Panama City Symphony

Panama City Symphony PURPOSE
To share the joy and power of symphonic music, enriching lives through performance, education, and community connection.

http://PanamaCitySymphony.org

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It’s time… Panama City Symphony’s Emerging Artists Competition begins today! The Emerging Artist Competition is a bienni...
06/12/2026

It’s time… Panama City Symphony’s Emerging Artists Competition begins today!

The Emerging Artist Competition is a biennial event, now in its second cycle. This rising music star competition continues a tradition of excellence established by 2024 winners Victor Shlyakhtenko (piano) and Didi Stone (violin), both of whom performed as featured soloists with the Symphony during the 2024/25 season. Didi Stone will be the featured artist at Bella Notte, the Symphony’s annual black-tie fundraiser, on February 3, 2027.

Panama City Symphony wishes to give a big THANK YOU to our Emerging Artists co-host, Gulf Coast State College, and to our sponsors, Byrd Family Foundation and Mack and Eleanor Lewis Foundation.

Please join us on Saturday evening at the Emerging Artists Encore Showcase beginning at 7 p.m. at Gulf Coast State College’s Visual and Performing Arts Center. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit PanamaCitySymphony.org.

.shlyakhtenko

06/11/2026

Panama City Symphony Spotlights Young Musicians at Emerging Artists Competition

The excitement is rising as we approach this weekend’s Emerging Artists Competition, hosted by Panama City Symphony. Taking place at Gulf Coast State College’s Visual and Performing Arts Center, The competition begins this Friday. Then on Saturday, the public is invited to view finalists at the Emerging Artists Encore Showcase beginning at 7 p.m.; this event is free and open to the public.

This year, our competition celebrates the talent of eleven young, highly talented artists from across the country in the categories of violin, cello, piano, and saxophone. Judges will choose one winner in the College Division and one in the High School Division.

We hope you will join us on Saturday evening at the Emerging Artists Encore Showcase beginning at 7 p.m. at Gulf Coast State College’s Visual and Performing Arts Center. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit PanamaCitySymphony.org.

Thank you Barry Lowen and WJHG for sharing this event with the region! https://www.wjhg.com/2026/06/11/panama-city-symphony-spotlights-young-musicians-emerging-artists-competition/

MEET KANON TAKAHASHICompeting in Panama City Symphony’s Emerging Artist High School Division on Violin, Kanon Takahashi,...
06/09/2026

MEET KANON TAKAHASHI

Competing in Panama City Symphony’s Emerging Artist High School Division on Violin, Kanon Takahashi, 15, is a student at Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School in Tampa, FL. “I first started playing the violin when I was four years old,” she shares. “At the beginning, I did not study with a private teacher and mainly explored the instrument on my own after being inspired by my older sister. As my passion for music grew, I began formal private lessons and became deeply involved in concerts, competitions, and various musical opportunities that helped shape me both as a musician and as a person.”

What Kanon loves most about the violin is its ability to communicate emotion and tell stories beyond words. “Performing allows me to connect with audiences in a very meaningful way, while also constantly pushing me to grow creatively, technically, and personally,” she says. “Music has taught me discipline, perseverance, and confidence, and it continues to be one of the most important parts of my life.”

Kanon hopes to continue music after school, and after graduation, plans to continue studying and performing music. She also plans to pursue medical school (her dream career is to become a doctor) and she hopes to combine both her passion for music and her interest in medicine throughout her future.

Kanon will perform Felix Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64, 1st Movement for the judges panel during the competition.

Join us Saturday, June 13, 2026 for the Emerging Artists Encore Showcase. Following a series of short performances by our finalists, the public will select the Audience Favorite. The evening will culminate in the presentation of our Grand Prizes: $3,500 for the College Division winner and $1,000 for the High School Division winner.

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Gulf Coast State College Music, Amelia Center, Panama City, Florida

Free concert. Donations Welcome.

Co-Hosts: Gulf Coast State College Music Panama City Symphony

MEET ISABELA DIAZCompeting in Panama City Symphony’s Emerging Artist College Division on violin, Isabela Diaz, 21, atten...
06/08/2026

MEET ISABELA DIAZ

Competing in Panama City Symphony’s Emerging Artist College Division on violin, Isabela Diaz, 21, attends The Juilliard School in New York City. “I first started taking private lessons at the age of six and absolutely loved it!” Isabela shares. “Playing the violin became a beloved hobby of mine very early on, since music surrounded my life in all aspects. What I love about the violin is its presence. I truly can’t reflect and express myself/my inner voice in any other instrument as well as I do with the violin.”

Isabela is currently completing her third year as an undergraduate at the Juilliard School, and hopes to continue her professional career as a performing violinist and chamber musician. “Keeping music in my life will always be my priority!”

Isabela will perform Violin Concerto in D Minor, Op 46 for the judges panel during the competition.

Join us Saturday, June 13, 2026 for the Emerging Artists Encore Showcase. Following a series of short performances by our finalists, the public will select the Audience Favorite. The evening will culminate in the presentation of our Grand Prizes: $3,500 for the College Division winner and $1,000 for the High School Division winner.

