by Mary Cole

SMITHFIELD
Sundays at Four, Smithfield’s own classical performance series, will present its 10th annual Terrific Teen Talent program on Sunday, Aug. 6, at 4 p.m., in Christ Episcopal Church, 111 S. Church St., Smithfield.

Six outstanding teen musicians are selected from throughout Hampton Roads for this annual recital. This year, two Isle of Wight residents will perform. Baritone Ricky Goodwyn Jr. from Windsor, and pianist Madeline Bevins from Smithfield.

Windsor High School and Governor’s School for the Arts graduate Ricky Goodwyn Jr. will study vocal performance this fall at James Madison University with a full scholarship. Ricky performed with the Tidewater Opera Initiative in leading and supporting roles such as: Dr. Bartolo in “Le Nozzi di Figaro,” Sarastro in “The Magic Flute,” the father in “Hansel and Gretel” among others. Ricky’s first experience with competition was at NATS as a high school sophomore where he placed first in every round in the Classical category. He continued to place first in Classical for NATS every year in State and Regional competitions, and was also named Best High School Male and Best All-Around two years in a row.

For the past two years, he won the Omega Psi Phi competition which earned him the opportunity to perform a Caesars Palace. Earlier this year, Ricky competed in the Young Arts competition and was named one of eight, from 641 candidates, chosen to participate in the event in Miami, where he received a scholarship award and a bronze metal. Ricky’s goals are firmly established in his mind. He hopes to perform some day on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera house and also at other opera houses around the world.

Madeline began piano lessons at age 4 and twice received the Superior Award at the National Federation of Music Clubs Federation Festival, performing at the College of William and Mary.

Now living on a farm in Isle of Wight County and studying with noted Smithfield piano instructor, Susan Grice, Madeline has auditioned and been selected to play in the Tidewater Music Teachers Association honors recital at Old Dominion University for the past five years.

She won the Smithfield Lion’s Club Bland competition for the past two years, and this year, she won first-place in the District Bland competition. She has participated in master classes by Susan Ha and Marvin Blickenstaff. Madeline enjoys working on her family’s small farm — spending time with her dairy goats and miniature donkeys. Madeline is a homeschooled student studying at the honors level in all subjects.

The other performers will be Allison King, flutist; Rylee Worstell, soprano; Margaret Jordan, violinist; and Michael Gibson, organist.

A freewill offering will be taken.

For more information, visit www.sundaysatfourva.org.