The New Albany Symphony Orchestra (NASO) proudly announces that three New Albany students achieved top honors in the orchestra’s 2026 Student Concerto Competition, held January 25. Their accomplishments highlight the exceptional depth of musical talent flourishing in the New Albany community.

Junior Division Winner: Erik Jacoby

Seventeen-year-old New Albany High School honors student Erik Jacoby was named the Junior Division Winner and will perform as piano soloist with the New Albany Symphony Orchestra on March 8 at 3:00 pm in Triumph and Light at the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, conducted by Maestro Luis Biava. He will also be featured in Rising Stars, NASO’s sensory-friendly performance on March 7 at 11:30 am. 

Jacoby has studied piano since age five under Kathleen Sadoff and Nina Polonsky and has earned an impressive list of regional, national, and international awards. His recent achievements include first prize in the Denison University International Piano Competition, OhioMTA senior solo and duet competitions, CMTA Achievement Awards, Piano Star International, MTNA State Competitions, and recognition from the Chopin Foundation. He has participated in renowned piano festivals including Mannes, Oberlin, Vivace, and the Southeastern Piano Festival, where he was a finalist in the Arthur Fraser International Competition.

In 2025, Jacoby won the 25th International Young Musicians Festival hosted by AADGT, leading to performances at Suntory Hall in Tokyo and Carnegie Hall in New York City. He is also a Gulf Coast Symphony Award recipient, which includes a future concerto appearance and a solo recital engagement. Beyond competition, Jacoby serves as co-chair of the Columbus chapter of DaCapo, providing musical outreach to area senior homes. He also enjoys competing in USTA tennis tournaments and plays varsity tennis for New Albany High School.

Honorable Mention: Ava Baker

New Albany High School junior Ava Baker received an Honorable Mention for her exceptional vocal performance. A multi-talented vocalist and actor, Baker has garnered significant recognition in both classical voice and musical theatre.

In 2025, she was named a National Finalist in the NATS National Student Audition, awarded Most Promising Sophomore by the Schmidt Vocal Competition, and received the CAPA Marquee Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Maggie in A Chorus Line, Teen Edition. She has attended the prestigious Songbook Academy with founder Michael Feinstein and recently appeared as Matron Mama Morton in Chicago, Teen Edition.

Ava also performs with the NAHS Chamber Orchestra and A Cappella Choir and serves as a Performance Intern with Short North Stage, continuing to develop her voice and artistry across disciplines.

Upcoming Performances

NASO’s Triumph and Light program on March 8 will feature:

• Of Paradise and Light — Augusta Read Thomas

• Saint-Saëns: Piano Concerto No. 2 (first movement), featuring Junior Division Winner Erik Jacoby

• Korngold: Violin Concerto (first movement)

• Brahms: Symphony No. 4

The orchestra will also present Rising Stars, a sensory-friendly performance on March 7 at 11:30 a.m., designed for audience members who benefit from a welcoming, flexible, and relaxed concert environment.

Tickets

Tickets for Triumph and Light range from $10 to $30 and are available at newalbanysymphony.com or through the CAPA Ticket Center.

How To Purchase Tickets 

ONLINE:  newalbanysymphony.com or CAPA.com

BY PHONE:  CAPA Ticket Center at (614)469-0939 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)

IN PERSON: CAPA Ticket Center located at 39 East State Street, Columbus, OH 43215, (Mon-Fri 9am-3pm).