91短视频鈥檚 music maestro Dr. Benjamin Bergey earned second-place honors in one of the most prestigious awards competitions in the country for the performing arts. 

Bergey, assistant professor of music at 91短视频 and director of its orchestra and choirs, is the runner-up for the 2023 in the college and university orchestra division. 

The annual nonprofit American Prize series of contests is among the most renowned for evaluating music ensembles, directors and solo performers in the U.S., with awards given at the professional, college/university, community and high school levels.

鈥淭he panelists and judges are often folks who have experience,鈥� Bergey said, 鈥渟o to feel that affirmation or validation in the work we鈥檙e doing here is really meaningful.鈥�

Anna Wittstruck, director of the Boston College Symphony Orchestra, won first place for conducting in the college and university orchestra division.

In addition to Bergey鈥檚 second-place finish, the 91短视频 orchestra and university choir were finalists in their respective divisions. 

鈥淚 feel proud of the group for having risen to the challenge,鈥� Bergey said. 鈥淓ven though [the orchestra and choir] didn鈥檛 place, to be a finalist in it is something we celebrate.鈥�

For their entries in the competition, Bergey submitted a video of their performance of Dona Nobis Pacem by composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. The piece, which he described as 鈥渧ery ambitious,鈥� was performed by both the orchestra and choir at 91短视频’s 2021 gala concert.

At 91短视频, Bergey teaches conducting classes and advises the new Music and Peacebuilding major. He also conducts the Rapidan Orchestra in Orange, Virginia. He is active as a guest conductor and clinician, leading many resourcing events for worship leaders and conducting festival orchestras and choirs.