Sisters musicians shine in classical competition

Sisters is best known for its affinity for roots and Americana music. There are, however, students of classical music around town, and the discipline it takes to excel in their chosen genre paid off for two of them recently.

Lindsey Williams, 16, plays the piano and Alessandra Wentworth, 10, is a vocalist. Both came away from the recent eighth annual Cascades Classical Music Foundation Young Artist Competition with high placings in their respective divisions.

Lindsey was first among the 16- to 20-year-olds. She played Khachaturian Toccate in E-flat minor. This piece was written in 1932, making it fairly contemporary.

"I like the character of the piece," she said, having first heard it at a recital. She lives in Sisters but is a junior at Summit High School, drawn there because of the school's chamber orchestra and extensive instrumental music program. She also takes honors and AP classes and is enrolled at COCC, learning French.

According to Lindsey's mother, Michelle, Lindsey has always loved baroque music. When her family took her to the symphony, she showed an affinity for Mozart and at age 10, taught herself to play Mozart's Rondo Alla Turca. She also plays violin, but says she prefers piano. Her first public appearance was at the community talent show, Sisters Act, where she played two pieces by Bach. These days she is taught piano by Bend music teacher Peter Brownlee.

Just across the street from the Williams', Sisters Middle School fifth-grader Alessandra Wentworth is taught by her mother, Jeanne. The Wentworths' musical pedigree is formidable: Jeanne is a classically trained mezzo-soprano who has performed on many stages worldwide and runs a teaching studio from her home. Alessandra sings, plays piano and cello, and loves horses.

She sang "Oh Mio Babbino Caro," an aria from the opera Gianni Schicchi by Puccini.

When asked why she chose the piece, she said, "I like singing in Italian, and Puccini is one of the best composers. I love the tune and how the music flows."

Alessandra also added that she sings pretty much all the time, her friends don't mind and she sings to Molly, the horse she rides.

"Animals love classical music," she said.

Jeanne Wentworth is justifiably proud.

"It is a fabulous way to build confidence for a female to sing in front of hundreds of people," she said.

She also had two other students in the competition; True Duerden and Katie Springer are both from Sisters and did well, according to Jeanne.

The foundation that supports the competition is "dedicated to supporting the young musicians of tomorrow," according to its website. Formed to enable a transfer of musical excellence from classically trained artists to interested youth, the Cascades Classical Music Foundation assists through competition, public performance, education and financial assistance.

The recent competition was held on September 27 in Wille Hall at COCC. Participants came from Central Oregon, Eugene, Portland and Seattle and all are serious in their love of classical music. The adjudicators, all from Central Oregon, sport impressive résumés and are passionate about sharing their talents with young people.