Cellist Amelia Baisden (9) and violist Jane Morrison (11) met under the baton of Ms. Laura Cahn in the Debut Orchestra of the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras two and a half years ago, and began playing chamber music in small self-organized string ensembles soon thereafter. They have both led their respective sections in the Debut Orchestra and currently serve as principals in AYPO’s String Ensemble, with whom they competed at the 2020 American String Teachers Association National Orchestra Festival and were awarded the Middle School Grand Champion prize in March. The girls have a passion for sharing their love of music with their community and frequently organize outreach concerts in retirement centers and churches across the Washington, DC metropolitan area. The “Best Beethoven Performance” is the ensemble’s first chamber music competition.
