In January 2015, Princeton University Concerts announced a new initiative called the Creative Reactions Contest, a writing contest designed to foster reflection on the impact of hearing classical music, as perceived by students on Princeton’s campus. Over the course of 2 months, 130 students attended 5 different concerts and were asked to capture the experience of hearing live classical music.
The form was flexible allowing for blank verse, prose, poetry, narrative, even lyrics. The 11 judges chose 5 winners from a full field of entries. The first place winner, Susannah Sharpless, class of 2015, won $1000. Two second-place winners, Trevor Klee, class of 2015 and Lucas Mazzotti, class of 2017 won $500. The final panel of judges also awarded two honorable mentions to sophomores Benjamin Goodman and Rachel Stone.
Winning entries include: Susannah Sharpless, ’15 “Space and Time,” inspired by violinist Stefan Jackiw and pianist Anna Polonsky, First Prize, $1000; Trevor Klee ’15, “Untitled,” inspired by pianist Marc-André Hamelin, Second Prize $500; Lucas Mazzotti ’17, “Untitled,” inspired by the Brentano String Quartet and Joyce DiDonato, Second Prize, $500; Benjamin Goodman ‘17, “Piety,” inspired by pianist Marc-André Hamelin, Honorable Mention, $100; Rachel Stone ‘17, “In B-flat,” inspired by Messiaen’s “Quartet for the End of Time,” played by violinist Stefan Jackiw and Anna Polonsky, Honorable Mention, $100.
The Creative Reactions Contest is hosted by the Student Ambassadors of PUC, a small group of classical music-loving students whose mission is to increase student interest and participation in Princeton University Concerts programs. The contest is funded by PUC. Each year PUC presents a professional concert series featuring renowned classical musicians from all over the world. The Creative Reactions Contest seeks to further PUC’s mission by connecting students to the arts and celebrating classical music’s unique contributions. The first Creative Reactions Contest is dedicated to the memory of Vera Sharpe Kohn, a loyal member of the Princeton University Concerts Committee whose support and enthusiasm contributed to the health and well being of Princeton University Concerts.
All 5 of the wining entries can be read online by visiting princetonuniversityconcerts.org.
