St. Cloud State University student Ally Haas took home first-place honors in the 2021 European Music Competition, the Charleston International Music Competition announced in July.
Haas, a pianist and flutist who studies piano performance with Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Shannon Sadler at St. Cloud State, placed first in the piano category in the 18-23 age group for her performance of “Ce qu’a vu le vent d’ouest” by Claude Debussy, earning a cash prize and a personalized Most Exceptional Performer diploma.
A native of Sartell and current St. Cloud resident, Haas is a senior at St. Cloud State and is planning her senior recital for Fall 2021 semester. She participates in St. Cloud State’s Concert Choir and Wind Ensemble, and is an accompanist for the Cantabile Girls’ Choir Program.
“Ally approaches her music studies with intelligence, joy, dedication, and enthusiasm,” Dr. Sadler said. “I’m so proud of her great attitude and fantastic accomplishments.”
Haas, who has been previously been a finalist in the Minnesota Music Teachers Association State Piano Contest, strives to elevate underrepresented composers to their rightful status in music history, seeking out works by women and people of color in an effort to make their voices heard.
The annual European Music Competition, which is open to signers, instrumentalists and ensembles of all ages and nationalities, began accepting video recordings of performances in June before a group of nine judges narrowed entries down to a final list of winners.
