Mid-Columbia Symphony concert March 12 to feature young musicians

Katherine Moon and Joseph Linde live in different cities and go to different schools.

But they have more than a few things in common.

They’re 16. They’re sophomores and talented musicians.

And on March 12, they’ll perform with the Mid-Columbia Symphony.

That’s because they walked away as winners of the symphony’s 2016 Young Artist competition.

“I’m really excited to perform with them,” said Katherine, a pianist, who attends Hanford High School in Richland.

Joseph, who attends Southridge High in Kennewick and plays violin, is too.

He especially looks forward to working with music director and conductor Nicholas Wallin, he said.

The concert is at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Richland High School.

It’s the fourth in the symphony’s 2015-16 season, with each show focusing on a different theme.

So far, the symphony has delved into Passion, Elegance and Nationalism.

The March 12 concert’s theme is History, with the symphony performing Doctor Atomic Symphony by John Adams and Billy the Kid Suite by Aaron Copland.

Next up is Faith on May 21.

Katherine and Joseph were named overall winners during the Young Artist competition in January, and each also won their division.

The teens have been studying music for years. Joseph’s older sister played violin and got him interested.

“One of the main things that drew me towards (the instrument) is that it can display a wide range of emotions,” Joseph told the Herald. “If done just right, it’s almost like magic.”

Joseph takes part in Southridge High’s music program, performs with the Mid-Columbia Youth Symphony and plays piano and organ for his church.

He takes private violin lessons with Meredith Arksey, a professor at Washington State University.

Katherine started playing piano when she was about 5, having watched her siblings study the instrument.

“I think it’s cool how much energy and power I can put into the piano,” she said, noting that she can express a great breadth of feelings through her playing.

She accompanies her school’s chamber choir and takes lessons with Leonard Richter of Walla Walla University.

Katherine is the daughter of Hoju and Okran Moon. Joseph’s parents are Kristen and Lamar Linde.

Other students who took part in the Young Artist competition include Anastasia Crosier, Jason Y. Zhuang, Rebecca Qian, Michelle Fu, Christopher Kang, Lisa Hu, Jessica Hu, Taryn Boonpongmanee, Luke Liebert, Charley Sung, Elaina Sung, Eleanor Wright, Christina O. Valdez, Sofia Marina, Noni Mosher and Michelle Chou.

Tickets to the March 12 concert are $15 for students and $25 to $50 for adults, depending on the seat. They’re available at www.midcolumbiasymphony.org or by calling 509-943-6602.

This story was originally published March 10, 2016 at 2:18 AM with the headline "Mid-Columbia Symphony concert March 12 to feature young musicians."