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Gulf Coast State College Music, Amelia Center, Panama City, Florida

Free concert. Donations Welcome.

Co-Hosts: Gulf Coast State College Music

MEET TRISTAN WATZLAWIK-ROEMERCompeting in the Panama City Symphony Emerging Artist High School Division on Cello, Trista...
06/04/2026

MEET TRISTAN WATZLAWIK-ROEMER

Competing in the Panama City Symphony Emerging Artist High School Division on Cello, Tristan Watzlawik-Roemer, 14, is a student at LaVilla School of the Arts in Jacksonville, FL. “I started playing the cello when I was around 9 ½,” he shares. “From the moment I was allowed by my private teacher to bow the strings, something deeply resonated in me, and I decided from that magical moment that I want to pursue a career as a professional soloist and chamber musician.”

After six months of playing, he was accepted into the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra where he played principal cello in the Philharmonic Orchestra. He is also a member of the Florida All State Orchestra, and with his ensemble recently won national recognition at the National Orchestra Festival. “I formed a chamber trio with my friends called Trio Maristila,” he says. “My teachers provided me with the outstanding opportunity to learn, in a few sessions, from the legendary David Finckel - the artistic co-chair of the Lincoln Center and Chamber Music Society. I plan to pursue a conservatory nationally or internationally, hopefully as a pre-college student.”

Tristan will perform the Elgar Cello Concerto in E Minor, 4th Movement for the judges panel during the competition.

Join us Saturday, June 13, 2026 for the Emerging Artists Encore Showcase. Following a series of short performances by our finalists, the public will select the Audience Favorite. The evening will culminate in the presentation of our Grand Prizes: $3,500 for the College Division winner and $1,000 for the High School Division winner.

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Gulf Coast State College Music, Amelia Center, Panama City, Florida

Free concert. Donations Welcome.

Co-Hosts: Gulf Coast State College Music Panama City Symphony

MEET JACOB BICKHAMCompeting in Panama City Symphony’s Emerging Artist College Division on Alto Saxophone, Jacob Bickham,...
06/01/2026

MEET JACOB BICKHAM

Competing in Panama City Symphony’s Emerging Artist College Division on Alto Saxophone, Jacob Bickham, is a 20-year-old student at the University of Missouri in Kansas City, MO.

Jacob is both a saxophonist and composer; his playing is marked by a spellbinding intensity and a deeply communicative stage presence. Emerging as a distinctive young artist, he is developing a voice that bridges virtuosic performance with personal storytelling, both through standard repertoire and his original works. “My artistic voice is one of vulnerability and risk,” he says. “I deeply open my emotions and experiences, then invite the audience to connect theirs with mine.”

Jacob first started playing in the 7th grade. During that time, he fell in love with 'the feeling you get when you play something that makes someone feel better.' “I love playing my instrument because of its incredibly diverse ties to all kinds of music,” he says. “Almost like the piano, the saxophone is found in nearly every genre. I initially picked the saxophone because the instrument is simply gorgeous, but now I feel a much stronger bond with it.”

Jacob’s goal is to win a spot with Young Concert Artists. “They help performers hone their skills and artistic identity so they can become professional soloists, chamber musicians, and composers, all three of which I’d love to be someday,” he shares. After graduation he plans on attending graduate school and continuing his musical education and training.

For the competition, he will perform the Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra by Paul Creston. For the Encore Showcase, he will be performing his original work, “Romance” for alto saxophone and piano.

Join us Saturday, June 13, 2026 for the Emerging Artists Encore Showcase. Following a series of short performances by our finalists, the public will select the Audience Favorite. The evening will culminate in the presentation of our Grand Prizes: $3,500 for the College Division winner and $1,000 for the High School Division winner.

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Gulf Coast State College Music, Amelia Center, Panama City, Florida

Free concert. Donations Welcome.

MEET ANDREA IGNJATIC Competing in Panama City Symphony’s Emerging College School Division on Violin, Andrea Ignjatic, 21...
05/29/2026

MEET ANDREA IGNJATIC

Competing in Panama City Symphony’s Emerging College School Division on Violin, Andrea Ignjatic, 21, attends the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington, IN. “I first started playing the violin around age 11, in middle school orchestra,” she begins. “I fell in love with the versatility of the violin, how it could be boisterous and fierce, delicate and yearning, or essentially anything else my heart could dream up. Playing violin, she says, gave her a medium to express feelings that can't be shared with words, and playing the violin feels like letting her soul speak. “The ability to create something intangible and fleeting yet deeply emotional and passionate through the violin is what draws me to the instrument day after day.”

After school, Andrea aspires to become a soloist with leading ensembles and orchestras. “I look forward to performing widely known and celebrated works of classical music,” she shares, “but it is extremely important to me to bring works by underrepresented composers to light as well. I want to be the change to create a world of classical music where people of all races, nationalities, identities, and upbringings can find success and a home in music and be celebrated for the unique perspective and experience they hold.”

Andrea will perform Dmitri Shostakovich's Violin Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 77 for the judges panel during the competition.

