country, and give the local talent an opportunity to meet them, compete
with them and, when possible, learn from them," says Lorenzo Muti, artistic director
and conductor of The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle. "We want the event to be
both a celebration of hard work and a stimulus for local talent to reach even higher
achievements. We are grateful to Blue Cross and Blue Shield for sponsoring the
competition and understanding the importance of such a project."

First prize in the competition will consist of a $10,000 award and an appearance
with the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle during the 2008-2009 season. The second
and third place winners will receive $2,500 and $1,500 awards respectively. In
addition, the Thomas S. Keenen III North Carolina prize of $1,000 will be awarded to
the top performer who resides in North Carolina.The award is in honor of Thomas
Keenen III, who dedicated his life to education and the arts in his beloved state.

"We believe that the performing arts are an integral part of any thriving
community," says Kathy Higgins, vice president for community relations of BCBSNC.
"We're proud to support The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle as they host their
inaugural competition."

From nearly 40 entrants, 16 artists will be selected to perform for the judges in
the semi-final round on April 5. Five finalists will be asked to perform in the
final round at 1 p.m. on April 6. The final round of performances at Meredith
College will be open and free of charge to the general public. For more information,
visit chamberorchestraofthetriangle.org.

About the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle:
Since 1982, The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle has been received with genuine
respect and enthusiasm by music critics and the community. Today, it is considered
one of the finest professional ensembles in North Carolina and the Southeast. With
its elite corps of musicians, the orchestra continues to present a well-chosen and
unusual repertoire that delights audiences and evokes high praise from critics. That
standard of excellence has become the hallmark of the orchestra and has
distinguished each succeeding season. The 2007-2008 series marks the 25th concert
season. For more information, visit www.chamberorchestraofthetriangle.org or call
(919) 942-3179.

About BCBSNC:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative
health care products, services and information to nearly 3.6 million members,
including approximately 825,000 served on behalf of other Blue Plans. For 75 years,
the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive
price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community
organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross and Blue
Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue
Shield Association. Access BCBSNC online at www.bcbsnc.com.
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Web Site: http://www.chamberorchestraofthetriangle.org

Contact Details: Brian Van Norman
brian@articulon.com
(919) 232-5008

The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle
1213 E. Franklin Street
Chapel Hill, NC 27514