The Heritage Fund has recently unveiled the winners of the prestigious 2025 Brown Music Competition, which took place on a Saturday at Helen Haddad Hall in Columbus, Indiana. The event showcased the exceptional talent of twenty-three young musicians, with two outstanding students emerging as top honorees. Santi De Luna from Columbus Signature Academy New Tech and Natalie Cantu Garcia from Columbus North were awarded for their remarkable performances. Both recipients will receive a $3,500 scholarship. Additionally, various instrumental and vocal categories saw multiple other talented students being recognized with substantial awards. Esteemed judges from prominent music institutions evaluated the performances, ensuring a fair and rigorous selection process.
Competition Highlights and Winners
In the heart of Columbus, Indiana, the annual Brown Music Competition brought together an impressive array of young musical talents. Held at the elegant Helen Haddad Hall, this year’s competition featured twenty-three participants vying for recognition in both instrumental and vocal categories. Among these, Santi De Luna delivered an extraordinary performance of Bruce Broughton's "Tuba Concerto," earning him the Betty F. Brown Award for Instrumental Excellence. Meanwhile, Natalie Cantu Garcia captivated the audience with her renditions of Grieg's "Solveig’s Song" and "Star Vicino," winning the Anna Newell Brown Award for Vocal Excellence.
Other notable winners included Rishabh Rajesh and Benjamin Planalp, who each received $1,500 for their respective instrumental and vocal performances. Ava Burbrink secured the highest award in the underclass vocal category with a $2,500 prize. The competition also honored several other talented students across various categories, reflecting the depth of musical talent in the region.
Judges for the event comprised distinguished faculty members from leading music institutions such as the University of Indianapolis, Ball State University, Indiana University, and Central Michigan University. Their expertise ensured that the competition maintained its high standards and integrity.
The awards are named after significant figures in the local arts community. The Betty F. Brown Awards were established by Mr. Brown in memory of his late wife, a renowned advocate for the arts. Similarly, the Anna Newell Brown Awards honor Mr. Brown’s mother, a distinguished vocalist who greatly enriched the cultural landscape of Bartholomew County. Robert N. Brown, a former chairman of Home News Enterprises and the Heritage Fund Board, played a pivotal role in promoting arts and culture through these initiatives.
The competition is administered annually by the Heritage Fund, continuing its legacy of supporting and nurturing young talent in the arts.
From a reader's perspective, this competition underscores the importance of fostering artistic talent and providing platforms for young musicians to showcase their skills. It highlights the commitment of organizations like the Heritage Fund in preserving and advancing the cultural heritage of communities. Such events not only recognize individual achievements but also inspire future generations to pursue excellence in the arts.