Quebec Music Competition, National Music Competition, Online and Live International Music Competition, Montreal Music competition for all ages and levels, Online International Music Competition, Piano Competition, Violin Competition, Guitar Competition, Singing Competition
Quebec Music Competition - National and International Music Competition for all ages and levels
Minjung Park - Piano - Platinum Medalist - South Korea
A native of Seoul, South Korea, Minjung got a piano diploma at Kaywon Arts High School and received her Bachelor’s degree of piano performance from Kyungwon University. She has been awarded at The Music and Stars Awards Competition, Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition, First Prize at the Concerto category of Rocky Mountain Competition, National Piano Competition, Young Artist Music Competition, Seoul City Students’ Piano Competition, Sofia National Academy Music Festival Soloist Competition. She has performed as a soloist and chamber music in Korea, Japan, and DFW, U.S. where she currently resides.
Minjung has 10 years of piano teaching experience. Although she loved teaching students, her true passion has been piano performance. She, thereby, decided to discontinue her teaching career and back to school. Minjung is currently studying for the Certification in Piano Performance at University of Texas at Arlington and a student of Dr. John Solomons.
Małgorzata Cieszko was born on October 4, 2005. Currently, she is studying at the Complex of State Music Schools of Stanisław Moniuszko in Bielsko-Biała in the class of Dr. hab. Piotr Pyc. She started learning to play the oboe in 2017. She is a laureate of many national and international competitions, such as the National competition of woodwind instruments "Wood for the youngest" in Dąbrowa Górnicza (1st place), II National Oboe Competition in Białystok (1st place), North International Music Competition (1st prize), American Protégé International Woodwinds & Brass Competition 2020 (1st place), International Music Competition OPUS 2020 (1st place), International Moscow Music Online Competition (1st prize), Internet Festival of Duets with Harp in Cieszyn 2021 (1st place). She is part of the "Modern Duo" duo in which she plays both the oboe and the English horn. She is a scholarship holder of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage.
Sebastian Di Bin - Platinum Medalist - Piano (Classical & Jazz), Composition Grand Champion of 2021 Quebec Music Competition
Sebastian Di Bin debuted at 11 years old with the Slovenicum Orchestra of Ljubljana (Slovenia). Two of his many noted international prizes won are the San José International Piano Competition (CA) and the 12th UNISA International Piano Competition (SA). Important performances include la Fenice (Venice), Verdi (Milan), Johannesburg Philarmonic (SA), Philharmonische Kammerorchester (Hannover), Salzburg Festival, “Chopin's Marathon”, etc. He has been broadcast on Italian television and in the USA, Europe and S. Africa. He recorded four CDs with Centaur Records and published a book of compositions with “Edizioni Musicali Wicky” publications (Milan).
He obtained Piano Diplomas at the Pesaro Conservatory, the Imola International Piano Academy and a Masters Degree from the Faculty of Literature and Philosophy at the Udine Music Conservatory for Composition and Film. In 1991 he was appointed UNICEF Ambassador for artistic merits and represented Italy together with Luciano Pavarotti at the UNICEF “Danny Kay” World Gala (Amsterdam). In January 2021 he won the absolute first prize (platinum award) in all three categories: Classical, Jazz and Pop in the “Canadian International Music Competition”. In 2003 he received both the Medal of the President from the Italian Republic as well as the Silver Plaque from the Italian Senate.
Zixuan Yan - Flute - Platinum Medalist - USA
Zixuan Yan is currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts in flute performance at the University of Miami and is a teaching assistant to Dr. Jennifer Grim. As an avid soloist, she has been a prizewinner of various festival and competitions including the Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy (PRISMA), and the Madeline Island Chamber Music festival. Other accolades include being a winner of the 2021 Frost Concerto Competition and 2018 UNLV Concerto Competition, a finalist of the 2021 Frost Artist Launch Competition, Honored mention in the Schubert Club Competition in Minnesota and a selected performer on Thursday Musical Artist Series at MacPhail Center for Music in 2017.
Michael Chun Ting Lam - Baritone - Platinum Medalist - United Kingdom Praised for a voice of "deliciously deep and rich," (Birmingham Post), Hong Kong baritone Michael Chun Ting Lam trained at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, Hungary. He received his Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where he was awarded the St Clare Barfield Memorial Bowl for Operatic Distinction. Passionate about opera, Michael has sung more than 30 operatic roles and performed for opera companies in Asia and Europe, including Opera Hong Kong, Musica Viva, Winslow Hall Opera, OperaUpClose, Passaggio Oper, Opéra de Baugé and more. His operatic roles include Macbeth(Macbeth), Tonio(Pagliacci), and Escamillo(Carmen), among others. Michael was a first-prizewinner of numerous international and national singing competitions, including Hong Kong International Music Competition, International Music Competition 'London' Grand Prize Virtuoso, Birmingham Conservatoire Singing Prize, Philip Bates Trust Ashleyan Opera Prize, International Music Competition "Rome", The North International Music Competition and International Music Competition "Таланты XXI века".
Tomoko Takada Otakeguchi - HARP - Platinum Medalist - Japan
Born in Japan, She graduated from Nagoya University of Arts with a Bachelor of Music degree and received the Golden Prize from the same university. She was awarded the 2012 Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music Outstanding Student Award, and paid a courtesy call on the governor of Aichi Prefecture as a university representative.
She has studied with Emmanuel Ceysson, Elisabeth Fontan-Binoche, Marie-Pierre Langrame, JanaBoušková, Isabelle Perrin and others at the NICE International Academy of Music (France), the Prague Academy of Arts (Czech Republic) and the Svizzera Italiana Conservatory (Switzerland), and performed in concerts with the best graduates. Diploma.
Tomoko has won the following awards, including: The 71st Fukui Prefecture Music Competition, 1st Prize and Governor's Prize, The 9th Gifu International Music Competition, 1st prize in the string section; Gold Prize and Grand Prize in the String Section of the 13th Kyushu Music Competition; The 6th Tateshina Music Competition for Strings, Highest Prize; The 5th Yokohama International Music Competition, Strings Section, First Prize; 18th KOBE International Music Competition for Strings, Excellent Prize and Kobe City Board of Education Prize;The 16th Osaka International Music Competition, 2nd Prize (the highest Japanese prize); The 25th Japan Harp Competition, International Professional Division, 4th Prize; MUSIC & STARS AWARDS 1st Prize Golden Star Prize (Estonia); 4th Poppy Harp Festival 1st Prize for Best Overall Performance (England); 2021 Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition 1st Prize Platinum Prize (Montreal); 2021 Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition, 1st prize (London); 2022 First Prize in the 2nd ISCART International Music Competition -Scholarship ex-aequo (Switzerland); International Moscow Music Competition 1st Prize (Russia); Platinum prize at the 5th Edition Quebec Music Competition (Canada). In 2019, she was awarded a grant from the Aichi Bank Foundation for Education and Culture (Aichi Bank) for the first year of 2019.
In 2015, she performed the Japan premiere of Lei Liang's harp concerto with the orchestra of Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music at the University of California, San Diego's "Methodology of the Diverse Age - Composition Concert UCSD⇔AUA Composers Concert". In 2016, she performed a concerto by G. Pierné with the Nagoya Philharmonic Orchestra in the "Orchestra Series" organized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.
Maciej Jaron - Viola - Platinum Medalist - Poland Maciej Jaron graduated from the Feliks Nowowiejski Music Academy in Bydgoszcz in 2015 (violin) In 2015, he joined the International Menuhin Music Academy (IMMA) and was a student of Maxim Vengerov, Oleg Kaskiv and Ivan Vukčević. In 2020, Maciej started his Masterʼs studies in viola performance at the Karol Lipinski Music Academy in Wrocław under Zbigniew Czarnota and Artur Rozmysłowicz. Maciej has performed at many prestigious festivals all over the world, including Gstaad Menuhin Festival, Pietrasanta in Concerto, Crans-Montana Classics in Switzerland, Le Printemps du Violon in Paris, Ohrid Music Festival. He performed as a soloist and chamber player in many great halls, including Victoria Hall in Geneva, KKL Luzern Concert Hall, Musikverein in Vienna, Grand Theatre–National Opera, Ignacy Jan Paderewski Pomeranian Philharmonic Hall in Bydgoszcz. He gave concerts in many countries, such as Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Chile, China, Czech Republic, England, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Macedonia, Peru, Switzerland and Ukraine. Maciej Jaron plays on Wojciech Topaʼs viola from 2017.
Bohdana Tesarova - Oboe - Platinum Medalist (Grand Prize Winner) - Czech Republic - Grand Champion of 2021 Quebec Music Competition Bohdana Tesarova started playing the recorder at the age of 7 and very soon she won first prizes at international flute competitions. As an oboist she won the first prizes and titles of the absolute winner in many czech and international competitions (Encore International Competition, Pro Bohemia, ZUS National Competition, LFA Czech Philharmony Competition, King's Peak International Competition). She performed as a soloist with many different orchestras (Prague Chamber Orchestra, Zielona Gora Philharmonic, Dvořák Chamber Orchestra etc.) She appeared as a soloist in the television broadcast of the TV Noe concert and in other television programs. Also Czech Television made a documentary about her. He is currently studying at the Prague Conservatory in the class of Jan Thuri and will start studying at the Academy of Musical Arts in Prague from October 2021.
Ana Kherkheulidze - Soprano - Platinum Medalist - Georgia
Georgian Mezzo -soprano Ana Kherkheulidze . Graduated from Tbilisi state conservatory- Master's degree in Solo academic singing. 2016 at Tbilisi state conservatory Opera studio Ana had her debut as Marcellina - Le nozze di Figaro by W.A.Mozart , Berta - Il Barbiere di Siviglia by G. Rossini . During her studies at Conservatory She was honoured to receive Paata Burchuladze named scholarship for successful studies. In 2017-2018 Ana studies at the Liszt academy of music, Budapest (scholarship ERASMUS+ ) under the lead of Hungarian opera singer Magda Nador. 2019-2020 Ana studied at l'Accademia d'arte Lirica di Osimo,Italy. There she took master classes from Enza Ferrari , William Matteuzzi , Raina Kabaivanska , Vincenzo De Vivo , Ernesto Palacio . Recently Ana took III place at Viennese international spring competition of music and won super Grand prix at the international competition -Magic sounds of Romania..
