BANGOR – William Barrett of Bangor and Kelsey Lutz of Holden are among the six high school musician finalists who have been chosen to compete in the Bangor Symphony Orchestra Maine High School Concerto Competition.

The winning musician receives the Annas Cupp Award of $500, and the chance to play his or her winning concerto with the entire Bangor Symphony Orchestra at the Symphony’s March Youth Concerts.

Executive Director Susan Jonason said, “This is the 22nd year that the Bangor Symphony Orchestra has conducted the Maine High School Concerto Competition. We believe that there is no better way to educate and reward a young musician than by giving him or her the chance to perform in concert with a symphony orchestra.”

A panel of professional musicians who represent the BSO chose the finalists after reviewing audition tapes and written applications.

The finalists are: William Harvey Barrett, cellist, from Bangor, a Bangor High School student; David Maestri Faherty, violinist, from Cape Elizabeth; Emily Wolens Frank, Oboist, from Brunswick, Kieran Brooks Hutchinson, flutist, from Waterville; Kelsey Wynne Lutz, pianist, from Holden, a John Bapst Memorial High School student; and Rebecca Kathleen Moore, flutist, from Winthrop.

The Friends of the Symphony offer cash awards to second place, third place and honorable mention winners. Diane Kern, BSO education coordinator remarked, “Opportunities for young musicians, such as the concerto competition, give them a taste of what being a professional musician is all about. For many of the competition’s past winners, this experience gave them that additional drive to pursue music as a career.”

The competition takes place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 at Minsky Recital Hall at the University of Maine. It is free and open to the public.

For information about the Bangor Symphony Orchestra Maine High School Concerto Competition, call 942-5555 or (800) 639-3221, or visit www.bangorsymphony.com.