CONROE, TX – January 16, 2007 - Accomplished musicians from around the world are expected to gather in Conroe, Texas for the Young Texas Artists Music Competition March 8-10, 2007 at the historic Crighton Theatre. The talented artists are making the trip to vie for over $16,000 in cash prizes and performance opportunities with the Conroe Symphony Orchestra, Montgomery County Choral Society, The Living Opera, and a recital in Zilkha Hall at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in Houston.

Now in its 23rd year, the competition is a division of the Montgomery County Performing Arts Society and is open to Texas residents or students enrolled in a Texas college, university or music school. Susie Pokorski, event coordinator, said the competition has divisions of piano, voice, strings, winds, brass and percussion.

Bob Stevenson, producer of "The Front Row" on KUHF 88.7 FM Houston Public Radio, will serve as master of ceremonies for the annual event.

The distinguished panel of judges includes Alecia Lawyer, founder, director and principal oboist with the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra; Darren K. Woods, general director of Fort Worth Opera; and Emelyne Bingham, assistant conductor of the Nashville Symphony and professor of conducting and aural studies at Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University. Pokorski said that in the next few weeks she would be announcing the participation of two more esteemed judges.

"It is very rewarding to be a part of furthering the careers of these talented artists," said Pokorski. "To that end, each contestant is provided with a written critique that will help them grow professionally." Pokorski said that the Young Texas Artists Music Competition is one of the big three music contests in the Greater Houston area. The others are the Eleanor McCollum Competition for Young Singers and Ima Hogg National Young Artists Competition.

ENTERGY is the major benefactor of the competition. Other generous sponsors include Streater-Smith Honda Nissan, Southwestern Furniture, and Insurance Associates of Texas. Other companies and individuals wishing to participate in a sponsorship can contact Susie Pokorski at 936.756.7017.

The intense three-day competition culminates with the Concert of Finalists on Saturday, March 10, 8:00 p.m. at the Crighton Theatre in downtown Conroe. Those interested in attending the preliminary rounds are invited to do so at no charge. Tickets to the Saturday evening concert are $20 and are available through the Crighton Theatre box office at 936.441.SHOW (936-441-7469).

Applications for the competition will be accepted through January 21, 2007. Musicians wishing to compete can visit www.YoungTexasArtists.org or call Susie Pokorski at 936.756.7017.

About The Texas Young Artists Competition

The Young Texas Artists Music Competition was created in 1983 by the Montgomery County Performing Arts Society, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, to promote excellence in musical performance, to encourage young musicians in their pursuit of high artistic standards, and to foster a love for the performing arts in the community and throughout the state of Texas. The Montgomery County Performing Arts Society is funded in part by the Texas Commission on the Arts and the Conroe Commission on Arts and Culture.