Zhang Yitong - Violin - Platinum Medalist - China
At present, Yitong Zhang is studying in the Conservatory of music of Central University for nationalities, under the guidance of Pang Zhenguo, and is also a professional student of Beijing Yangfan violin studio. She once served as the concert master of Taiyuan high school students Symphony Orchestra. In 2015, she went to Europe as an exchange student for music study. In 2019, she participated in the US Global Music Festival and was honored to perform in the United Nations hall.
Jiaying Wang - Viola - Platinum Medalist - China
Jiaying Wang is a Chinese violist who studied at The Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, The University of Music and Theater in Munich and The University of Music and Performing Arts in Mannheim. she studied with Nils Mönkemeyer, Hideko Kobayashi and Alexander Khaklov. Also she was founder of the string quartet "Air Quartet" When she was in China, and played numerous concerts. In addition, she worked as a part time musician in China Philharmonic Orchestra 2018. Jiaying Wang is the scholarship holder of the DAAD and Villa Musica .
Shuqi Wang - Violin - Platinum Medalist - China
Shuqi Wang, violinist based in New York, United States. Came from Shenzhen China. Currently study in Mannes school of music in New York, study with Aaron Rosand, Lewis Kaplan.
Zoie Shuk Yi Tse - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Hong Kong
Zoie Shuk Yi Tse was born in Hong Kong, and began her studies at the age of 6 with Ling Hui and Gabriel Kwok at the prestigious Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. After graduating in 2016, she came to the United States to study with Alvin Chow at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and Boris Slutsky at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, where she has been awarded a Dean’s Scholarship Award.
Miss Tse has been the winner of a number of important prizes in national and international competitions. She won Second Prize and Best Performance Award in Opera Paraphrase at the 2021 Los Angeles International Liszt competition, First Prize at the 2019 Lima Symphony Young Artist Competition. Miss Tse was also the 2nd Prize Winner at the 2018 New York International Piano Competition (which also awarded her a debut NYC recital), the First Prize Winner in the Hong Kong (Asia Pacific) Mozart Piano Competition, and awarded top prizes at the 73rd Steinway and Sons International Youth Piano Competition. As guest soloist, she has appeared with the Hong Kong Oratorio Society, as well as in solo and chamber recitals throughout Asia and in the US. In 2020, Miss Tse was elected to membership in Pi Kappa Lambda, the US national music honor society, recognizing her dual accomplishment of excellent academic work and outstanding musicianship.
Kyra Xuerong Zhao - Piano - Platinum - USA
Dr. Kyra Xuerong Zhao has performed as a soloist around the world, including recitals in Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Seiji Ozawa Hall, Koussevittzky Music, Natick Center for the Arts, Steinway Concert Halls, Horvitz Auditorium in Florida, Benaroya Hall in Seattle. She has been invited to be the guest artist at “Music & More Festival”; “Atlantic Music Festival”; “Mildred Freiberg Piano Festival”; “New England Music Festival” and “Lancaster International Piano Festival”. She was designated a Young Steinway Artist by the Steinway Society of Puerto Rico. She has received high praise from Martha Argerich. As top prize winners in competitions, She had won
- “14th International Chopin Piano Competition”Italy - “The Richmond Piano Competition” - “Seattle International Piano Competition”; as well as receiving “Best Chopin Performance Prize” - “Five Towns International Piano Competition” - “Mannes College of Music Concerto Competition” - “Esther Kahn Career Award”
Dr.Zhao had received Boston University (DMA); Yale University(AD); Mannes College of Music (MM,BM)
Diana Schnürpel - Voice - Platinum Medalist - Grand Champion of 2021 Quebec Music Competition - Germany Diana Schnürpel & Jan Doormann - Clarvoice Duo - Platinum Medalist - Germany
Diana Schnürpel was born into a musical family. In 2001, she graduated with distinction in piano and began singing studies at the Choral Academy in Moscow with the opera singer Nina Rautio. She then studied opera singing at the “Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy” University of Music and Theatre in Leipzig with Regina Werner-Dietrich. Schnürpel made her stage debut in Germany with the role of the Bride in Les Noces by Igor Stravinsky at the Ruhr Piano Festival in Duisburg in July 2013. Afterwards she sang the part of the Queen of the Night on the Magic Flute in numerous houses. For the roles Gepopo in György Ligeti’s Le Grande Macabre and the title role of Maria Stuarda by Gaetano Donizetti, she received attention in the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 seasons, and her great and unique coloration combined with the warm sound of her voice was attested. Since January she has also been playing with Jan Doormann.
Jan Doormann was born in Braunschweig, Germany and began his clarinet studies in 1988 with Georg Zeretzlke at the "Hochschule der Künste" in Berlin. Since 1 990, he has been the principal clarinetist of the Staatskapelle Weimar. He has made numerous appearances as a soloist with this orchestra and with the Thuringian Chamber Orchestra. With these orchestras and with the ensemble "Tritonus Wimare," he has recorded many CDs as an orchestral and chamber music player. Doorman is also committed to teaching music. He is an instructor at the Hochschule für Musik "Franz Liszt, in Weimar and has served as lecturer for various orchestral courses. In addition, he is a co-founder of and lecturer at the "Norddeutsche Klarinettentage ;North German Days) in Bremen and appears regularly various chamber music ensembles and elsewhere in Europe. Chamber music since January 2019 he also with Diana Schnürpel.
Duo Eufonico - Piano & Violin Duo - Platinum Medalists - Poland
Duo Eufonico, formed in 2013, consists of violinist Izabela Szlachta-Dowgiałło and pianist Olena Lechowicz. Finalists in the 1st Stanisław Moniuszko International Competition of Polish Music (2019), they won first prize at the 8th International Master Competition for Music Teachers (2020) and second prize at the 1st International Viennese Spring Music Competition (2021). They were awarded two scholarships from the Polish ministry for culture. Duo Eufonico's most interesting projects include: contribution to the cycle “History Written With Music” with Shostakovich’s Piano Quintet (2017), a concert celebrating Krzysztof Penderecki’s 85th birthday, attended by Maestro Penderecki himself (2018), an online concert dedicated to female composers (2020) and concerts celebrating the 175th anniversary of the birth of Zygmunt Noskowski (2021). Duo Eufonico’s repertoire extends from classicism to contemporary music, standing out by promoting unknown or forgotten works, with special regards to those by Polish and female composers.
Laura Ochmann - Violin - Platinum Medalist - Germany
Born in London in 2002, Laura Ochmann began playing violin at the age of four. In 2013, she was admitted to the Pre-College Cologne and is currently studying for her Bachelor`s degree at the Mannheim University of Music and Performing Arts in the class of Professor Marco Rizzi. The young violinst had her orchestral debut with the Frankfurt Symphony Orchestra at the age of eight. Various performances with orchestra followed including WDR Symphony Orchestra, Rhein Main Philharmonics, Thüringen Philharmonic Orchestra and New Philharmonic Orchestra of Westphalia. She has already given solo recitals and performed in various concert venues as Cologne Cathedral, Eberbach Abbey and Old Opera Frankfurt. Laura Ochmann won numerous prizes and awards, including first and special prize of the Mendelssohn Competition for Young String Soloists in Kronberg/Germany, second prize of the International Competition Grumiaux for Young Soloists in Belgium, first prize of the European Competition of Young Soloists in Luxembourg, and first Prize of the FLAME Competition in Paris.
Dan Qiao - Violin - Platinum Medalist - USA
Dan Qiao has enjoyed a vibrant career as a violinist performing in concerts around the world, including in China, Europe, and the USA. After starting violin at age 4, She graduated from Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing(MM). In 2015, she moved to the USA to study at the College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati (MM,DMA). Ms. Qiao has performed as a solo and chamber musician at such prestigious festivals as the Beijing Modern Music Festival, Mostly Modern music festival, Euro Music Festival, Rencontres Musicales Internationales des Graves, and Jubilee International Music Course, Lunigiana International Music Festival, Brevard Music Festival. She played a chamber music concert with legendary violinist Maxim Vengerov at Rencontres Musicales Internationales des Graves in 2019.
Dan has received many honors and awards for her work, including 1st prize in chamber music at the Beijing International Harp Music Festival, honorable Mention Winner of a Doug Davis Endowment Performance Award, 1st place at Three Arts Scholarship Competition, and a multi-time winner of the CCM concerto competition.
Ocimar Correa Filho - Violin - Platinum Medalist - Austria
Brazilian violinist based in Austria, is currently studying at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz. He has won prizes and awards in competitions, including the British Music Society Prize.
Daniel Kuzuhara - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA Daniel Kuzuhara is a pianist born in Madison, Wisconsin who graduated with a master’s degree in Piano Performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, studying under Dr. Karen Shaw. Prior to his studies in Indiana, he studied under Professor Anthony Padilla at Lawrence University, Julie Chang, and Karen Hill.
Throughout his career, Daniel has received multiple awards and honors. Most recently, he won 1st prize (platinum medal) at the 2021 Quebec International Music Competition, 1st prize (gold medal) at the 2021 Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition, 2nd place in the 2021 Music International Grand Prix, 2nd place in the 2013 Schubert Club Scholarship competition, and 3rd prize at the 2021 Moscow International Music Competition. He also won the 2011 Neale-Silva competition sponsored by Wisconsin Public Radio and was featured in a live performance on WPR
Nicola Antonio Staffieri - Guitar - Platinum Medalist - Italy
Born in Bari, Nicola Antonio Staffieriobtained the Diploma cum laude in classical guitar with M° Ferdinando Di Modugno in 2015 and the Master Degree leaded by M° Roberto Lambo in 2020. In 2017 he accomplished the Diploma in mandolin at the Conservatorio di Musica “Niccolò Piccinni” in Bari. He joined several masterclasses and also he won the first prize in various international competitions. He performed as a solist and in ensemble in many concertos and events in Italy and abroad. He took part in Erasmus+ program 2015/2016 in Krakow, studying at the “Akademia Muzyczna w Krakowie” with the dr hab. Michał Nagy. He is a member of the guitar orchestra “De Falla” directed by M° Pasquale Scarola and the “Accademia Mandolinista Pugliese”, as a mandolin player, directed by M° Leonardo Lospalluti with who has participated at the recording of the CD “Charles Avison concerti grossi after Scarlatti” (label Digressione Music).
