Vitalijus Lisovskis - Kenneth Radnofsky Saxophone Merit Award 2009 Born in 1985. Vitalijus began studying music at the age of five at the Balys Dvarionas Music School in Vilnius, Lithuania, his native city. After two years in the preparatory program he started playing saxophone. At age eleven he transfered to National M.K. Ciurlionis Art School and graduated in 2004. While studying with Albinas Guzelis he competed twice at the J. Pakalnis National Woodwind Competition and won 2nd and 3rd place prizes. He performed with the B. Dvarionas Music School symphony orchestra, traveled with concerts in Lithuania and Germany, and played a number of solo concerts in Vilnius. Vitalijus is currently a first year student at Longy School of Music, where he studies with BWS Honoree, Kenneth Radnofsky.
Kristine Gray - Kenneth Radnofsky Saxophone Merit Award - 2007 A native of Calgary, Alberta now living and studying in Boston, Massachusetts, Kristine Gray began her musical studies at an early age studying classical guitar, voice and saxophone. Kristine obtained her Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Calgary, under the direction of Dr. Jeremy Brown. During her time at U of C she was a featured soloist with the University of Calgary Symphonic Ensemble for David Maslanka’s Hell’s Gate and recorded the CD ‘Garden of Dreams’ with the University of Calgary Wind Ensemble. Kristine currently plays tenor saxophone in the Thump Saxophone Quartet which focuses on new works by emerging and established local composers. Kristine is currently pursuing her Masters in Saxophone Performance at The Boston Conservatory, under the direction of Kenneth Radnofsky.
Dejan Runevski - Kenneth Radnofsky Saxophone Merit
Award - 2006 A native of Prilep, Macedonia, Dejan first came to the US to study at Interlochen. He did so well and was sufficiently inspired to remain in his adopted country and to start working with Kenneth Radnofsky, the saxophone artist in whose honor this award is named. Only nineteen years old, Dejan has shown deep dedication to his studies and an intense desire to succeed. "This award," he says, "will help me further my studies and will help to make my life here a little more comfortable. I'm extremely grateful to have been chosen for such an honor." Dejan is applying to several local music schools where he will receive a full, well-rounded musical education. If Dejan's past record is indicative of his future, it's just a matter of time before he will be taking his place in the ranks of mature artists.