Seventh-grade Pacific Beach Middle School student Lilian Franqui plays violin, speaks fluent Chinese and just won an intermediate-level music competition.
For six years, Lilian’s been a member of the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory. Established in 1945, SDYS is the sixth-oldest continuously operating youth symphony in the United States, serving close to 700 beginning through advanced and pre-professional students annually in 13 full orchestras and ensembles.
Each year, talented students from the symphony and conservatory’s most advanced level Ovation, and intermediate-level Showcase ensemble programs compete in SDYS’ solo Concerto Competitions.
In addition to cash scholarship awards, the winners of both competitions gain the opportunity to perform as featured soloists in future San Diego Youth Symphony concerts.
Asked by Beach & Bay Press if she intended to pursue music as a career, Lilian, who’s played violin for eight-plus years, had a somewhat surprising response.
“It may as well be — I’m really into music,” she said. “But honestly, my dreams are actually to be an astronaut. But I’d like to have music on the side because it’s a passion of mine.”