Jacky Ho-Yin Li - Horn - Platinum Medalist - USA
JACKY HO-YIN LI has been invited to perform as a soloist with Maestro Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pop Orchestra in May 2020. He is currently a doctoral candidate in Horn at Boston University, studying with Professor Eric Ruske covered by the CFA scholarship and teaching assistantship. During his residency in Boston, Dr. Li performed as a principal horn under the baton of Bramwell Tovey in Boston Symphony Hall. He also performed under such amazing conducting maestros as Marin Alsop, James Burton, Joshua Gersen, Benjamin Zander, etc. He was the Concerto Competition winner at Boston University in 2020. Prior to that, Jacky was chosen from the audition and worked in Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra directed by Long Yu. Performed with soloists including Yuja Wang, Glenn Dicterow, Wang Jian, and Hélène Grimaud. Recipient of HKSAR, and Jackie Chan’s Foundation scholarships; Jacky finished his Bachelor’s Degree at Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in 2013. And selected as a member of the Asian Youth Orchestra in 2010 - 2012, toured in most of the concert halls in Asia. He performed with Macao Orchestra, Hong Kong Wind Kamerata, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, City Chamber Orchestra Hong Kong, and Hong Kong Symphonic Winds.
Carmelo Di Girolamo - Piano (Pop) - Platinum Medalist - Italy
Jerome (Carmelo Di Girolamo) graduated brilliantly from IMP G. Braga and subsequently obtained two degrees in Piano and Chamber Music in the same institute with honors, plus a “reading of the score” diploma on Pescara conservatory.
He continued his studies in Europe by participating in high-level masterclasses that led him to obtain prizes and awards in various international competitions and events such as in Bacau in the Chopin Competition and in Germany at the Hochschule Academy in Aachen. Jerome is stimulated by a continuous musical research and never stops: as he is a ballet pianist, he is called to collaborate with the Royal Academy of Dance.
Just the combination of these two arts, music and dance, creates the basis for the realization of relevant international collaborations, from Europe to USA. In 2021 he won the first prize at Canadian International Music Competition with his piece Breathe, Right Now, as a composer and Pop pianist. He was selected with his piece “Adage” for the Italian Film Sets Festival SEOUL 2020 (KOREA). There’s no shortage of TV experiences: he was a guest in the Tv show GUESS MY AGE 2020. For over ten years he has carried out significant teaching activities in Academies and Schools. Today he is a Professor of music education, composition and production at High School VIRGILIO and pianist teacher at REC Academy (Milan).
Tanaka Dziurbiel Piano Duo - Piano - Platinum Medalists - Austria
Tanaka Dziurbiel Piano Duo perform since 2016. They play many concerts and festivals in Poland, Austria and Italy. They recorded many times for Radio ORF. They were invited to perform in Musikverein Graz. They received many prizes at international competitions: 2nd prize at 5th International Piano Competition - “San Donà di Piave“ 1st prize at 20th International Music Competition “Val Tidone“ 2nd prize (1st prize not awarded) at 5th International Piano Competition “ISCHIA“ 2nd prize at Grand Prize Virtuoso Competition in Salzburg 1st prize at 29th European Music Competition “Citta di Moncalieri“, 2nd prize at 2nd International Music Competition “Citta di Sarzana“.; 2nd prize at Oskar Rieding International Competition in Celje; 2nd prize at International Competition "Luigi Zanuccoli"; 1st absolute prize at 5th Danubia Talent International Music Competition Silver prize at Music and Stars Awards; 1st prize at 3rd AEMC International Chamber Music Competition.
Jia Li - Jazz Piano (Platinum Medalist), Composition (Gold Medalist) - CHINA A native Shanghainese, Li Jia received his post-graduate diploma(Shanghai Normal University),M.A. in Pop Music Studies(Shanghai Conservatory of Music),M.M. in piano (Sta Isabel College) and PhD(Saint Louis University).He studied piano with such international artists as Prof.Augusto Espino and Prof.Nina Jostel. As a critically acclaimed pianist and composer, he has won over 50 international piano and composition competitions, including St. Peter-burg International Piano Competition,New York International Music Competition , London Young Artist Music Competition, American Young Artist Music Competition, Prokofiev international Music Competition, London International Piano Competition,Bonn International Piano Competition,Moscow International Piano Competition,Canadian International Music Competition, WPTA International Piano Competition, etc. Li Jia published his two columns of piano solo works by Shanghai Music Publishing House and two piano solo CDs by Guangdong Music Publishing House.He specializes in the works of Baroque and Romantic periods, especially by Bach, Scarlatti and Franz Liszt.His performance venue includes Carnegie Hall,Royal Albert Hall,Bonn Beethovenhaus, Bosendorfer Hall at Mozarthaus, Vienna Ehrbar Hall,Etc.Li Jia currently teaches Masters Students at Shanxi Normal University and PhD Students at Krirk University Thailand.Li Jia gives around 30 solo recitals annually in China and beyond.
Sunyoul Choi - Violin - Platinum Medalist - Germany Sunyoul Choi won ‘2nd France Music Competition 2020’ as 1 st Prize and ‘Les Musicales Du Center the Lending Competition in 2020’ as First Named. he was also recently invited to the Lucern Festival Academy 2020 . As a soloist he has already given concerts with the Seoul Symphony Orchestra, Korea National Military Symphony Orchestra and the Ippolitov Chamber Orchestra.etc. He received important musical instincts from Viviane Hagner, Ik-Hwan Bae, Roman Simovic , Gordan Nikolitch,
Soprano Mariza Anastasiades has collaborated with orchestras and conductors from the Metropolitan Opera New York - Gregory Buchalter; with the Varna International Orchestra, where she sang the role of Lauretta from “Gianni Schicchi” 2019. In 2017/18 she was part of the OpernFest Prague, where she collaborated with Richard Hein, conductor of the Prague State Opera House (Národní Divadlo). Mariza also sang with the Danube Symphony Orchestra - Andreas Déak in Budapest, June 2017. In 2018 she performed the role of Drusilla from “L’ incoronazione di Poppea” with the Larissa Symphony Orchestra - under the baton of Christos Ktistakis.
From a very young age she has taken part in specialized master classes regarding vocal techniques, interpretation aspects, with conductors, opera singers and vocal coaches such as Barbara Frittoli, Marco Balderi, Vitalba Mosca (Italy), Claudia Visca, Sona Ghazarian(Vienna), Andrea Rost(Germany), Kassandra Dimopoulou, Aris Christofellis(Greece).
Soprano Mariza Anastasiades received the “Grand Prix” Award at the International Singing Competition Stojan Stojanov-Gančev 2021; and the First Prize at Gloria Artis Vienna Singing Competition. In 2019, Mariza received the “Laureate Prize” with the highest score in the category ‘Professional Opera Singers’ at the Angel Voice International Singing Competition Belgrade. As well as, the 1st Prize at the International Singing Competition organized by the Danube Symphony Orchestra in Budapest 2017.
Sebastian Gobbels - Harp - Platinum Medalist - Canada
Hailed from Aurora, Ontario, Canada, aspiring eighteen year old Sebastian Gobbels has pursued his musical dreams since the age of seven.
For the past three seasons Sebastian has performed as principal harp for the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra as well as the Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra, and the Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra. He was featured as a soloist to perform the Handel Harp Concerto in B Flat with the Metropolitan Winds of Toronto.
In the summer of 2019 Sebastian was selected to be one of the 15 harpists worldwide to attend the Summerfest Harp Colony at the renowned Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. As well, he participated in the Young Artist Harp Seminar at Kenyon College in Ohio.
In 2020 Sebastian was the recipient of three Gold Awards for Harp solos in the International Music Festival and Competition (CDN) and obtained First Prize in the Concerto for Harp and Orchestra. In early 2021 Sebastian was awarded First Place in the Elite International Musical Competition for his performance of the Houdy Sonata.
Having obtained First Class Honours for his Royal Conservatory of Music ARCT Harp Diploma examination, Sebastian is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Harp Performance at the Peabody Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, under the tutelage of Professor June Han. In the summer of 2021 Sebastian will enjoy his first season with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada and the Bowdoin Music Festival.
Georgios Lolas - Accordion - Platinum Medalist - Austria
Georgios Lolas is a greek accordionist based in Vienna Austria. He has graduated from the Music Science and Art Department in Thessaloniki, Greece. He has also studied In Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki, Finland as Erasmus Scholar. He has graduated for his master degree from the Hochschule for Music and Theater in Munich, Germany. He is currently attending a postgraduate program in the University of Music and performing Arts in Graz, Austria.
He is a winner of numerous competitions worldwide. He has collaborated with the Radio Symphony Orchestra of Vienna, The Bavarian State Opera, the Munich Philarmonic, the orchestra academies of BRSO and the Bavarian State Opera, the Bühne Baden Orchestra, the Hochschule für Musik Nürnberg Orchestra, the Munich Classical Players. And with Ensembles like the Klangforum Wien, Ensemble Phace, Oktopus Ensemble, Kontrapunkte Ensemble etc. His concerts have been broadcasted by the BR Klassik, ORF & Bayerische Staatsoper.
A native of Vulcan, Alberta, tenor Tayte Mitchell completed his Master’s degree in Voice Performance at the Cincinnati Conservatory-College of Music under the tutelage of William E. McGraw. Past operatic engagements include Le Prince Charmant in Massenet’s Cendrillon, the title role in Britten’s Albert Herring, Vašek in Smetana’s Bartered Bride and Satirino in Cavalli’s La Calisto. For the last few summers, Tayte has been both a Vocal Fellow at Marilyn Horne’s Music Academy of the West program and a Studio Artist with Wolf Trap Opera. In 2018, Tayte earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, with a dual major in Voice Performance under Lorraine Manz and Opera Directing under Jonathon Field. This Fall 2021, Tayte will be joining the Emerging Artist Ensemble at Calgary Opera.
Christian Brossard Douglas - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
Christian Brossard Douglas is a 4th-year student at New York University where he majors in Piano Performance in the studio of Dr. Yoojung Kim. Prior to NYU, Christian attended The Colburn School in Los Angeles under the tutelage of Miji Kim and Jeffrey Lavner (chair of piano studies). He has performed at venues such as The National Opera Center, Basilica Menor de San Francisco, Zipper Concert Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and Jose Martí Sala de Artes. He has been a top prizewinner at competitions such as Southern California Bach Festival, Prima Volta Music Competition, NAACP’s ACT-SO, NANM Music Awards, and the LACHSA Concerto Competition. As a soloist, he has performed with the LACHSA Symphony Orchestra and Variations Havana Chamber Orchestra, as well as played in masterclasses for André Laplante, Anthony de Mare, Eteri Andjaparidze, Gwhyneth Chen, and Alan Feinberg.
