Loyola University New Orleans student David Castillo won first prize in March 2010 in the Stewart Brady Competition for Young Artists sponsored by the Y.E.S. Foundation for the Arts of San Francisco, Calif. Castillo, a senior vocal performance major, advanced through a semi-final round to win first prize in the finals the following day. The win netted him $3,000 in prize money plus an appearance in the finalists’ concert.
Judging the contest were soprano Sheri Greenawald and Mark Morash, both of the San Francisco Opera Center.
The Y.E.S. Foundation for the Arts was founded by Lawrence Bedini with the mission to help promote great art by granting scholarships to young, aspiring instrumental and vocal students. The foundation also seeks to raise awareness about the arts and to encourage schools and teachers in supporting the artistic dreams of students throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
"A win like this is always helpful to a young singer," said Philip Frohnmayer, Loyola voice professor. "There is always the possibility that members of the foundation will assist him in making contacts useful for his future study and provide him with career opportunities. I think he can look forward to a long and fruitful association with this excellent organization in San Francisco."