Eleven years of playing cello have brought Michael Berg ‘17 to City High’s orchestra room. After practicing the Haydn Cello Concerto in C for three months for an hour a day, Berg has won the Muscatine Orchestra Concerto Award, and will get to play with the Muscatine Orchestra in March.

“For Michael to be at such a young age and make it into All-State last fall and then win this concerto competition speaks volumes for his talent and dedication,” Megan Stuckey, orchestra director said.

Berg chose to audition on the Haydn Cello Concerto in C. Since he won the award, the full orchestra will play a movement from the Haydn Cello Concerto when Berg performs with them. Berg was one of six high school students in Iowa to audition for the award.

“I’ve been teaching for 10 years, and he’s got that natural spark, that element where you watch him play and you are able to just shut your eyes and truly enjoy what he can do with his instrument,” Stuckey said.