Bruce Leto Jr. - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
As a prize-winner in scholastic (Dora Khyatt); Collegiate (Bi-Co Concerto Competition); national (Seattle International Virtuoso Artists Festival); and international (Quebec Music Competition; Canadian International; VI Odin - EAAE Affiliate) piano adjudications - Bruce's music tenure has enabled him to perform in PA, NJ, FL, NY, and Italy. In 2021, Bruce received 1st Prize in the Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition (Professional Division - Piano) - successfully winning his first-ever professional division as a soloist. Previously, Bruce received 3rd Prize in the Four-Hands category of the VI Odin International Music Competition with ensemble partner Scott Cohen; 3rd Prize in the National West Chester Piano Competition; 2nd Prize in the Seattle International Piano Festival - Virtuoso Artists 2020; 1st Prize - Platinum in the 2021 Quebec International Music Competition (Professional Division); Finalist Placing with Special Recognition- Championoing the Music of Charles and Curt Cacioppo (Judge's Citation) via the highly competitive The American Prize competition (Professional Division, Solo); recognition via the World Piano Teachers Association (IPC Finland - 2020) Honorable Mention ; and, 1st Prize Platinum with Cohen in the Ensemble Category of the Canadian International Online Music Competition. During his collegiate years, Bruce's piano study under Linda de Pasquale and Curtis Cacioppo led to acceptance at the Chautauqua Music Festival and the Orfeo International Music Festival - where he studied in 2011. Presently, he studies under Scott Cohen on a performance-based scholarship at the Cohen School of Music. Bruce's playing has been described as "kaleidoscopic," "refined," "intelligent," "poetic," "lyrical," and "highly skilled" by piano department chairs of music schools, critically-acclaimed international pianists, professional review outlets such as Take Effect,Fanfare, and Artisan Music Reviews and Navona-affiliated composers. He has been featured in masterclasses with concert artists such as: Steven Mayer, Riccardo Piacentini, Veda Zuponcic, and Leon Bates! "[In Seasonal Sonorities] Bruce demonstrates an impressive ability to interpret music from different eras, from romantic to impressionist, to 21st century." - David Carpenter, Composer (Navona Records) "Played with great care and sensitivity...Bruce Leto is an intelligent and highly-skilled musician." - Charles Abramovic, Department Chair Piano Studies (Temple University)
In 2020, Bruce released a CD ("GOMITOLO! An Interpreter's Tribute to a COVID-Stricken Europe") with Navona records, which received a Silver Medal at the Global Music Awards in 2021! In May 2021, Bruce's CD "Singing Style" - released with Albany Records - received airplay via WRTI 90.1 Classical, and reviews from Fanfare Magazine!
Jiayi Song - Violin - Platinum Medalist - China
Jiayi Song, a graduate student at MinZu University of China, Entered the Yangfan violin studio in 2015 and studied with Professor Zhenguo Pang. Having taken master classes with Pierre Amoral and Charles Wetherbee. In 2020, I won the third place in the 27th 2020 United States International Music Compietition. In 2016,I won the first place in the Chamber music group of Beijing University Student Art Festival. I also was the concert master of the Youth Symphony Orchestra and Yangfan Chamber Orchestra, and have held many concerts all over the country
Kitsho Hosotani - Violin - Platinum Medalist - USA
Kitsho Hosotani, born in America in 2000, began studying the violin at age 4. He has performed with the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra, Northeastern Illinois University String Orchestra, Harper Symphony Orchestra, and Oistrakh Symphony Orchestra. He has won prizes in the Thirteen Annual DePaul Concerto Festival for Young Performers, Robert Stanger Young Artists Concerto Competition, and American Music Institute Violin Competition. He was in the semifinals of the 2020 William C. Bryd Young Artist Competition and the finals of the 2020 International Anton Rubenstein Competition. This year, he won third prize in the strings category of the Tuesday Musical Scholarship Competition.
Jacky Leung - Alto Saxophone - Platinum Medalist - Hong Kong Composition - Gold Medalist
Jacky Leung is the first prize winner of the 2020/2021 International Music Competition in Germany & Canada. Jacky had made tours and given performances and masterclasses in many universities and international events. In 2017, he was the jury member of the Elbe Valley International Music Festival. From 2019, Jacky had won the 2nd and 3rd prize in the Concerto competition & Solo Wind Instrument category of the 20th Osaka International Music Competition (the only Hong Kong saxophonist who received this award) and until 2021, he has accumulated 7 first prizes & numerous other prizes in Germany, Canada, Japan etc. Jacky also performed with many worldwide renowned artists and all his compositions got high acclaims.
Jacky is currently the Music Director of the Music Children Foundation, Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong International Single Reed Association and freelance saxophonist of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hong Kong Sinfonietta. Jacky is also a Vandoren (Paris) artist.
Vjera Radulović - Violin - Platinum Medalist - Montenegro
My name is Vjera Radulović and I am from Montenegro. I', 16 years old and I've been playing the violin since I was 7. I've won many awards on national and international music competitions, such as Platinum award on National Montenegrin Music Competition and Laureate on International Music competition in Croatia. I'e performed on many concerts and festivals such as KotoArt, and my solo concert will be onganized this June. The Platinum ward that I've won on Quebec Music Competition means a lot to me. i am honored to know that among so many talents young musicians from all over the world, I got amazing results.
Chung Thien Shiong, Steven - Chinese Dulcimer - Platinum Medalist - Malaysia Steven was born in Sabah, Malaysia, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in music and Chinese dulcimer education. He attained grade 9 distinction certificate in Chinese Dulcimer professional performance from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, China, and he is the only overseas candidate that attained that grade 9 distinction in that year.
Throughout his musical career, he has organized a few personal fund-raising solo concerts in Malaysia's west and east, and the funds donated to temple and for secondary school as scholarship.
He also been invited as a judge for some instrument solo competitions. Also, he has been invited to perform and share his knowledge in Indonesia and Thailand. Meanwhile, he has served as guest performer on AI FM to introduce and demonstrate Chinese Dulcimer performance during interview session. Steven also received Art Award from Chung's Association in recognition of his contributions to the music industry.
Skyler Chan and Oliver Chan - Piano Duo - Platinum Medalists - USA
As natives of Minneapolis, Minnesota, the siblings Skyler Chan (17 years old), and Oliver Chan (14 years old) were solo artists before they started to play as a Duo. Currently, they study with Dr. Kyung Kim (Chair of Keyboard Division, Associate Professor of Piano, University of Minnesota School of Music) after studying with Professor Alexander Braginsky since the age of four years old. As solo and duet artists, Skyler and Oliver performed at numerous venues and recently won 1 st Prize at the VIVO International Music Competition, 1 st Prize at Enkor International Music Competition, 1 st Place at The King’s Peak International Music Competition, and absolute 1 st Prize at The Danubia International Music Competition, as a Piano Duo in 2020-2021. In addition, they were 2 nd Prize winners at the Odin International Music Competition in 2021. In 2017, Skyler was First Prize Winner at the Bradshaw & Buono International Competition (where he performed at Carnegie Hall). In 2018, Skyler won First Prize at both the Ohio International Piano Duet & Duo Competition and the North West International Piano Ensemble Competition in Vancouver. In 2019, Skyler was the 1 st Place Winner in the Schubert Club Competition, which led to his debut at the Ordway Theater in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 2018, Oliver won 3 rd Place at the Carmel Klavier International Piano Competition for Young Artists. In the same year, Oliver was the 1 st Prize winner at the University of Northwestern Piano Solo Festival. In 2017, Oliver was selected to have a Master Class with Antonio Pompa Baldi at the e-Piano Junior Festival. In 2016, he won First Prize at the Piano Fun competition.
Joshua Shi - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
Joshua Shi is a rising senior attending Mission San Jose High School in Fremont, California. He has studied piano extensively with Dr. Jed Galant and Mrs. Janet Tsay. Over the years, Joshua has won first place in the Solo Showcase category, first place in Open Solo Waltz category, and the outstanding gold medalist award, all from the US Open Music Competition. He also won first place in both the Classical and Contemporary categories at the East Bay Music Festival competition. Joshua has additionally received second place at the Annual Sylvia M. Ghiglieri piano competition. Joshua was invited to perform at the Junior Bach Music Festival three years in a row and participated in the “Bach in the Subways” movement. In March 2020, he was honored to receive a masterclass from Dr. Sharon Mann at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. In May, Joshua was awarded the Panel Honors merit from the Music Teachers’ Association of California. Recently, he has won First Place in Classical Piano at the Bob Jones University High School Festival, Second Place at the Great Composers Competition for Best Chopin Performance, Medici International Music Competition, and the Korean Music Association Youth Music E-Competition, Third Place at the American Music Talent Competition, as well as the Young Artist Award from the United States International Music Competition
Eric Yun - Piano & Violin - Platinum - USA
Eric Yun is a Junior at Okemos High School in Okemos, Michigan, USA. He began taking violin lessons at the age of four and started taking piano lessons a year later. He has received awards in various music competitions for both instruments. He won first place at the MMTA State Piano Competition, second place at the Carmel Klavier International Piano Competition, and earned the Most Distinguished Musician with a Young Talent Special Mention at the IBLA Grand Prize. In December 2019, he debuted at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall as a first-place winner of the American Protégé International Competition of Romantic Music. He had his orchestra debut with the Mason Symphony Orchestra in March 2020. He was concertmaster of MSBOA’s 2020 All State High School Orchestra. Eric studies piano with Prof. Derek Polischuk and violin with Prof. I-Fu Wang at Michigan State University.
Wenjia Rao - Piano - Platinum Medalist - China
Wenjia Rao, started studying piano at age 7. In year 2019, she started Master of Performance in Royal College of Music and studied with Professor Gordon-Fergus- Thompson. In year 2014, she started Bachelor of Music in Royal Northern College of Music with entrance scholarship and studied with Professor Stephen Savage and Paul Janes. In year 2011 she started studying in high school associated to Shanghai Conservatoire and studied with Professor William Chen. In year 2007 she started studying in primary and junior school associated to Wuhan Conservatoire and studied with Professor Xiaofeng Zheng. She has held many solo and chamber music concerts during her student life, such as in Manchester Cathedral, St. Ann Church, St Mary Abbots, etc. and was successfully holding a charity concert in Manchester for donation to a Manchester fellowship in the year 2018. In 2021, she was awarded the second prize of Poland “art and life” foundation music completion Section piano Category D.
