The Bowen Center for the Arts will host another Young Performers Series on Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.

Two local violinists, Martha Van Cleve Gardner, 18, and Michael Long, 19, will be the event’s special guests. Admission to the event will be free.

Gardner, who lives in Winder, started playing the violin when she was just 4-years-old. During her 14 years as a violinist, Gardner won several awards for her craft, including first place in solo competitions at Bob Jones University and North Georgia College & State University, performed as a soloist with the ARCO Chamber Orchestra at the University of Georgia and played seven years with the Georgia All-State Orchestras.

Long, who lives in Athens, is in his sophomore year in the High Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia. He is currently a member of the Georgia Symphony Orchestra and the ARCO Chamber Orchestra. 

Last year, Long performed with the ARCO orchestra at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Long has also won awards and scholarships for his violin abilities, including the highest scholarship available from the Hugh Hodgson School of Music.

The Bowen Center for the Arts Director Marcia Chelf is particularly delighted to feature Gardner’s and Long’s talent at this Young Performers Series.

“You can see by their achievements they are two very hardworking and gifted musicians. The Dawson Art Council is excited to welcome them to the Bowen Center for the Arts, and hopes the community will come and enjoy their performance,” said Chelf. 

 The Young Performers Series ultimately aims to inspire others to develop their own artistic talents and dreams.

“I love having the young performers visit in the hopes that many of our young people in the community will come and see the talent that Martha and Michael have worked so hard to achieve. Just maybe some of our young people will try their hand at making beautiful music,” said Chelf.

The Bowen Center for the Arts has hosted the Young Performers Series about once a month over the past year.

The next Young Performers Series will be on Oct. 17, featuring Hanna Chapman, who is a pianist and vocalist.

On Nov. 1, the series will welcome the Dawson Community Chorale concert. Then, on Dec. 4, the North Georgia Chamber Symphony will participate in the Young Performers Series.

Admission is free for all Young Performer Series events.

“We have a lot of talented young people ready to perform for the community,” said Chelf.

To find out more information about the Young Performers Series, contact Marcia Chelf at (706) 216-2787. The Bowen Center for the Arts is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays, noon until 4 p.m.