Isabella Cowart, a junior violinist at Longview High School, has been selected for the 2017 High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall. She will perform with the Symphonic Orchestra in February.

Participation in one of the five Honors Ensembles is limited to the highest-rated high school performers from across the world.

According to Morgan Smith, Program Director, more than 18,000 nominations were processed this year, with the organization selecting the most talented student performers from around the world.

“Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each Finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing,' Smith added. 'Working with these conductors and performing at Carnegie Hall is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these musicians never forget.'

Earlier this year, Isabella auditioned for the Honors Performance Series and was accepted after a review by the Honors Selection Board. Acceptance to the elite group is a direct result of the talent, dedication, and achievements demonstrated in her application and audition recording. Isabella will join other performers from all 49 United States, Guam, two Canadian provinces and a number of foreign countries for the special performance at world-famous Carnegie Hall, a venue that marks the pinnacle of musical achievement.

Isabella has studied violin for 11 years and is a member of the Longview High School Orchestra. She has auditioned and been a member of the TMEA All Region orchestra for 5 years, receiving superior ratings for UIL Solo and Ensemble contest.

Last year Isabella received a superior rating for her solo and duet at the UIL State Solo and Ensemble contest held in Austin. As concertmaster of the Kilgore Area Community College Orchestra, she had the opportunity to play and perform in a master class lead by renowned performing solo violinist Chloe Trevor.

Isabella has also attended the Fine Arts Summer Academy in Nashville led by the Annie Moses band for the past 4 years and has performed on the Grand Ole Opry stage with this academy.

Finalists will come together in New York City for five days in February 2017. They will have the opportunity to learn from world-renowned conductors, work with other Finalists, and get a taste of New York City.

Two performances, an Honors Choral performance and Honors Instrument performance, will take place Sunday, Feb. 5, and are open to the public. Tickets can be purchased beginning 60 days prior to the performance through the Carnegie Hall box office.

The Honors Performance Series was created to showcase accomplished individual high school performers on an international level by allowing them to study under master conductors and perform in the celebrated venue, Carnegie Hall.

For more information please visit HonorsPerformance.org.