Seulki Yoo - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
Praised by critics as “a pianist who is truly passionate, sensitive, and musical”, Seulki Yoo has appeared as a soloist on concert stages throughout the United States, Austria, Spain , and her native Korea. Seulki Yoo has been invited to various events including the Russian Concert at Hood college (U.S), Chosun daily newspaper Debut Artist Series (Korea), Museu Cerda (Spain), to name a few. After winning the top prize at numerous national competitions including Eumyeon, Kukmin, Seoul Philharmonic National competition, and Yamaha Young Artist, Seulki Yoo garnered prizes in international competitions as well, including WPTA International Competition (Finland), Puigcerda International Festival Competition (Spain), and Brahms International Competition (Austria). Seulki Yoo holds Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and Artist Diploma degrees from Korean National University, and Artist Diploma from Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University. She currently studies in the Doctor of Musical Arts program and at Penn State University.
William Huang - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
William Huang is a sophomore at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School. William began playing piano at the age of 5 and has studied with Lilit Babayan and Dr. Janet Favreau. He currently is under the tutelage of Rufus Choi. His musical achievements include top prizes in competitions such as the CAPMT Concerto Competition, MTAC Piano Concerto Competition, Scholarship Auditions, and the Bach Complete Works Auditions. Most recently, he was selected as a first prize winner of the American Protégé Concerto Competition and was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall. He is also a first prize winner of the Great Composers Competition, first and cash prize winner of the Prima Volta Music Competition, and first prize winner of the Rotary Instrumentalist Competition. Besides music, William loves to play tennis and participate in his various extracurricular activities of which he has received national recognition.
Julia Jones - Violin - Platinum Medalist - USA
Julia Jones is 17-year old violinist from New York City. She started violin lessons with Viktor Basis at the age of 5 at the Kaufman Music Center. At the early age Julia became a top prize winner of many national and international competitions. First Prize at the Cremona International Competition, in 2016, semi-finalist of the 8th International Spohr Competition, Grand Prize at the 4th ENKOR International Competition, Bronze Winner at the National MTNA Competition. As a winner of the Kaufman Music Center Concerto Competition, Julia performed with orchestra at Merkin Hall in 2018, conducted by N.Hetherington, she performed Sibelius Violin Concerto with Park Avenue Chamber Symphony under conductor D.Bernard. Julia was invited to perform Bach Double ViolinConcerto with European Youth Spirit Orchestra(EYSO), conductor Igor Kuret. In 2018 Julia joined The Perlman Music Program. Currently Julia is under mentorship of Viktor Tretiakov and Natalia Likhopoi
Athanasios Kyparos - Violin - Platinum - Greece
Athanasios Kyparos was born in Thessaloniki, Greece in 2007 and is a student of Thessaloniki State Conservatory, under the supervision of Professor Georgios Petropoulos. He is a first prize winner of several International Music Competitions, such as “Golden Classical Music Awards” (New York, 2021), “Grand Prize Virtuoso” (Paris, 2020), “International Youth Music Competition (Atlanta USA, 2021), “Online Wave” (Spain, 2020, 2021). He is the Grand Prix winner at “Spring in London” First International Competition of Music and Arts (United Kingdom, 2021), a Grand Prize winner (Platinum Diploma, grade 100/100) at “World Art Games” Fiestalonia Milenio International Contest (Spain, 2021), and recently a Platinum Medal winner at Quebec Music Competition (Canada, 2021). Athanasios has featured as a soloist in various venues, as Wiener Saal Mozarteum, Salzburg (Austria), Thessaloniki Concert Hall (Greece), and is selected to feature as a soloist in Weill Recital Hall, at Carnegie Hall, New York, in Winners Concert and Awards Ceremony of the “Golden Classical Music Awards” Competition”, at 2022 Season Debut.
Vjera Radulović - Violin - Platinum Medalist - Montenegro
My name is Vjera Radulović and I am from Montenegro. I’m 16 years old and I’ve been playing the violin since I was 7. I’ve won many awards on national and international music competitions, such as Platinum award on National Montenegrin Music competition and Laureate on International Music competition in Croatia. I’ve performed on many concerts and festivals such as KotorArt, and my solo concert will be organized this June. The Platinum award that I’ve won on Quebec Music competiton means a lot to me. I am honored to know that among so many talented young musicians from all over the world, I got amazing results.
Chen Hu Jie - Clarinet - Platinum Medalist - China
Chen Hu Jie. Chinese clarinetist, composer, chamber musician. The Music Director of Soundshadow Ensemble. Yichang Gorges Symphony Orchestra Guest Principle Clarinet. As a soloist, Chen Hu Jie made series clarinet concerts “Loop Line” and “Time Shuttle” since 2018. As a chamber musician, in 2019, he founded Soundshadow Ensemble as Music Director. He was hired by Yichang Gorges Symphony Orchestra (YGSO) when he was only 19 years old. He won the first prize in the 5 th China National Music Competition of Woodwind and Brass (clarinet) and honored with China “Small GoldBell” Special Honor Music Prize (China, 2016); Platinum Prize in the 5 th Concours de musique Québec (Canada, 2021). Chen Hu Jie born in Yichang, China in 1999. His teachers included Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra Principle Clarinet Christoffer Sundqvist, Swedish Clarinetist Emil Jonason, Pre-Principle Clarinet of Military Band of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Yu Bo, American Clarinetists Robert Spring and Joshua Gardner.
Anna Vienna Ho - Piano - Platinum - United Kingdom
Born in Hong Kong, Anna Vienna Ho is a versatile musician who has worked professionally as a solo pianist, piano accompanist, répétiteur and composer. She has worked with many opera companies and music organizations, including Welsh National Opera, Birmingham Opera Company, Tête à Tête Opera Festival, Opera Novella, London Oriana Choir and London Gay Symphony Orchestra, among others. She has given solo recitals and performed in various concert venues in Asia and Europe, including Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham Town Hall, Parco della Musica and Hong Kong City Hall. Anna gained an Advanced Postgraduate Diploma and her Master of Music in Piano Performance with distinction from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where she received a number of awards and scholarships. She was a first-prizewinner of numerous international competitions, including the International Robert Schumann Klavier Welttbert, Internationaler Deutscher Irmler-Klavierwettbewerb, Rome International Music Competition, 5th Propiano International Competition, International Moscow Music Online-Competition, the Montpelier Arts Center Classical Recital Competition and Abergavenny Eisteddfod Y Fenni, and others
Kelly Kim - Violin - Platinum Medal - USA
Kelly Kim (17), is a junior at the Glenbrook North High School Academy in Northbrook. She attends the Academy of the Music Institute of Chicago and currently studies with Almita Vamos. She was the concertmistress for the CYSO’s Philharmonic, Debut, and Concert Orchestras as well as Preparatory Strings. She was selected to be in the district-wide orchestra (ILMEA) as assistant concertmaster and was selected as principal second violin for the state-wide orchestra. She has also won various prizes and recognitions in competitions including the Granquist Competition (2012, 2013), the Chicago International Music Association Competition (2014), the INPASS Music Competition (2011), the Festival in Honor of Confucius (2015, 2017), the Society of American Musicians Competition (2017, 2018, 2021), the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition (2018), the Sejong Music Competition (2020), the Depaul Concerto Festival Competition (2019, 2020, 2021), and the Glenbrook Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition (2019, 2021).
Nicole Izaguirre - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
Born in Barcelona, Spain 15-year-old pianist Nicole Izaguirre moved to the U.S with her family at the age of 6 months old. At the age of 4 years old Nicole started playing the piano at Bradley University Pre-college division under the direction of Artistic Director Mrs. Ana Nogaj in Peoria, IL. At the age of 5 years old she won 2 nd place at Granquist Memorial Music Competition in Geneva, IL. She was alsoawarded with 2 nd place at the same competition at the age of 6 years old. In 2011she won first place at the Bradley Grade School Piano Competition. Nicole moved to NJ with her family in 2012 where she continued lessons with Dr. Min Kwon and Mrs. Soeyon Park. Nicole received Honorable Mention at the IVC in 2016 and she was encouraged by her teacher to audition to Mannes School of Music. Nicole started at Mannes School of Music under the direction of Dr. Vladimir Valjaveric and won 3th Prize at the IGMC in NYC which gave her the opportunity to perform at Merkin Hall in 2016. Nicole also won 1 st place at the Rondo Young Artist Competition and had her first appearance at Carnegie Hall in 2017. She won Silver Prize at the 2017 IVC. Honorable Mention at Piano Accolades Competition at Mannes School of Music in 2017. In 2018 she won 2 nd Place at the Rondo Young Artist Competition and she performed at the Scandinavian House. In 2018 she was awarded with Gold at the IVC in NJ and Pre-Senior Winner at the Accolades Piano Competition in Mannes. She also was invited to perform at the Steinway Hall in 2017 and 2018. Invited Guest at First Presbyterian Church in New Vernon, NJ in 2017, 18. She was finalist at the Steinway Competition in 2018. She continued her piano studies in the Honors Program at Mannes School of Music under the direction of Lora Tchekoratova. On Nov. 2020 Nicole was introduce by the Center for Musical Excellence (CME) on a live Zoom concert where people all over the world tune in to enjoy Nicole’s performance. 2021 First Prize winner at Charleston International Music Competition. Currently, Nicole studies with CME founder & Artistic Director Dr. Min Kwon.
Samuel Solomon - Guitar - Platinum Medalist - Bulgaria
Samuel Solomon was born on 07-Jan-2009. He started learning classical guitar at the age of 7. Currently he is student in Koblenz International Guitar Academy, Germany in the class of prof. Hubert Kaeppel and in National School of Music "Lyubomir Pipkov" in Sofia, Bulgaria in the class of Hristo Neshev. Samuel won numerous of International Competition among which: First places on Altamira Gorizia Guitar Competition 2020 – in First (up to 12 years old) and Second (up to 14 years old) age groups. First Place in First Age group on the Rust International Guitar Competition. First places on 21-st Szeged International Guitar Festival, Hungary, 2020, I st category up to 12 years and II nd category up to 14 years old. First absolute prize on Florence Guitar Competition 2020. First place on Transylvania Guitar Competition. First place on 5-th Zagreb Guitar Festival, Croatia, 2019 First place on Tremolo Gutar Festival 2018 in age group up to 9 years old and First place in group up to 11 years old; First place on ХХІI International Guitar Competition Kyustendil; Akad. Marin Goleminov; 2018, I st category, up to 10 years and won special prize of Darik Radio First place on International Pleven Guitar Fetsival 2018, 2019 First place on the 6th edition of the Thessaloniki International Guitar Festival, Greece 2019 First place on “Golden classical music awards” New York, 2018, String category, up to 8 years old and was invited to play in Carnegie Hall First place on "Grand Prize Virtuoso" Zsalzburg, Austria, 2017, String category, up to 8 years old and was invited to play in Mozarteum hall. He also won special prize "Exceptional Young Musician" First place on IX International Music Competition 2018, 2019, 2020 Belgrade, Serbia Second place on Altamira Guitar Competition, group up to 12 years old, First place on Muse International Music Competition, Greece, 2019 and 2020 and as part of prizes Samuel recorded CD.
