Teen Cellist Named Finalist in Classical Music Competition

Fair Lawn High School junior and classical cellist Mark Serkin is one of 11 finalists from New York and New Jersey who will compete in a public musical event at the College of Saint Elizabeth in March.

Sponsored by The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, the 2013 Pearl & Julius Young Music Competition is open to classical instrumentalists ages 16 to 22. The finalists will compete at Dolan Hall on the College of Saint Elizabeth campus in Morristown from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 16. The event is free and open to the public.

Serkin, the only Bergen County finalist, took up the cello when he was 14 and currently studies at the Mannes College of Music Preparatory Division in New York City. 

Last month, he took second place in the Korean Radio Broadcasting New York International Music Competition and was awarded with the opportunity to play a recital at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.

If Serkin wins the Pearl & Julius Young Music Competition on March 16, he'll receive $1,000 and an opportunity to appear with the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey during its Summer Music Festival in August.

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