A Tradition of Talent: SSM Performing Arts Students Earn Top Honors Across the State

Nov 1 2025

From string performances to vocal showcases, Shattuck-St. Mary’s students continue to shine on stages across Minnesota. This fall, students from both the Pre-Conservatory and Vocal Performance Program (VPP) Centers of Excellence earned statewide recognition for their artistry, dedication, and musical growth.

Pre-Conservatory Center of Excellence cellist Anita Matsuura ’31 was named the winner of the Rochester Symphony’s Young Artists Showcase, earning the opportunity to perform Elgar’s Cello Concerto with the orchestra on February 1. She also took first place in her division at the Mary West Solo Competition, hosted by the Minnesota String and Orchestra Teachers Association - a remarkable achievement that continues the Pre-Conservatory’s long-standing tradition of excellence.

“Anita plays with precocious mastery of her instrument and clear musical ideas. These two prizes are no surprise to the faculty that have worked with her and a sign of things to come,” stated Ben Downs, Director of the Pre-Conservatory Center of Excellence.

Anita joins a distinguished roster of Pre-Conservatory students who have won the Mary West Solo Competition, including Mark Prihodko ’16 (2012 & 2014), Sara Aldana ’18 (2014), Maria Chirinos ’18 (2016 & 2017), Cate Carson ’20 (2017 & 2018), Harrison Oh ’19 (2018), James Thompson ’20 (2018 & 2019), and Waverly Field ’31 (2024) - each representing the program’s deep musical roots and commitment to artistic mastery.

Meanwhile, students from the Vocal Performance Program Center of Excellence also had a banner day at the Minnesota NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) Vocal Competition, where all three participants placed in their respective categories. The singers advanced through several rounds to reach the final performances held on the beautiful stage of Benson Great Hall at Bethel University.

“NATS is one of the more technical competitions that the VPP participates in, with a focus on vocal technique and musicality,” said Pete Schleif, Director of the Vocal Performance Program.

Ileana Fernandez ’30, in her very first competition, earned second place in the Middle School Musical Theater category and third place in the Middle School Classical category. Hannah Do ’26 placed second in the Upper High School Classical category, and Adelina Mukhametzhanova earned first place in both the Upper High School Musical Theater and Second-Year College Classical categories. This year’s competition added to Adelina’s impressive record, marking her fifth first-place finish at MN NATS in four years.

These achievements reflect the hard work, talent, and dedication of SSM’s performing arts students, and the school congratulates them on their outstanding successes.