The Augusta Symphony Orchestra celebrating its 70th Anniversary with a captivating concert.
Neel Krishnan, a talented senior at Harrison High School, has won the 2024 Augusta Symphony Youth Concerto Competition, earning the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the Augusta Symphony Orchestra. His performance of Édouard Lalo’s ‘Cello Concerto’ will be featured in the ASO’s 70th Anniversary Celebration Concert on May 3. Recognized for his exceptional talent and dedication, Krishnan’s musical journey has included numerous accolades and accomplishments in competitions throughout Georgia and Tennessee, showcasing his commitment to classical music.
Augusta – Neel Krishnan, a senior at Harrison High School, recently achieved a significant milestone by winning the 2024 Augusta Symphony Youth Concerto Competition. This victory has granted him the opportunity to perform Édouard Lalo’s “Cello Concerto” as a soloist with the esteemed Augusta Symphony Orchestra (ASO). His much-anticipated performance is scheduled for the ASO’s 70th Anniversary Celebration Concert on May 3.
Orchestra Director Koji Mori commended Krishnan’s performance, describing it as “spectacular.” This recognition highlights not only Krishnan’s talent but also the dedication he has shown in his musical journey. His commitment to excellence has been evident throughout his years of study and competition.
Krishnan’s musical journey began in the sixth grade while attending Simpson Middle School. His passion for the cello was further nurtured through private lessons with Sarah Paul and, more recently, with Daniel Laufer, a cellist from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Under their guidance, he has developed into a skilled musician with a remarkable ability to convey emotion through his instrument.
Before competing in the Augusta Symphony event, Krishnan had already established himself in the competitive music scene by winning first place in both the junior and senior divisions of the Tennessee Cello Workshop Competition in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, he showcased his talent by winning the 2023 Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition, where he performed as a soloist with the orchestra, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the music world.
In 2024, he added another accolade to his list of achievements by becoming a winner of the Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra’s 48th Ruth Kern Concerto Competition. Furthermore, Krishnan has been an active participant in the Georgia All-State Orchestras throughout his high school career, reflecting his commitment to collaboration and excellence in orchestral music.
In 2023, he was selected for the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program for music, an honor that recognizes outstanding students in the arts. His involvement in various orchestras has also been commendable; he has performed with the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra from 2023 to 2025 and served as the principal cellist in the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra from 2022 to 2024.
Krishnan’s peers and mentors have noted his respect and leadership qualities within the musical community. He has shown an inspiring commitment not only to his own development as a musician but also to supporting and uplifting those around him.
Looking towards the future, Krishnan plans to pursue an undergraduate degree at Emory University after graduating from high school. He is also involved in chamber music, performing with the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Honors String Quartets and Octets. His ensemble recently achieved second prize in the 2024 Franklin Pond Chamber Music Competition, further showcasing his versatile talents as a musician.
As Krishnan prepares for his performance with the Augusta Symphony Orchestra, the music community eagerly anticipates his contribution to the concert celebrating the enduring legacy of the ASO. With a track record of success and numerous accolades under his belt, Neel Krishnan stands as a testament to the dedication required to excel in the competitive world of classical music.
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