Skaneateles Festival seeks applicants for Robinson Award
The Skaneateles Festival is now accepting applications for the 24th annual Robinson Award, a $2,000 prize designed to recognize an outstanding young musician for success in music performance, citizenship, and contributions to the community.
In 2002 the Skaneateles Festival created the Robinson Award, an annual scholarship prize, to honor the memory of David and Louise Robinson, for their many years of tireless devotion to the Festival and its ideals.
The award is given annually to a young musician whose character, musicianship, and community service reflect the values of David and Louise Robinson – enthusiasm and dedication to music of high quality.
For 36 years the Robinsons opened their hearts and their Skaneateles home to musicians, their families, and the audiences who came to hear them perform.
Their lakeside residence, Brook Farm, served as a gathering place and rehearsal space for musicians, as well as the performance venue for the Skaneateles Festival’s outdoor Saturday evening concerts.
Applications from students between the ages of 13 and 18 residing in the Central New York region will be considered.
Requirements include: two letters of recommendation; a written personal statement; and a 10-15 minute recording of their playing or singing.
The annual presentation of the award is made at a festival concert in August and is accompanied by a $2,000 prize.
The recipient may also be invited to perform at a Skaneateles Festival event.
For the application or for more information go to skanfest.org/robinson-award/.
Application deadline is April 1, 2025.
Past winners include:
2024 Winner Nathaniel Shuhan, piano, Ithaca H.S.
2024 Winner Ava Tyler, voice, Cicero North Syracuse H.S
2023 Winner Paul Di Folco, piano, Manlius Pebble Hill
2022 Winner: Kate O’Leary, flute, Marcellus H.S.
2021 Winner: Charlie Loh, violin, F’ville-Manlius H.S.
2020 Winner: Daiwei Shen, violin, Nottingham H.S.
2019 Winner: Kaelem Michel, piano, Fayetteville
2018 Winner: Hannah Kang, violin, Christian Bros. Academy
2017 Winner: Ivan Yumagulov, piano, C.W.Baker H.S.
2016 Winner: Christopher Spinelli, piano, Fville-Manlius H.S.
2015 Winner: Brian Gadbow, cello, Whitesboro H.S.
2014 Winner: Erin Dowler, clarinet, West Genesee H.S.
2013 Winner: Cheryl Fries, bassoon, Red Creek H.S.
2012 Winner: Ben Parks, viola, Manlius Pebble Hill
2011 Winner: Katherine Zhang, flute, Fville-Manlius H.S.
2010 Winner: Alicia Friedrichs, violin, Fville-Manlius H.S.
2009 Winner: Nicholas Hrynyk, piano, Auburn C.S.
2008 Winner: Elizabeth Sutphen,mezzo-soprano, Manlius Pebble Hill
2007 Winner: Nina Elhassan, clarinet, West Genesee H.S.
2006 Winner: Laura Britton, oboe, Westhill H.S.
2005 Winner: Owen Kelley, violin, F’ville-Manlius H.S.
2004 Winner: Matthew Pikarsky, piano, home schooled
2003 Winner: Stephanie Cambra, flute, Liverpool H.S.
2002 Winner: Adam Gay, piano, Skaneateles H.S.
Other Skaneateles Festival opportunities for students
The Skaneateles Festival gives out free Section B youth tickets to any concert during the Festival season. The upcoming season will run July 30 to Aug. 23. Tickets must be reserved in advance and are subject to availability.
After May 1, guests can begin reserving youth tickets by calling 315-685-7418 or by emailing [email protected].
Youth tickets will be held at will call for pick-up before the start of the concert.
Free kids tickets (under 14 years of age): Must be accompanied by an adult and are available upon request with the purchase of one adult section B ticket.
Free young adult tickets (ages 14-18): Available upon request and do not need to be accompanied by an adult.
College student tickets: College students may purchase $10 tickets at the door of the concert.
Follow the festival on Facebook, Instagram, and at skanfest.org. Facebook: facebook.com/skaneatelesfestival/ Instagram: @skanfestival. Mailing list sign up: skanfest.org/contact/. Website: skanfest.org/
Since 1980, the Skaneateles Festival has grown from a few concerts in the local library to a month-long celebration each summer that attracts some of the world’s finest musicians, involves community volunteers, and draws audiences from all over the Northeastern United States.
It is the festival’s mission to be one of the nation’s outstanding summer music festivals, set in the beauty of the Finger Lakes region, community-inspired, and recognized for its creative and dynamic concert programming, education, and outreach.
