BIG ARTS welcomed back 2017 BIG ARTS classical music scholarship recipient Rebecca Tutunick. The BIG ARTS Classical Scholarship program, which rewards students who have professional goals to pursue training in classical music, has been in place since 2010. Rebecca has been selected as one of three finalists in The National Flute Association’s Piccolo Artist Competition. She returns to Sanibel to record her entry for the final round on the Christensen Performance Hall stage. Due to COVID, this year’s finals will be held virtually with the three finalists submitting their recorded performances, and a winner being selected in August.
The biennial Piccolo Artist Competition is one of the world’s largest piccolo competitions and attracts musicians from across the globe. “Our scholarship programs are an important part of BIG ARTS mission,” said Executive Director Lee Ellen Harder. “There are few things that bring us more joy than seeing these incredibly talented young people grow in their artistry and move on to professional success.”
Rebecca grew up in Coral Springs and now lives in Fort Myers. She was a recipient of the 2017 BIG ARTS Classical Music Scholarship while she was an undergrad at the University of Miami, where she received her bachelor’s degree in music. She went on to receive her master’s in music from Indiana University. Rebecca is currently in a fellowship training program called The Orchestra Now, which brings audiences together with the next generation of classical musicians.
When asked about how the scholarship helped her continue her music education, Rebecca had this to say: “The scholarship made it possible for me to pursue my studies without as many financial limitations. I’m still incredibly grateful I was selected and can’t stress enough the value of BIG ARTS and other scholarship programs for young musicians like myself.”
BIG ARTS offers annual scholarships for classical music and performing & creative arts. To learn more about the BIG ARTS Scholarships program and the 2022 scholarship opportunities, visit www.BIGARTS.org. or call 239-395-0900.
ABOUT BIG ARTS
BIG ARTS, established in 1979, is a nonprofit organization devoted to providing quality artistic, cultural, and educational experiences to Sanibel and Captiva residents and visitors. Visit www.bigarts.org to learn more about BIG ARTS and stay tuned for our 2022 season, and don’t forget to visit us on Facebook!