The spotlight shines brighter than ever as 14 high school students from across Southern California take center stage as Grand Prize winners in The Music Center’s 37th Annual Spotlight competition. The prestigious, tuition-free arts training and scholarship program selected the winners from over 1,600 applicants, recognizing excellence across seven categories: acting, ballet, dance, classical voice, non-classical voice, classical instrumental, and contemporary instrumental.
Each of the Grand Prize winners will receive a $5,000 scholarship and perform in the Spotlight Grand Finale at the Ahmanson Theatre on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 8:00 p.m.. The event is free to attend, and tickets can be reserved at musiccenter.org/spotlightfinale.
Meet the Winners
Among the honorees:
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Acting:
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Matilda Luz Concha Pearson (17) – Los Angeles County High School for the Arts
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Baz Felber (17) – Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual & Performing Arts
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Ballet:
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Liam Geoffroy (16) – Huntington Beach High School
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Kiera Sun (15) – Cabrillo Point Academy
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Additional winners represent a wide range of artistic disciplines and hail from cities including Irvine, San Diego, Fullerton, and Thousand Oaks. These young talents earned top honors after several rounds of auditions and professional feedback from industry experts.
More Than a Competition
Part of TMC Arts, The Music Center’s performing arts education division, Spotlight provides coaching, mastery classes, and individualized feedback throughout the year-long program. Since its inception in 1988, the program has awarded more than $2.9 million in scholarships and supported more than 55,000 students.
“Spotlight isn’t just a competition—it’s a nurturing space for growth and mentorship,” said Rachel S. Moore, president and CEO of The Music Center. “These young artists are reminders of the power of the arts to unite, inspire, and transform communities.”
Honorable Mentions and Gala Celebration
In addition to the Grand Prize winners, one honorable mention from each category was awarded a $1,000 scholarship, recognizing their exceptional performance.
Ahead of the Finale, The Music Center will host its inaugural Spotlight Grand Gala, raising funds to keep the program free for all participants. Gala details and tickets are available at musiccenter.org/spotlightgala.
A Legacy of Excellence
Spotlight alumni include acclaimed artists such as Misty Copeland, Adam Lambert, Josh Groban, and Kris Bowers. Many have gone on to perform with elite institutions like the LA Opera, New York Philharmonic, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
As Jeri Gaile, Fredric Roberts Senior Director of Spotlight, noted: “These students bring hope and brilliance to the stage. Their performances on June 6 will be nothing short of breathtaking.”
Event Details
What:
The Music Center’s 37th Annual Spotlight Grand Finale
When:
Friday, June 6, 2025, at 8:00 p.m.
Where:
Ahmanson Theatre, 135 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tickets:
Free and open to the public. RSVP at musiccenter.org/spotlightfinale
