Musician and Violist, Noa Malone has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Student Creative Artist Award of $2000 by the City of Sonoma Cultural and Fine Arts Commission (Commission). Noa was chosen from a pool of nine impressive applicants.
The Commission deliberated carefully at their April 25th meeting before unanimously selecting Noa for the award, which recognizes outstanding artistic talent among High School juniors and seniors in the Sonoma Valley community. The commissioners were impressed with Noa’s dedication to his craft and passion for music and the viola, making him a deserving recipient of this year’s award.
Noa began learning the viola in elementary school and, along with his sister, joined the after-school program Valley Vibes Youth Orchestra (ViVO), where he discovered his passion for the instrument. He now plays in the Santa Rosa Junior College Orchestra and works as an intern at ViVO, teaching violin, viola, and cello to children. He aspires to further his musical education, potentially as a music minor in college, and is committed to sharing his love for music with others. Despite a busy schedule, he dedicates time to practice daily. If awarded, he plans to use the prize money towards furthering his education and purchasing his own viola.
Noa will be presented with a certificate of recognition and award check at an upcoming City Council meeting. All applicants will have the opportunity to display their work in City Council Chambers in the fall as part of the Council Chambers Rotating Art Program. You can watch Noa’s submitted performance recording of the second movement of Telemann’s Viola Concerto in G major on YouTube.
We congratulate Noa Malone on his impressive achievements and look forward to his continued success in the arts!
About the Student Creative Artist Award
The Student Creative Artist Award has a rich history in the Sonoma community. It was first established in 1985 by the City of Sonoma Cultural and Fine Arts Commission to recognize outstanding artistic talent among high school students in the area.
Over the years, the award has celebrated a diverse range of artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, music, and writing. Many of its past recipients have gone on to have successful careers in the arts, both locally and beyond.
The Student Creative Artist Award is a testament to the City of Sonoma’s commitment to nurturing and supporting young artists in the community. Through this award, the commission aims to encourage and inspire the next generation of creative talent, while also highlighting the importance of the arts in our society
PHOTO: A screenshot from Noa Malone’s recorded performance submission