DENTON, Texas (UNT) – Hao Miao, a University of North Texas College of Music student of Professor Julia Bushkova, is the only violinist in Texas selected to compete this year in the Senior Division of the elite Menuhin Competition.
The Menuhin Competition is the world's leading competition for violinists under the age of 22 and will be taking place in the U.S. for the first time this year. Miao was one of only 22 violinists selected to take part in the Senior Division of the competition from among 168 applicants in that division. The 2014 competition drew a record number of 275 entries overall, and 42 violinists from 27 different countries were chosen to compete from Feb. 21 to March 2 In Austin at the University of Texas.
Originally from Inner Mongolia, Miao studied violin at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and at Kharkov National University of Arts in Kharkov, Ukraine. Currently, Miao is studying under UNT professor of violin Julia Bushkova.
"He follows instructions diligently and with great attention," Bushkova said. "Hao gave at least 12 public performances in the departmental recitals during the first semester alone - something no music student has previously done."
Miao previously applied for this competition, but this is the first year he was chosen to compete.
"Hao practices at least six hours every day, in addition to several weekly violin lessons and other classes he takes," Bushkova said. "The string department is proud to have this very talented and extremely hard-working student who is also modest and exceptionally nice."
About the Menuhin Competition
Founded by Yehudi Menuhin in 1983, the Menuhin Competition attracts some of the world's best violinists under the age of 22. The Menuhin Competition is one of the few international violin competitions for young musicians of this age. It is open to participants of all nationalities and is comprised of two age groups: Juniors (under the age of 16) and Seniors (16 to 21 years of age). For nearly 30 years it has consistently attracted some of the greatest young talents from all over the world.
Going beyond the boundaries of traditional music competitions, the Menuhin Competition is a feast for music and violin fans from all over the world. More festival than mere competition, each competition is a 10-day festival of concerts, masterclasses, talks and outreach activities with world-class performers.
The competition is traditionally invited by a host city or a host organization and has most recently been held in London, England, Cardiff/Wales, Oslo, Norway and Beijing,China.
About the UNT College of Music
The UNT College of Music is one of the largest and most respected comprehensive music schools in the country. More than 1,600 music students attend UNT each year, participating in more than 50 widely varied ensembles and pursuing specialized studies in performance, composition, music education or music scholarship. UNT faculty members and students have made appearances on the world's finest stages and have produced numerous recordings, many receiving Grammy awards and nominations. Distinguished UNT alumni can be found around the globe, in top music ensembles, opera companies, universities and schools.