2026 Concerto Competition Winners
Maranatha’s 2026 Concerto Competition was held on Tuesday, February 10th. Adjudicated by Mr. Jeremiah Willson, the competition showcased students’ talent and musicianship through powerful and moving performances.
Winner
Benton Ellis was the competition’s first place winner. Accompanied by Kaleb Lettau, he delivered a powerful interpretation of Franz Schubert’s Erlkönig. Adjudicator Jeremiah Willson described him as “an excellent story-teller.” Benton is a Music Education Major and will be receiving a $100 cash prize and an opportunity to perform in Maranatha’s spring concert.
Runner-up
This year’s runner-up is Meg Morken. She beautifully performed Dmitri Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto no. 2, mvt. 2. Meg is studying Humanities as a major, and Composition and Arranging for her minor. She will receive a $25 cash prize.
Adjudicator
In response to the performances he heard on the evening, Mr. Willson said, “It is wonderful to see that MBU is still preparing its students to such a high caliber. MBU is teaching excellence to each student and this excellence shows in their music-making.”
Mr. Jeremiah Willson is a flutist and teacher based in the South-Central Wisconsin area. As an orchestral flutist, he performs with the Wisconsin Philharmonic Orchestra and the La Crosse Symphony. As a soloist, he presents recitals to a wide variety of audiences. Willson also teaches general music, band, and choir at Calvary Baptist Christian School to over 150 students.