Han Bee Shin - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Germany
Han Bee Shin was born in South Korea and she started learning the piano at the age of three. When she was nine years old, she moved to the States and studied with Dr. Angela Cholakian and Rufus Choi. As an adolescent, she wanted to pursue music and began studying in the Pianist Program at the Orange County School of Arts. She has won prizes at the Young Artist’s Beethoven Competition, Robert Turner Concerto Competition, Southwestern Youth Music Festival, 8th Annual OCKCC Music Competition, VI International Music Competition Amigdala, and 8 ° Concorso Musicale Internazionale Citta ’Di Francavilla Fontana. She also performed at Carnegie Hall and the LAX Hilton Hotel. Han Bee graduated from Folkwang Universität der Künste with the highest mark for her Bachelor of Music degree. Currently she resides in Nuremberg, Germany and is studying in the Master’s degree program for piano at Hochschule für Musik Nuremberg.
Zhuoma Jiangyong - Violin - Platinum Medalist - China
Zhuoma Jiangyong is Currently pursuing her under graduated Of Musical Arts in violin performance at the Minzu University of China and entered the Yangfan violin studio in 2019 professor Zhenguo Pang.She has been participated in violin competitions at home and abroad many times, including being first place The 5th National General Selection Of Chinese Young Musicians，first place The 1st TV Grand Prix Of Piano And Violin In Qinghai Province and attended The First Annual Master Players Festival&School 2018.In senior school,She was the concert master of the school orchestra.
Qiaoqiao Du - Violin - Platinum Medalist - China
At present, she is studying in the Conservatory of music of Central University for nationalities, under the guidance of Pang Zhenguo, and is also a professional student of Beijing Yangfan violin studio. She is now Associate Concertmaster of the Symphony Orchestra of the Conservatory of music of the Central University for nationalities. She participated in the Singapore International Music Festival in 2019 and went to Vienna to exchange schools in 2017
Yimeng LI - Violin - Platinum Medalist - China Yimeng Li studied in conservatory of music of Central University for Nationalities. He studied violin in Yangfan studio with Professor Pang Zhenguo. He won the third prize of violin group in Beijing string skills competition. In middle school, he was the chief of the school orchestra. Organised Piano Trio and participated in school chamber music concert.
David Lee - Violin - Platinum Medalist - South Korea
David had won awards in prestigious competitions such as 3rd in South Korean nationwide MyContest Universal Harmony Concours, 1st prize in American Protege International Concerto Competition with a solo performance in Carnegie Hall held in 2022 summer, 1st place in 21st Seoul National Student Music Scholarship Competition, 3rd prize in Charleston International Baroque Competition, Grand Prix Winner in New York Concert Festival Spring International Competition, Winner of New York Concert Festival Concerto Competition, International Russian Silk Way Competition 3rd prize with solo recital held with Tchaikovsky Orchestra conducted by Sergei Luran in Moscow, Russia in 2021 summer and International Ars Astra Music Competition 1st prize.
Murphy Chuang - Cello - Gold Medalist - Taiwan
Born in Taiwan, Murphy Chuang has been studying the cello since the age of seven under Chia-Ming Hsu and Wei-Ting Hung and is currently studying in Massachusetts, USA. She has taken part in several orchestras such as New England Conservatory of Music Preparatory School (NEC-Youth Repertory Orchestra), Taipei Philharmonic Youth Ensemble (TPYE), and Milton Academy School Orchestra. Over the past few years, Murphy has participated and won in numerous local and international competitions including Gold Award in “2021 Canada Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition” Final Round; Gold Award in "2020 Japan Osaka International Music Competition” Section III Junior Course; Champion in “2020 Tokyo International Youth Music Competition 2020” Preliminary round; 2nd Place in “Hong Kong International Fringe Association (IFA) International Music Talent Online Competition 2020” Open Class (Strings); Silver Award in “2019 Brilliant Talent Discovery Awards International Music Competition” and was invited to perform in the Gala Concert at The Esplanade Recital Hall, Singapore.
Murphy has been raising funds for “Sistema Taiwan” through charity recitals since 2020 to help underprivileged children in practicing music. She continues to pursue her passion for cello and music.
Jeffrey Kautz - Percussion - Gold Medalist - USA
Award-Winning Solo Timpanist Jeffrey Kautz is very passionate and moved by the timpani. Jeffrey attained a Master of Music degree from NYU Steinhardt and a Bachelor of Music from Mannes School of Music. Jeffrey is currently Timpanist of the Massapequa Philharmonic, New Jersey Sinfonietta, Amore Opera Orchestra and the Apotheosis Opera Orchestra. He is also currently a Percussionist of the South Shore Symphony Orchestra and was an Actor Drummer on the HBO Series Plot Against America. Mr. Kautz has won over 20 prizes and awards in competitions as a solo timpanist. Among the prizes are: Winner of the Mannes Concerto Competition, Winner of the Philadelphia International Music Festival Concerto Competition, and First Prize in the New York International Percussion Competition. During the Pandemic, Jeffrey successfully competed in many international competitions hosted by cities such as: Singapore, Quebec, Salzburg, Bonn, Hong Kong, and New York.
Carmen Yee Sing Ying - Voice (Pop) - Platinum Medalist - Malaysia
Carmen Yee Sing Ying is 14 years old and was born in Sarawak, Malaysia. She started learning singing at the age of 6 . Carmen has participated in singing , speech , storytelling competitions and won several awards. In 2018, She was the 3rd runner up of the 5th Hongkong International Music Festival in Children Pop Voice Singing competition . In 2019, she has won the “Malaysia Top 10 Outstanding Star Award”and also has been chosen as Best Student in Co-curricular and Academic of SMK Chung Hua School. Carmen has won Gold Award in Asia Pacific International Arts Festival Singing competition in 2020. This year , Carmen is honoured to receive “Top 10 outstanding Vocalist” Award from Asia Pacific International Arts Festival. Besides singing, Carmen enjoys playing piano, guitar and ukulele
A big fan of classical music and ballet, Catherine participates actively in learning and growing opportunities surrounding performing arts. Her cello study started at age 9 under the professional guidance in school by Chia-Fen Chen. At the age of 14, she is currently under the guidance of Maestro Janet Chien. Catherine has also been coached by Maestros, Wen-Sinn Yang, Ben Hong, and Claudio Marini. She is the selected cello member for the school chamber music ensemble, and participated in piano trio, quintet, and string quartet. She is an active member of Taipei Philharmonic Youth Ensemble in the Orchestral sector as cellist. Through the years of cello study, Catherine has participated in some local and international competitions with great achievements ranging from competitions held around the world including the Canadian, American Youth Talent, Odin, Opus, and more. The passion for performing arts continues to sail in different courses, cello will always be one.
Eun Hyang Choi - Piano - Gold Medalist - USA She studied at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory in Russia and New York with Russian pianists( Vladimir poliakoff who studied with Gregory Sokolov) and Nina lelchuk who studied with Vladimir Ashkenazy, and Mihail Pletnev, the best Russian pianists in existence. Her musical roots and identity are heralded by the genealogy of ‘Cherny-Liszt-Zilotti-Igumnov-Polyer-Blysenko-Pletine’: from Beethoven to western Europe,the representative pianism of Russia. She has experience in playing in Russia, the United States, and Korea, as well as teaching and playing in Daegu, and she currently holds a degree in New York and is engaged in musical activities. She won the 5th Krystian Tkaczewski International Competition and the V Future Stars International Competition, and is currently performing in Russia, the United States, and Korea. She will continue her academic and musical careers with Professor Jerome Rose of Mannes (The New School) in New York.
Ludmila Pelahiy – Voice – Gold Medalist – Austria
Ludmila Pelahiy is studying at the International Academy of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. She is member of the OPERA-teens of the Vienna State Opera. Ludmila also performed in the Opera of Burg Gars. The young singer took part at numerous national and international competitions and festivals. Ludmila has been presented as a soloist with a Platinum Prize award at the Canadian International Music Competition 2020-2021 and two Gold Prize awards – at the Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition 2021 and at the Quebec International Music Competition 2021. She is also prizewinner at the IInd International “Edelweiss” Competition-Festival 2017 and double prizewinner at the Viennese regional competition “Prima la musica”: 2009 in the category Vocal Ensemble and 2010 in the category Solo Singing. Ludmila has perfomed as a member of the OPERA-teens in the 6 th International Anton Bruckner Choir Competition and Festival 2017. The choir has been awarded with a Silver Prize. Ludmila took part at several gala concerts and festivals in Europe such as the gala events “CGDC Award” 2012 and 2013 in Vienna, the “Junge Musik”-Concert of “Wien Modern”, the gala concert “Berühmte Opernchöre” with the Arnold Schoenberg Choir etc.
Frank J. Cogollos - Composition - Gold Medalist - Spain
Licentiate in Musical Direction from the Royal Schools of Music in London. He is a Teacher of Primary and Musical Education from the University of Valencia. He obtained the title of Elementary Violin Degree and Percussion Teacher. His works are published in differents editorials. He is the conductor of the Municipal Band of Sant Antoni de Portmany. He has been Guest Conductor of the Municipal Band of Ibiza, the Carcaixent Symphonic Band, the Santa Eulària Municipal Band, the Ibiza Symphony Orchestra, the Santander Municipal Band and the Óbidos SMRO Youth Orchestra. It has a total of 32 awards in different composition competitions. He has recently won the Distinction at the Warsaw Wind Ensemble Composition Contest 2020 in Warsaw (Poland), the Bronze Medal at the Global Music Awards (USA) and the Gold Medal at the Quebec Music Competition (Canada). His works will be released soon in different countries.
