Kansas University piano student Graciella Kowalczyk recently won first place at two regional competitions and earned an opportunity to perform with the orchestras sponsoring the contests.

Kowalczyk, a doctoral student in piano performance, earned the $400 first prize in the Jefferson City Symphony Concerto Competition in February and an invitation to play with the symphony at 7:30 p.m. April 24 on the Lincoln University campus in Jefferson City, Mo.

In March, her performance won the $500 first-place award in the Philharmonia of Greater Kansas City Concerto Competition. She will perform her winning piece, Chopin’s “Fantasy on Polish Airs,” at the Philharmonia Season Finale Concert. The concert will take place at 3 p.m. May 20 at the Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel on the campus of Park University in Parkville, Mo. woodwind and voice.