TOM BAKER YOUNG ARTISTS COMPETITION
Meet the 2025-2026 Tom Baker Young Artists Competition Winner:
Nicholas Garrett, Clarinetist
Performing Weber's Concertino for Clarinet and Orchestra on April 19, 2026
Nicholas Garrett, 16, is a clarinetist and bass clarinetist who has been performing with the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra (COYO) since ninth grade. Through his work with the ensemble, he has continued to grow both as a collaborative musician and a confident soloist. He attends the Cleveland School of the Arts, where he balances a demanding academic schedule with an equally rigorous artistic program. He also studies in the Academy program at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM), which provides him with advanced musical training and opportunities to refine his technique and musical voice. Nicholas began his musical journey at three years old, when he started on the violin. His passion for the instrument quickly developed into a long-term commitment to his craft. He currently studies with Stanislav Golovin, whose mentorship has played an important role in shaping Nicholas's musical foundation and artistic expression.
For Nicholas, music is a constant source of inspiration and a space where he feels that he can connect to others. Whether rehearsing with an orchestra or exploring the details of solo repertoire, he values the emotional expression and personal growth that each piece of music offers. Every performance gives him a chance to challenge himself, communicate something meaningful, and continue developing both as a musician and as a person. Nicholas approaches his musical journey with curiosity, discipline, and genuine joy for his instrument and others. He is committed to deepening his artistry and embracing every opportunity that helps him evolve and share his love of music with others.
Nicholas Garrett is the seventh winner of the Tom Baker Young Artists Competition, joining the talented young musicians featured below. Applications for the 2026-2027 competition will be available in late summer 2026.
Nicholas Garrett, Clarinetist
Performing Weber's Concertino for Clarinet and Orchestra on April 19, 2026
Nicholas Garrett, 16, is a clarinetist and bass clarinetist who has been performing with the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra (COYO) since ninth grade. Through his work with the ensemble, he has continued to grow both as a collaborative musician and a confident soloist. He attends the Cleveland School of the Arts, where he balances a demanding academic schedule with an equally rigorous artistic program. He also studies in the Academy program at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM), which provides him with advanced musical training and opportunities to refine his technique and musical voice. Nicholas began his musical journey at three years old, when he started on the violin. His passion for the instrument quickly developed into a long-term commitment to his craft. He currently studies with Stanislav Golovin, whose mentorship has played an important role in shaping Nicholas's musical foundation and artistic expression.
For Nicholas, music is a constant source of inspiration and a space where he feels that he can connect to others. Whether rehearsing with an orchestra or exploring the details of solo repertoire, he values the emotional expression and personal growth that each piece of music offers. Every performance gives him a chance to challenge himself, communicate something meaningful, and continue developing both as a musician and as a person. Nicholas approaches his musical journey with curiosity, discipline, and genuine joy for his instrument and others. He is committed to deepening his artistry and embracing every opportunity that helps him evolve and share his love of music with others.
Nicholas Garrett is the seventh winner of the Tom Baker Young Artists Competition, joining the talented young musicians featured below. Applications for the 2026-2027 competition will be available in late summer 2026.
Previous Competition Winners
2024-2025 Anthony Yang, violin, Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35
2023-2024 Louis Wang, piano: Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2
2022-2023 Fiona Tsang, cello: Saint-Saëns' Cello Concerto No. 1
2021-2022 Daniel Colaner, piano: Saint-Saëns' Piano Concerto No. 2
2020-2021 Samuel Dishon, saxophone: Glazunov's Concerto for Saxophone and String Orchestra
2019-2020 Katarina Davies, cello: Tchaikovsky's Rococo Variations
2024-2025 Anthony Yang, violin, Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35
2023-2024 Louis Wang, piano: Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2
2022-2023 Fiona Tsang, cello: Saint-Saëns' Cello Concerto No. 1
2021-2022 Daniel Colaner, piano: Saint-Saëns' Piano Concerto No. 2
2020-2021 Samuel Dishon, saxophone: Glazunov's Concerto for Saxophone and String Orchestra
2019-2020 Katarina Davies, cello: Tchaikovsky's Rococo Variations
About the Competition
The Euclid Symphony Orchestra is proud to host the Tom Baker Young Artists Competition, an annual event dedicated to showcasing and supporting the next generation of talented musicians. Named in memory of Tom Baker—a longtime friend, donor, and member of the Euclid Symphony Orchestra—this competition honors his legacy of championing young artists and fostering musical excellence in the community. This prestigious competition, held annually in the fall, is open to advanced musicians, both instrumentalists and vocalists, aged 18 and under. Participants must prepare a virtuosic, concerto-level piece (or equivalent) that showcases their technical and artistic ability.
The winner of the competition receives a $500 cash prize and opportunity to perform with the Euclid Symphony Orchestra at their Spring Classical Concert in April.