Ng Kun Kuen - Voice - Gold Medalist - Malaysia
Ng Kun Kuen, soprano, graduated with Bachelor of Music (Hons) Classical Music from University College Sedaya International (UCSI) Ng obtained her Licentiate Diploma Certificate (LTCL) in Vocal performance with Distinction in 2011 and was awarded both, with Distinction, the Associated Diploma (ATCL) and Performer’s certificate (PC) in Vocal performance from Trinity College London and Trinity Guildhall London in 2009 and 2008. Ng holds as well an Associated Diploma (ATCL) in Piano Performance. In 2020, Ng also has been featured in Britishpedia (Successful People in Malaysia) 3rd edition publication from the British Publishing House Ltd. Ng has won numerous international prizes among them the Gold Medal in 36th National Art Song Singing Competition Regional Championship, Champion in the 42nd National Art Song Singing Competition National Championship in 2016, Silver Medal in the 4th Hong Kong International Music Festival Vocal Open Category in 2017 and the Outstanding Awards in the 43th Italy Teresa Belloc International Vocal Competition Asia Preliminary in 2017. In 2019, Ng has won a champion in the Taiwan International Classical and Traditional Music Competition Vocal Competition Chinese language vocal work and a Silver Medal from the foreign Language Vocal Work Category. At the same year, Ng also won an International Gold medal in the Vocal Open Category from the Ivy League Education in Beijing, China. Besides, she is also a gold award winner in the Vocal Category of the Grand International Music & Talents Festival. At the same year, Ng also awarded a China Beijing International Outstanding Award 2019 from the Malaysia ( International ) Arts Festival.
Fei Xia - Voice - Gold Medalist - USA
Soprano Fei Xia is originally from China. She holds her Master of Music degree in vocal performance from the University of Miami and Artist Diploma from Montclair State University. She is currently pursuing her Doctoral of Musical Arts degree in vocal performance at West Virginia University where she is studying with Dr. Hope Koehler. She recently won the First Prize in the 2021 “The Song” International Vocal Competition, and the Third Prize in the 2021 North International Music Competition. She also has won many national and international vocal competitions, including V ODIN International Music Competition(2020 Honorable Mention); Metropolitan National Opera Council Audition Florida District (2019 Finalist); Classical Singer National Vocal Competition(2017 and 2018 Finalist); Music International Grand Prix Vocal Competition(2021Semi-finalist); New York Lyra International Vocal Competition(2018 Semi-finalist); and New York Lyric Opera Theater National Vocal Competition(2017 Semi-finalist). She was selected as the finalist of the New York MIA Opera Management and the Spain Operars Management companies Roster Audition in 2020. Ms.Fei has been selected to be engaged with several professional opera companies, including Vienna Opera Festival, NYLOP, Angels Vocal Arts Opera Company, Manhattan Opera Studio, Miami Classical Music Festival, Berlin Opera Academy, Connecticut Lyric Opera House Young Artist Opera Program, Taconic Opera Company Young Artist Program, and etc. In 2017, Fei made her Carnegie Hall debut as the role of Juliette in Roméo et Juliette with New York Lyric Opera. In 2018, she was invited to perform again at Carnegie Hall, singing the role of Giulietta in Les contes d’Hof mann. She then performed the roles of Prima Cercatrice and Una Novizia in Suor Angelica with Montclair State University Opera in 2020. Besides the opera area, she also sang many oratorios from Bach, Handel, and Haydn. As an active recitalist, she gave her several solo recitals in China and the US. As a voice teacher, she previously served as a voice teacher at Musipire Music Company from 2017-2018. She has taught students from early ages to adults. She built up her own private teaching studio in New York City in 2017.
Yireh Choi - Cello - Platinum Medalist - Grand Champion Prize Winner - USA
Yireh Choi, 15, started playing the cello at the age of 8 and was accepted into The Juilliard School Pre-College Division at age 12, where she began her studies with Clara Minhye Kim. She is the winner of numerous competitions including the Junior Division of the Adelphi Young Artists Competition, the Bergen Philharmonic Young Artist Concerto Competition, which she is scheduled to perform with their orchestra in March 2022, the Bravura Philharmonic Young Artists Concerto Competition, the Camerata Artists International Concerto Competition, the Enkor International Music Competition, the Lyra Music Competition, the NLPA International Young Artists Competition, the SMSC Young Artist Scholarship Competition, and a semi-finalist of the Stulberg International String Competition. She has participated in solo and chamber master classes with cellist Fred Sherry, Joel Krosnick, Jeffrey Zeigler, and Zlatomir Fung. In the summer of 2019, Yireh was awarded a scholarship to the HeifetzPEG program of the Heifetz International Music Institute. This summer, she will be participating in the Morningside Music Bridge summer festival, a full-scholarship program. Yireh appeared on NPR’s From The Top in 2020 with host Peter Dugan with the Sorella Piano Trio consisting of her sister and best friend. She was also selected as a finalist for From The Top for solo performance. When she isn’t practicing, Yireh enjoys spending time with her sister, listening to music, watching movies, and eating korean food.
Camille Labrecque was born in 2006 in a small western town in Alberta. She was raised on an acreage and took a liking to playing her violin out in the countryside for the animals and few passers-by. She started taking violin lessons at the age of 9 and eventually started teaching at the age of 14. She loves competing and spreading joy and positivity through her music.
Alicja Kojder - Piano - Platinum Medalist - United Kingdom
Alicja Kojder was born in the UK. She started playing the piano at the age of five. When she was six, she was already winning local piano competitions in the area of Manchester. At the age of seven, she passed her exams to the prestigious Chetham School of Music in Manchester and became the youngest student at the school. Currently, she is there learning to play the piano under the direction of her distinguished teacher, Helen Krizos. Alicja has been awarded top prizes in various piano competitions in the UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain, Serbia, Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia and Poland. Alicja also regularly performs in a piano duet and trio, and has played with a symphony orchestra in London.
Mellow Singers - Gold Medalists - Toronto/Hong Kong Mellow Singers is a project-based auditioned chamber choir founded and conducted by Teresa Tang. We established our home in Toronto in 2011 while our Hong Kong branch, also known as Hong Kong Ardent Chorale, gave her debut in 2016 Christmas and registered as a nonprofit organization in Hong Kong in 2017. Our mission is to promote choral arts, to provide a performance platform for young professionals and to help victims of natural disasters and casualties. Our repertoire encompasses choral masterpieces from Renaissance to contemporary era, with special focus on a capella works and Canadian compositions, In the past seasons, we have featured local emerging artists including violinist Jane Wan, violist Luisa Cornacchia, pianist Geoffrey Conquer, contralto Claudia Lemcke and countertenor Timothy Wong, as well as sopranos Sarah Yeung and Amy Chan in Hong Kong.
Ryan Chong Wei Aun - Piano - Platinum - Malaysia
Ryan Chong Wei Aun started learning the piano in Yamaha/Ammonite Music School when he was 4. Currently, he is under the tutelage of Ms. Choo See May and Prof. Lee Yin Hwa. During his early competitions, he won Bronze in the Kingsburg International Piano Competition 2016 and the EuroAsia Piano Competition in 2017. As Ryan progressed in his musical journey, he attained several Silver awards, namely in the UCSI International Piano Festival & Competition 2018 and MYOF-KL Piano Festivals 2018 & 2019. In 2019, he was the 1st Prize winner in the ABRSM High Scorers’ Competition and also the Gold Prize winner in the International Liszt-Ferenc Competition (Malaysia Preliminary Round). Most recently, Ryan achieved 3rd place winner in the SEA International Piano Competition 2021. Ryan actively participates in musicals and piano recitals. He also enjoys reading sci-fi and fantasy books, while his favourite subjects in school are mathematics and science.
Demi Alba - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Canada
Demi Alba is a multi-award international piano competition winner. As a student of Dr. Yoana Kyurchieva, She began her dedicated piano training at age 4. Since turning of 8, She has continually won top prizes in many competitions including first-place winner of the Edmonton Kiwanis Music Festival in 9 & under and Second place in 12 & under. First Place Winner (Young Musicians Category) of the American Protégé International Competition of Romantic Music 2019. Winner of the 4th Annual Madeline Pape Memorial Competition 2019 with the Taylor Conservatory Student Scholarships, and the audience first prize for best performance of the competition. Gold Prize Winner Edmonton Fall Music Festival 2019. Gold Prize Winner 2020-2021 Canadian International Music Competition. First Prize winner 2021 Rocky Mountain Music Competition. Along with playing piano, she also enjoys painting and sketching.
Athanasios Kyparos was born in Thessaloniki, Greece in 2007 and is a student of Thessaloniki State Conservatory, under the supervision of Professor Georgios Petropoulos. He is a first prize winner of several International Music Competitions, such as “Golden Classical Music Awards” (New York, 2021), “Grand Prize Virtuoso” (Paris, 2020), International Youth Music Competition (Atlanta USA, 2021), “Online Wave” (Spain, 2020, 2021). He is the Grand Prix winner at “Spring in London” First International Competition of Music and Arts (United Kingdom, 2021), a Grand Prize winner (Platinum Diploma, grade 100/100) at “World Art Games” Fiestalonia Milenio International Contest (Spain, 2021), and recently a Platinum Medal winner at Quebec Music Competition (Canada, 2021). Athanasios has featured as a soloist in various venues, as Wiener Saal Mozarteum, Salzburg (Austria), Thessaloniki Concert Hall (Greece), and is selected to feature as a soloist in Weill Recital Hall, at Carnegie Hall, New York, in Winners Concert and Awards Ceremony of the “Golden Classical Music Awards” Competition”, at 2022 Season Debut.
Junwoo Kim - Clarinet - Platinum Medalist - USA
Junwoo Kim is a young clarinetist that has won prizes in numerous competitions. Through instruction from Emily Coile, he was able to place first in both solo and ensemble playing in the Washington National Youth competition, Charleston International Competition, and the Potomac Valley Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition. He has also been a prize winner in the Virtuoso International Music Competition, YMIC International Competition and Metropolitan Classical Music Festival. In Maryland, Junwoo has been a part of the selective All County and Allstate Honors Band since 7th grade and was in the Allstate Band and assistant principal in the All County Band during his 9th grade year. Junwoo has been a part of PVYO for years where he has played as assistant principal in the Concert Band, principal in the Symphony Orchestra, and assistant principal in his first year of Philharmonia. In school, he was principal of Churchill’s Freshman Band and became section leader in his first year of Wind Symphony, the school’s most prestigious band. Junwoo also represented the New Life Philharmonic Orchestra as the principal clarinet.
