Naomi Gesk, a senior at University High, has been named the prestigious title of Orange County Register’s 2025 Artist of the Year for Instrumental Music. She is one of seven artists to win this award for their respective art disciplines.
In addition to her talent and skill in her craft, she was awarded Artist of the Year for her leadership in instrumental music. She has led the IUSD Harp Ensemble, a group for middle school to high school students of all skill levels on the harp, since the summer of 2024. Through the support from the Irvine Public School Foundation, she received an award of $12,300 to purchase instruments and supplies for the students in the harp ensemble.
Members of the Harp Ensemble have performed as a trio at events ranging from fundraisers and fashion shows to a featured pre-concert spot in the lobby of Segerstrom Concert Hall at the Donald Bren IUSD Honors Concert, where Gesk has performed on stage as principal harpist since 2023.
“Congratulations to Naomi on this incredible achievement. This is one of the most competitive and prestigious recognitions for young artists in Orange County, and Naomi’s selection speaks volumes about her incredible talent and dedication,” stated Director of Arts IUSD Erin Zoumaras. “Her success reflects the exceptional quality of students and teachers in IUSD’s arts programs.”
Additionally, IUSD had two finalists out of 21 overall finalists named:
- Junting Zhang, Portola High School, Fine Arts
- Kai Fishburn, Portola High School, Media Arts
The Orange County Register’s Artist of the Year program annually honors top high school talent across a wide range of artistic disciplines, including film, music, fine arts, dance, theater and vocal performance. Artists of the Year and finalists and their teachers and parents were honored at the Artist of the Year award ceremony on May 13.
Each Artist of the Year is awarded $500, while the finalists receive $100 apiece.
Join us in congratulating Naomi on this achievement, along with our finalists and the other students who participated in this competition.
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