2021 Petri Winner: Savannah Panah
Savannah Neda Panah, soprano, is a Graduate student studying Vocal Performance at Boston University. She recently sang Susanna in Le nozze di Figaro and will be performing the role of Little Sister in Missy Mazzoli’s opera, Proving Up, this coming fall at BU. She has also performed leading roles in other operas including La finta giardiniera and Les Mamelles de Tirésias. Among a few summer institutes, Ms. Panah has participated in the Astoria Apprentice Young Artist Program and Student Opera Association of PSU. Grants and competition accolades include Boston University’s School of Music Student Life and Honors Committee Award, vocal winner of the Van Buren Concerto Competition, and 1st place winner of the Oregon Music Teachers Association Lina Belle Tartar Voice Competition. Savannah has had numerous performances with the Oregon Symphony, participated in the San Juan Canta International Choral Festival in Argentina with the world-renowned Portland State Chamber Choir, and is a featured soloist in PSU Chamber Choir’s album, “Translations”, featuring pieces by award-winning composer, Ēriks Ešenvalds. Along with performing, Savannah is a collegiate member of the Music Teachers National Association, teaches Piano & Voice, is an aspiring composer, and when inspired, writes poetry.
Panah was awarded a $10,000 scholarship.
The Benton Community Foundation awards a scholarship from the Lillian and Paul Petri Music Study Fund every two years to a talented young musician. Applicants must be a resident of Oregon or an Oregon high school graduate and desire to pursue a musical career. The scholarship provides $10,000 for a winner toward advanced study within the United States or abroad for the two years following the award. The determination of whom shall be granted a scholarship from the Lillian and Paul Petri Music Study Fund is made on the basis of a musical performance competition judged by notable professionals in the field. BCF partners with Oregon Music Teachers Association (OMTA) to plan and facilitate the competition.
For more information, visit the Petri Scholarship website.