By Shelley Koppel

Entertainment writer

STUART - It's a good thing 15 year olds have a lot of energy.

For violinist Chad Hoopes, 2008 winner of the Yehudi Menuhin Young Artists Competition, a day might include school, study at the Cleveland Institute of Music, practice, a concert or an appearance on NPR.

If that's not enough, the young virtuoso might also appear with his two sisters in a trio called The Playing Hoopes, go out with friends or attend a Scout meeting. He's working on his Eagle Scout project.

On Dec. 14, Chad comes to the Lyric Theatre as part of the Ovation Series of classical music concerts. He spoke recently from his home in Cleveland about his many ventures.

Right now, the young man is excited about an upcoming project, performing with his sisters for Robert Redford at Sundance.

"We love playing together as The Playing Hoopes trio," he said. "We're going to play for Robert Redford at his Christmas party. I played with him this summer and made a great connection."

The young musician is studying with David Cerone at the Cleveland Institute of Music. The teacher has had a profound effect on his student.

"He's the most amazing person I know," Chad said. "He's my mentor. I learn music and life lessons. I absolutely love him. I will study with David Cerone as long as he'll teach me."

A typical day for Chad is to awaken at 5:45 a.m. and attend a church class until 6:30. He practices before school and then has a condensed school day that lasts until 12:30 p.m. He comes home and goes to the Cleveland Institute for practice, rehearsals with his accompanist and theory and performance classes. He spends four or five hours practicing and has private lessons twice a week. He also works on his Eagle Scout project.

It sounds like a grueling routine, but the young man is surprisingly grounded.

"I love spending time with friends and with my sisters," he said. "I love to go shopping, to the movies, for sushi, to play games and cards. I like being outside, going bike riding or playing Frisbee."

In 2008, this Frisbee-throwing, card-playing kid won the Young Artist competition at the prestigious Yehudi Menuhin Competition, arguably the most prestigious violin competition in the world, held in Wales.

"It was quite the experience," he said. "It was stressful, nerve-wracking and exciting. Seeing all the talent there was somewhat intimidating, but I had the mindset to have fun. It was an overwhelming feeling. It was my dream and I never realized it could happen."

The young artist, who was born in Naples, is looking forward to returning here.

"I can't wait," he said. "I love Florida."

And what does the future hold? He hopes to attend Juilliard, where one of his sisters is a student or the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia. He also wants to continue his effort to bring classical music to young people.

"I love seeing other young people enjoying what I enjoy doing," he said. "It's refreshing to perform and make young people excited about music. It's important to have music in your heart."

Chad Hoopes performs at the Lyric Theatre, 59 S.W. Flagler Ave., Stuart, on Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35. Call the box office at (772) 286-7827 or order online at www.lyrictheatre.com.