Flutist Carmella Cao won first prize in the Reno Chamber Orchestra's 25th Annual College Concerto Competition, which took place Sunday, Jan. 26 at the University of Nevada, Reno's Nightingale Concert Hall.

Cao, now pursuing her doctorate degree at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and a former student at the University of Nevada, Reno, won the Competition with her performance of Carl Nielsen's Flute Concerto. She will perform with the Reno Chamber Orchestra at the closing concerts of the Orchestra's 2013-14 season April 26 and 27, 2014.

The competition's second prize went to flutist Michelle Griffin and third prize to trumpet player Jef Derderian, both current students at the University of Nevada, Reno.

The Reno Chamber Orchestra's College Concerto Competition is the only competition of its kind in the state of Nevada. The participants must attend a Nevada college or be a Nevada resident attending college out of state. They compete for cash prizes and the opportunity to appear as a soloist with the Reno Chamber Orchestra in one of its regular season concerts. Competitors receive detailed written comments on their performance from the distinguished panel of judges. Past  participants have gone on to significant careers as soloists, orchestral musicians and teachers across the United States.

Funding for the College Concerto Competition and for the Reno Chamber Orchestra concerts, at which the winner will perform, is provided by a generous grant from The Bretzlaff Foundation.