Announcing the 2025–26 Concerto Competition Winner!
Congratulations to all six musicians who delivered incredible performances at the Concerto Competition Finals Recital. GTCYS staff are always impressed by the preparation, passion, and musicality on stage at Sundin Hall.
Thank you to our judges, Yi Zhao (First Violin, Minnesota Orchestra), Chris Marshall (Bassoon, Minnesota Orchestra), and Marissa Benedict (Associate Professor of Trumpet, University of Minnesota). A special thank you to Kerri LeJeune, the collaborative pianist who supports each breathtaking performance.
We’re excited to announce that after careful deliberation, Symphony cellist Franklin Watkins was selected as the 2025–26 Concerto Competition Winner! He will perform Antonín Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104, B. 191 at our annual fundraiser Orchestrating Opportunities on February 22, accompanied by Symphony. The event is pay-what-you-can, and all are welcome!
About Franklin Watkins
Franklin Watkins studies cello at the University of Minnesota with acclaimed cellist Matt Haimovitz, taking dual-enrollment college courses alongside his musical training.
Franklin performs as a member of both the University of Minnesota Symphony Orchestra and GTCYS Symphony, with which he traveled last year to France and Spain, performing in notable venues such as the Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona, and the Auditorium-Orchestre National de Lyon.
An avid chamber musician, Franklin is also a member of a string trio at the Artaria Chamber Music School. He has participated in masterclasses with distinguished artists, and performed in numerous concerts across the Twin Cities.
Outside the practice room Franklin enjoys pickles, and can solve a Rubik’s cube in less than 15 seconds.