Gulf junior wins soloist's award
This article appeared in the Tampa Tribune on April 7, 2002.
By MEGAN HUSSEY
PORT RICHEY - On March 23, accomplished student flutist and Port Richey resident Nicholas Demasky lived the dream of many music lovers. He saw his face on a full-sized poster in die lobby of a major theatrical venue. And he won a private audience with legendary violinist Itzhak Permian.
How did this 16-year-old Gulf High School sophomore accomplish these feats so early in his career? He is the winner of the VSA Arts of Florida Young Soloist's Award.
This award is granted through the Florida affiliate of VSA Arts, "an international nonprofit organization dedicated to artistic excellence and to provide lifelong learning opportunities for people with disabilities."
The Florida Young Soloist's Award is indeed a big honor, accompanied by a $2,000 music scholarship and an opportunity to meet musical icon Perlman. It was Perlman, in fact, who presented the Young Soloist's Award after his recent performance at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater.
"It was a perfect evening," said Trish Demasky, Nick's mother and an area mural artist. "Itzhak Perlman spoke to Nick for about 15 minutes, and gave him a plaque. He was so warm and kind - just like an uncle."
And how did Nick feel about the opportunity to meet a musical legend?
"Oh, yeah!" he summarized.
The Demasky family, which also includes father, Joel, also was impressed by a promotional poster found in the lob by of Ruth Eckerd Hall. The distinguished musician featured on the poster was none other than Nick Demasky.
Nick first learned about the VSA competition from his mother, who is program coordinator of the Pasco Arts Council in Holiday. He submitted a three-piece classical audition tape and a one-page essay to the VSA adjudicator, who praised his "outstanding work."
As an artist, Irish always has nurtured and encouraged Nick's talent.
"When he told me he wanted to be a musician, I didn't bat an eye," she said. "As a working artist, I know he will go home every day happy."
The VSA award is only the latest accomplishment for this young musician. He performs at charity events (for organizations such as the Florida Governor's Commission for People with Disabilities and Project Pet, a Tarpon Springs organization that finds homes for abandoned dogs) and at Pasco Arts Council receptions.
"Playing the flute is something that brings me joy," he said. "It's something I love to do." Yet it is not only Nick's musicianship that impresses Trish, who says her son never has been overwhelmed by his physical challenges, which include a club foot and missing ankle tendons. In addition, he underwent a heart operation as an infant.
"He says, 'I don't play the flute with my feet,'" she said.
Furthermore, Nick's generous spirit seems to more than equal his musical talent. According to Trish, her son saved his pennies to purchase his first flute - only to later donate it to Tampa's Metropolitan Ministries so an underprivileged child could discover the joys of music.
His VSA scholarship funds will go toward the purchase of a professional level concert flute - one that will facilitate Nick's ambition to become an orchestra musician.