Join us Saturday, June 13, 2026 for the Emerging Artists Encore Showcase. Following a series of short performances by our finalists, the public will select the Audience Favorite. The evening will culminate in the presentation of our Grand Prizes: $3,500 for the College Division winner and $1,000 for the High School Division winner.

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Gulf Coast State College Music, Amelia Center, Panama City, Florida

Free concert. Donations Welcome.

MEET MANA TAKAHASHICompeting in Panama City Symphony’s Emerging Artist High School Division on Violin, Mana Takahashi, 1...
05/27/2026

MEET MANA TAKAHASHI

Competing in Panama City Symphony’s Emerging Artist High School Division on Violin, Mana Takahashi, 18, attends Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School in Tampa, FL. “I started playing the violin when I was four years old because of my dad’s influence and encouragement,” Mana shares. “What began as a childhood activity quickly became something I was deeply passionate about. Over the years, I continued through private lessons, orchestras, competitions, and solo performances, which helped me grow both technically and personally as a musician.”

Mana loves how personal and expressive the violin is. “Every violinist creates their own unique sound through their tone, phrasing, and interpretation,” she shares, “so no two performances ever feel exactly the same.” She also loves the violin’s huge range of colors and emotions, “As it can sound powerful and dramatic in one moment, then soft and delicate in the next,” she observes. “That versatility is what keeps me inspired to continue improving and exploring music more deeply.”

Mana hopes to continue music after high school – and throughout his life. She plans to major in Violin Performance at the University of Michigan while also pursuing the pre-med track. “My goal is to combine both music and science, creating a new way of applying music to our life to improve our lives.”

Mana will perform Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35, 1st Movement for the judges panel during the competition.

Join us Saturday, June 13, 2026 for the Emerging Artists Encore Showcase. Following a series of short performances by our finalists, the public will select the Audience Favorite. The evening will culminate in the presentation of our Grand Prizes: $3,500 for the College Division winner and $1,000 for the High School Division winner.

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Gulf Coast State College Music, Amelia Center, Panama City, Florida

Free concert. Donations Welcome.

Co-Hosts: Visual & Performing Arts, Gulf Coast State College Gulf Coast State College Music Panama City Symphony Destination Panama City

SYMPHONY SPOTLIGHT: WELCOME KATHLEEN COLLIERPlease join us in giving a warm welcome to our newest board member, Kathleen...
05/21/2026

SYMPHONY SPOTLIGHT: WELCOME KATHLEEN COLLIER

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our newest board member, Kathleen Collier!

Kathleen and her husband Paul relocated to Latitude Margaritaville Watersound after a 30+ year career as a healthcare finance executive. Before embracing the Margaritaville state of mind, Kathleen served as the Sr. V.P. & CFO of Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, bringing decades of financial expertise and leadership from her time working in California and Hawaii.

Giving back is a huge part of Kathleen’s DNA. Her impressive background in board governance includes:

-Serving two terms as Director at the renowned San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

-Serving on boards for various healthcare foundations.

-Lending her expertise to the American Cancer Society.

When she isn't helping guide our community, Kathleen and Paul—a 22-year Air Force veteran—are out living the Fins Up lifestyle to the fullest! They love traveling, catching live performances, and soaking up the beach life.

We are thrilled to have Kathleen’s incredible wealth of experience, leadership, and passion on our board. Welcome aboard, Kathleen!

Drop a comment below to welcome Kathleen to Team Symphony.

Kathy Carrithers Latitude Margaritaville

MEET IAN PATTERSONCompeting in Panama City Symphony’s Emerging Artist College Division on Piano, Ian Patterson, 24, is a...
05/20/2026

MEET IAN PATTERSON

Competing in Panama City Symphony’s Emerging Artist College Division on Piano, Ian Patterson, 24, is a student at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. “I started playing the piano at four (years old), after hearing my mom play Brahms and Gershwin,” Ian states. “Once I got to middle school, I also picked up French horn, but after applying to college I decided to focus mostly on the piano.”

Ian loves the size of the piano repertoire and discovering pieces that aren’t very well known. “I discover new works quite often,” he shares. “I also love the variety of sound and colors that can be achieved. What I love most, though, is performing. Sharing my love for music is something I find comes naturally on the piano.”

After graduation, Ian plans on getting a master’s and doctorate before teaching. “I also want to continue performing, both solo and collaborative works,” he adds.

Ian will perform Johann Nepomuk Hummel 's Piano Concerto 2 in A Minor Op. 85 for the judges panel during the competition.

Join us Saturday, June 13, 2026 for the Emerging Artists Encore Showcase. Following a series of short performances by our finalists, the public will select the Audience Favorite. The evening will culminate in the presentation of our Grand Prizes: $3,500 for the College Division winner and $1,000 for the High School Division winner.

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Gulf Coast State College Music, Amelia Center, Panama City, Florida

Free concert. Donations Welcome.

Co-Hosts: Destination Panama City Gulf Coast State College Music Visual & Performing Arts, Gulf Coast State College Panama City Symphony

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