Mrs. Jean Davis, Ms. Sandra Williamson, Mrs. Martha Simons, and Mrs. Jackie McNeill. The Symphony League of the South Carolina Philharmonic has long been active in the development of talented young musicians. The collaboration of the Symphony League and the University of South Carolina’s School of Music through the annual Southeastern Piano Festival reinforces and increases opportunities for talented musicians.

Dr. Arthur M. Fraser was chairman of the USC Music Department from 1963–1972 when he died at the age of 57. He was the founding conductor and music director of the Columbia Festival Orchestra that evolved over the years and through several name changes to become the South Carolina Philharmonic.

With his encouragement in 1965, the Symphony League launched the Young Artist Competition, which, at that time, was open to all instruments. To honor Dr. Fraser after his death, his name was added to the title of the competition and became the Arthur Fraser Young Artist Competition.

The six winning contestants: Brook Zhang, Discretionary Award & Young Jury Award; Nicholas Biniaz–Harris, 3rd Place Award; Hao Feng, Discretionary Award; Albert Wang, Discretionary Award; Micah McLaurin, 1st Place Award (co–winner)and Naomi Causby, 1st Place Award (co–winner). In 2005, the name was changed to the Arthur Fraser Concerto Competition and became an integral part of the Southeastern Piano Festival.

As customary, the first place winner of the Southeastern Piano Festival is referred to as the “Southeastern Piano Festival and Arthur Fraser International Concerto Competition Winner.” The Symphony League honors the first place winner at the winter concert of the South Carolina Philharmonic. Other winners appear during the year with the Philharmonic during separate Young People’s Concerts.

First place winners of the Southeastern Piano Festival: Naomi Causby and Micah McLaurin The Symphony League presents gifts to the USC music faculty, students, and staff assistants on the final evening with a gala concert and reception where guests meet the young performers. Symphony League’s chairper- son this year for the Arthur Fraser Concerto Competition was Mrs. Jean Davis. Her committee monitored the competition, greeted guests, and assisted the performers in their auditions.

On June 18, 2010, an outstanding week of piano competition ended with the announcement of two first place winners instead of one. They are Naomi Causby and Micah McLaurin. These young artists will perform at the League’s general meeting in the fall.