Feb 15, 2016 2 min read

Ben Artuso, a junior at Trinity High School, won the Washington Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artist Competition, earning the opportunity to play with the WSO at last Saturday’s “Dreamscapes” concert.

Artuso, who won a $1,000 prize, played Frederic Chopin’s Piano Concerto #1, 2nd Movement “Romanze.”

Artuso has been playing piano since he was 5 years old. At Trinity, he has been one of the school’s drum majors for the past two years and participates in Trinity’s pit orchestra and wind ensemble.

“Music has always served a unique purpose in my life,” Artuso said. “I’ve always used it to escape from the stress of everyday life, and it has become a safe place for me over the years”

Artuso performed with the Pennsylvania Music Educators’ Association’s Western region orchestra as a freshman, and PMEA District 1 honors band, district band, region band and all-state concert band as a sophomore. He also was a member of the River City Youth Brass Band in 2015.

Outside of his musical endeavors at Trinity, Artuso is involved in academic league, math league and the Hometown High Q team. He also is involved in his church’s youth group.

In addition to the piano, Artuso also plays the pipe organ – and is called upon as a substitute organist by many local churches – euphonium, trombone and French horn.

Artuso studies piano with Ann Weber and pipe organ with Richard Pinkerton. His parents are John and Melissa Artuso of Washington.