Music Student Wins International Competition, Performs in Washington, D.C.

A Mary Pappert School of Music student was one of just four musicians selected to perform recently at a special free concert at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage in Washington, D.C.

Senior Sophie Graf, who is studying harp performance at the University, performed at the May 22 concert as part of the prize package awarded to the winners of the 2015 VSA (Very Special Arts) International Young Soloists Competition.

The Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Program highlights the talents of young musicians, ages 14-25, living with disabilities. Graf, who has epilepsy, is the principal harpist for Duquesne University’s Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra.

In addition to the performance at the Kennedy Center, Graf and the other competition winners received a $2,500 cash award and the opportunity to participate in numerous pre-professional activities, including rehearsals, roundtable discussions with music professionals and private lessons with members of the National Symphony Orchestra.

The concert, which was streamed live, is available to watch online.

The VSA International Young Soloists Competition was founded in 1984 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith.