Brigham Young University presented an “Evening of Concertos” at the de Jong Concert Hall, Harris Fine Arts Center, in Provo, Utah on Feb. 27.

The concert featured Kirkland native Devan Freebairn who was one of eight winners of the BYU Symphony Concerto Competition. Freebairn is a first-year in the music program and has impressed the school with her speed and precision. She played the “David Viola Concerto Movement III,” which is known for its speed, complexity and rhythmic variations.

Third on the program, Freebairn took the stage and took command of the 83-piece orchestra the moment her bow brought her viola to life. Her 5-foot 2-inch frame stood tall before an audience of more than 800 and wowed them with agility and finesse.

At some points the orchestra looked on in wonder while she played her cadenza. When her bow stopped, the audience showered applause and adulation, flowers were presented and she walked off the stage beaming. She stepped out again for an encore bow for an excellent performance. The BYU Symphony Orchestra is conducted by Christian Smith.

Freebairn grew up in Kirkland, graduated from Kirkland’s International Community School, and has played in ensembles and music festivals since she was 5 years old.

After ICS she went on to Brigham Young University where she was accepted into the music program and is currently a member of The BYU Philharmonic, Brigham Young University’s premier orchestra. For more information, visit www.byuarts.com.