MTNA Competitions

Violinist and conductor Víctor Correa-Cruz is developing an intense career in the United States and Europe, presenting concerts as soloist, chamber musician, and orchestra director. He has been awarded prizes at international competitions such as “Jeunesse Musicales,” “Villa de Madrid,” “Cremona International Quartet Competition,” and the “Rose-Mary Álvarez Conducting Contest of South Carolina.” He is regularly invited to perform at major international music festivals (Austin, Norfolk, New Orleans, Stuttgart, Madrid, Stamford, Ravenna…) and has been broadcast internationally on radio and television. He is a faculty member at the Stamford International Music Festival in England, the Nelli Shkolnikova Academy in France, and the Renova Music Festival in the USA. He performs regularly as a member of the Mediterranean String Trio based in Madrid and in duo with pianist Paloma González, with recordings on Centaur Records and Sonart. Trained at the National Youth Orchestra of Spain and the Youth Orchestra of European Countries, Victor Correa-Cruz has subsequently held concertmaster positions at different European and American orchestras, an experience maestro Cruz brings to the podium when assuming conducting roles. He has taught master classes in the USA, Spain, England, Germany, Serbia, Portugal, France, Italy and Brazil. In Spain, his native country, he earned his degrees from Badajoz, Escorial, and Madrid Conservatories, pursuing further studies at Indiana University (MMus), University of South Carolina (DMA), and Escuela Superior “Reina Sofía” (Artist Diploma). His main violin teachers have been Pedro León, Yuval Yaron, Nelli Shkolnikova, and Zakhar Bron. In addition to his engagements as a violinist, he frequently appears as a conductor in the international arena, leading orchestras in Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, the USA, Spain, and Latin America. He graduated in orchestral conducting under maestro Donald Portnoy, receiving further advice from Paul Vermel, Victoria Bond, Peter Jaffee, Niels Muus, Manuel H. Silva, and Samuel Jones. Victor Correa-Cruz currently serves as Associate Professor of Violin and Orchestra Director at Southeastern Louisiana University, acting regularly as guest concertmaster in Rapides Symphony and Acadiana Symphony, two of the main orchestral ensembles in the state of Louisiana. He keeps a thriving agenda of master classes and performances worldwide.

Hailed by the New York Times as a "virtuoso pianist," Artina McCain has built a formidable career as a multi-faceted creative. As a recitalist, her credits include performances at Wigmore Hall and Barbican Centre in London, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Weill Hall at Carnegie in New York City and more. Other highlights include guest appearances with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Memphis Symphony Orchestra, and others. 

As a multi-faceted artist, McCain has been featured in a mirage of spaces; from mistress of ceremony at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition to an artist for the El Dorado Ballroom Series, a multidisciplinary production curated by Solange Knowles. Television appearances include CSPAN for the MLK 50 Commemoration and PBS documentary series Roadtrip Nation: Degree of Impact in an episode exploring the real-world impact of professionals with doctoral degrees in and outside of academia.

Dedicated to presenting works of unsung voices, she is a recording artist and publishing advocate. Recordings including collaborative projects: I, Too (Naxos) focused on African American Spirituals and Art Songs and multiple recordings with husband and duo partner, Martin McCain. She arranged Twenty-Four Traditional African American Folk Songs published by Hal Leonard for intermediate pianists. In 2026, Frances Clark Center will publish her edition of virtuosic piano spirituals by Grammy nominated composer, Joseph Joubert.

After not performing for 6 years while battling a performance injury, she enjoys a prolific concert career with more than 15 years of full injury recovery. She uses her recovery to serve as an advocate of musicians’ wellness–curating articles, university lectures, and conferences to educate teachers and students. Most recently, the BBC featured her on the podcast Sideways, telling her miraculous story of injury to recovery. 

McCain graduated from Southern Methodist University (BM), Cleveland Institute of Music (MM) and the University of Texas at Austin (DMA). An avid presenter of chamber music, she is Artistic Curator of Mahogany Chamber Series in Memphis TN. As an educator, she is Associate Professor of Piano and Coordinator of the Keyboard Area at the University of Memphis and Co-Founder/Director of the Memphis International Piano Festival and Competition. 

In her spare time, Artina enjoys boutique shopping, traveling internationally, and is an enthusiastic foodie and tea aficionado. 

Artina McCain is a Yamaha Artist.