The 16th Annual Hoosier Star competition was held on Saturday, September 11 at La Porte’s Civic Auditorium. Ten youth and adult finalists from six communities in Indiana competed for the title of Hoosier Star.
In a “first” for the Hoosier Star competition, Joseph Giuliani of La Porte won the Youth Division followed by his sister, Afyah Giuliani, the 2nd place winner, also of La Porte. In addition, Adult Division winner, Jarynn Sampson of South Bend, became the first former Youth Division winner to earn the top Adult Division award. Kim Kurtis of Valparaiso was the Adult Division's 2nd place winner.
Lola White, of New Albany, was awarded the Joe Mellen Rising Star Award for her contribution to the Youth Division.
Alastair Willis, Music Director of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, led the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra (LCSO) in his 4th Hoosier Star appearance.
The LCSO thanks Platinum Sponsors Duneland Media, Horizon Bank, NIPSCO/NiSource and Northwest Health for there support of Hoosier Star.
Auditions for the 17th Annual Hoosier Star will take place on Saturday and Sunday, March 19 & 20, 2022.
More information about Hoosier Star and the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra can be found at www.lcso.net.
2021 Hoosier Star Winners, L-R: Afyah Giuliani, Joseph Giuliani, Lola White, Jarynn Sampson and Kim Kurtis
Conductor Alastair Willis lead the musicians of the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra at the 2021 Hoosier Star held on September 11.
About LCSO: The mission of the LCSO is to enrich the lives of people of all ages within and beyond La Porte County through the experience of excellent live orchestra performances. The LCSO is also supported by the Indiana Arts Commission, South Shore Arts, What's New La Porte, The Beacher and WIMS AM 1420, 95.1 FM, 106.7 FM, 96.7 The Eagle, Rock 106.5 and Art on the Air WVLP 103.1 Radio. Visit us at: www.lcso.net.