2022 Walgreens National Concerto Competition Junior Winner, Callia Murray

Thirteen-year-old Callia Murray is an 8th grader at Daniel Wright Junior High School in Lincolnshire, IL. She began playing the violin at age 6 and began viola at age 8. Callia currently studies with Desirée Ruhstrat. Before performing with Midwest Young Artist Conservatory's Symphony Orchestra, she was principal violist of the Chicago Youth Symphony's Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2022, Callia was also the winner of the Society of American Musicians Competition in the Junior Viola Division. Additionally, she was awarded the summer camp scholarship of the Crain-Maling Young Artists Competition. Callia has performed in many masterclasses with the renowned Matthew Lipman, Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, and Meng Wang. During her free time, Callia enjoys reading murder mysteries, baking, and ice-skating.

Callia Murray, as well as other winners of the Walgreens Concerto Competition, will be performing at Northwestern University's Pick-Staiger Concert Hall on February 25th, 2023 with the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory's Symphony Orchestra. Callia will be performing Sir William Walton's Viola Concerto, Andante Comodo. Other works to be performed will also include Saint Saens' Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Haydn's Violin Concerto, and Reinhold Gliere's Harp Concerto. Winners will also be performing in MYAC's Music at the Fort Recital on February 12th, 2023 at the MYAC Center in Fort Sheridan, Highwood, IL. Tickets will be sold at the door, as well as on our website at https://mya.org/ or call us at (847) 926-9898.