Trying to find a way to contribute to COVID-19 relief, Junwoo has created the Metropolitan Youth Music Foundation where student musicians can record themselves playing classical or seasonal pieces! He then sends these videos to nursing homes for the elderly to enjoy. On the MYMF Youtube Channel, he has currently posted 30 videos and has 4 playlists with many more in the works!
Rayming Lan - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Hong Kong
Rayming Lan aged 14, a student of Dr. Amy Sze at the Junior Music Department of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Art. Rayming participates in numerous concert performance, competitions and master classes, winner of Youth Piano Competition Hong Kong Asia Pacific 2019, Europe-Elbe Valley International Music festival 2019, Young Virtuoso Cup, Tokyo International Youth Music Competition HK region 2020 and Hong Kong Youth Barclampory Music Festival 2021. Rayming is passionate in playing piano and enjoy music. He also performs with Chamber choir of St. Joseph’s college.
Ham Kay Lyn - Violin - Platinum - Malaysia Ham Kay Lyn has been playing the violin since the age of 6. She joined her first competition, Euroasia Competition in 2015 and achieved a gold award. She completed her grade 8 with distinction at the age of 11 and went on to complete her Licentiate diploma, Trinity College of London this year. She achieved bronze award at the Hong Kong International Youth Performance Arts Festival in 2019. She also won the Elite Award at the 2019 Singapore Raffles International Music Festival. In 2017, she played on live national television, accompanying local artiste Haqiem Rusli for the Anugerah Skrin 2017. In 2018, she played a duet with her sister also on live national television, accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra. She performed the Spring Vivaldi as a soloist for the Genius Seni Concert in 2018. She is an active member of the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Genius Seni Muzik.
Ham Kay Li - Viola - Platinum - Malaysia
Ham Kay Li has been playing the viola for the past one and a half years. She is currently pursuing to complete the Associate Diploma (ATCL) from Trinity College of London. She is an active member of the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Genius Seni Muzik Orchestra. In 2017, she played on live national television, accompanying local artiste Haqiem Rusli for the Anugerah Skrin 2017. She also played a duet on live national television with her sister, accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra in the year 2018. She toured with the MPYO to Hong Kong to perform at the Asia Pacific Youth Symphony Orchestra Festival. She won first prize at the ABRSM High Scorers Competition in 2019. She= also plays the violin and piano and hopes to move on to study music for her tertiary education and looking forward to an exciting career in the music industry.
Janka Laar - Flute - Platinum Medalist - Hungary
My name is Janka Laar, 13 years old student. I live in Szentendre, which is a small town near Budapest with my two brothers and my parents. I used to dance ballet, ride horse. Now, when I have spare time, I like to ride a bike.
I started playing flute when I was 8. I love playing it, listen to music, even going to opera. I would like to be a flutist professional and teacher. I practice hard every day, but as the time goes on, I will practice more and more.
My teacher, Annamária Bán, who inspired me, to play more and more. I have applied to 18 international competitions and 12 national competitions.
Ezgi Ergin is a violinist, pianist and composer, was born in Ankara, Turkey. She started to compose melodies in childhood; started to play the violin at 10 years old and piano at 11 years old; composed pieces while she was playing the piano by herself. She graduated as a violinist from Faculty of Music and Performing Arts of Bilkent University at Ankara. During her violin education, she studied piano too. She played at many concert halls in Turkey as a violinist or chamber music player; played in youth orchestras in Turkey and Germany. She started to work at Ankara State Opera and Ballet Orchestra in 2009; played in festivals in Turkey and abroad. She studied composition with Bujor Hoinic, who is a conductor of Ankara State Opera and Ballet Orchestra. She has awards in many competitions in violin, piano and composition categories.
Krystal Wu - Clarinet - Platinum Medalist - USA
Krystal Wu, 16, is a junior at Centennial High School (MD). She began her clarinet lessons at the age of 11 and currently studies privately with Dr. Albert Hunt. Over the past few years, Krystal has served as a member in the MCYO Philharmonic, Howard County Gifted and Talented Symphony Orchestra, Maryland All-State Orchestra and Band, and Centennial High Wind Ensemble. When not playing the clarinet, Krystal enjoys playing piano and volleyball, listening to music, and actively volunteering at hospitals and assisted living facilities.
Brandon Diep - Cello - Platinum Medalist - USA
Brandon Diep is a motivated 14-year-old cellist from San Diego, CA and has studied cello for almost 4 years. Brandon has received top prizes in several local and international music competitions including the Platinum Medal in the Quebec International Music Competition 2021, the Grand Prix award in the Concert Festival International Concerto Competition 2021 and three time First Place winner in the American Protégé Music Talent Competition 2021, 2020, 2019. Brandon also performed as soloist and played in the festival orchestra in the Montecito International Music Festival. Brandon plays in the advanced Symphony Orchestra of the San Diego Civic Youth Orchestra. As a volunteer musician, Brandon tutors cello students and performs at nursing homes. Brandon shares music through a duet partnership with his brother and various ensembles. With a passion for musical creativity, Brandon also studies music composition, film and music production at the Grauer School
Andy Wang - Piano - Platinum - USA
Under the tutelage of Dr. Jarl Hulbert at William Knabe Piano Institute, Andy has matured in piano performance over the last ten years. He enjoys jazz camp during Central Pennsylvania Jazz Festival in Messiah College, playing organ in Piano and Organ Institutes at Westminster Conservatory and chamber music at Rushmore Music Festival. In addition to organ/piano, he enjoys playing clarinet in Peabody Prep Wind Orchestra and alongside professional musicians with Chesapeake Symphony Orchestra in its July 4 th River Concert. He has won Honorable Mention at Baltimore International Piano Festival, Silver Medal at New York Golden Key Music Festival, Platinum Medal at Quebec Classical Music Competition, Third Prize at Knabe Piano Summer Festival, Second Prize at Elite International Music Competition, and First Prize at King's Peak International Music Competition. Though his appearance in Carnegie Hall Recital was cancelled due to covid last year, he was gladly casted in featured roles in musicals Dear Edwina and Xanadu at Children’s Playhouse of Maryland.
Huei-Chiao Yang - Violin - Platinum Medalist - Taiwan
Huei-Chiao Yang, born in Taipei 2008, who started learning violin at age four. She once was instructed by Teacher Wen-Ting Wu, Pro. Lan-Ku Chen, Pro. I Ching Li, and now by Pro. Chinn-Horng Nanette Chen. She won the excellent first prize for 2019 Taipei Solo Violin Competition; the second place in group B for 2019 Singapore International Violin Music Festival; the second prize in Violin Solo Competition for 2018 National Music Competition; won the gold medal in Junior Group of the 3rd Singapore Raffles International Music Festival Competition. In 2019 she was invited to perform for Singapore International Violin Festival; 2018 performed Sarasate Zigeunerweisen at Smith Barney Concert Hall in Manila, Philippines; 2017 performed Vivaldi-Four Seasons "Winter" at Taipei National Concert Hall; 2016 performed for Raffles International Music Festival in Singapore. She, in 2020, participated in TSMC X NSO Music Education Program by Ray Chen’s Global Live Violin Master Class. She has also been coached by many famous international performers and professors’ master classes, such as: Yossif Ivanov, Haik Kazazyan, Itzhak Rashkovsky, Ani Schnarch, Joel Smirnoff, Yu-Chien Benny Tseng, Paul Huang, Bin Huang, David Chan.
Vivian Zhu - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
Vivian Zhu is a rising sophomore at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Illinois and currently studies piano with Sueanne Metz. She has performed in New York City’s Carnegie Hall and in Russia with the Kostroma Symphony Orchestra. She has also won prizes in competitions such as the 2020 DePaul Concerto Competition and 2019 Walgreens National Concerto Competition, 2020 New Stars International Piano Competition, American Fine Arts Festival Concerto Category in 2019, ISMTA Piano Competition, 2018 Steinway Junior Piano Competition, 2018 Carmel Klavier International Piano Competition, and the 2017 American Protégé International Piano Competition. Outside of piano, Vivian enjoys creative writing and swimming. She hopes to use her experience in piano to help her community.
Benedict Cecilio - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
Benedict Cecilio is 15 years old and a sophomore at Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. Ben has taken piano lessons from Ms. Felicia Zhang, Mr. John Toedtman, and Ms. Karen Zhang. When he was 9, he played at Carnegie Hall and has since then won in competitions. Ben has also done community work, such as raising funds at a recital for school supplies sent to Whitley City, Kentucky. He organized “Jammin’ for Justice” along with his friends, a concert which raised funds for the Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice at the University of Cincinnati College of Law. Along with piano, Ben also plays viola. Ben was part of the Cincinnati Junior Strings, where he played at Sydney Opera House and other venues around Australia. This past year, he was in the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Yera Kim - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
Yera Kim is a DMA student in piano performance from the studio of Prof. Guzman at Penn State University. She got her bachelor’s degree from Chung-Ang University with the highest honors and master’s degree from Baylor University, Texas. She received the top prizes in competitions including Chung-Ang University Concerto Competition, Texas Semper Pro Musica Competition, Korea Young Artist Music Competition, New York International Music Competition, United States International Music Competition, The American Prize, and American Protégé International Piano Competition. She also received the Roger L. Keys Award for Outstanding Graduate Student in Piano and full master’s scholarships at Baylor University. She has nominated Excellence in Academic Record Award at Chung-Ang University. She has studied and been coached with Christopher Guzman and Krassimira Jordan. Her most recent performances included recitals at Carnegie Weil Recital Hall, NY, Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC, and Korea National Assembly Hall.
Samuel Chang Swee Shenn - Piano - Platinum - Singapore
Platinum Award Winner - 2021 Quebec International Music Competition Born in Singapore, Samuel Chang is currently 9 years old. Being a quiet and introspective child, Samuel exhibits early inclination to music and mathematical prowess at a young age. He began formal piano lessons at 6 years of age under the tutelage of Dr Lee Jie Qi. Samuel earned his ATCL Diploma in Piano Recital with Trinity College London in December 2020. He is also proficient at playing the violin, having studied at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (School of Young Talents). Chopin is one of Samuel’s favourite composers along with Debussy and Haydn. By 9, Samuel has won prizes in various music competitions. His accolades include Gold Award at the 6 th Singapore Raffles International Music Festival 2019, two Gold Awards for the Singapore Asia Youth Piano Competition 2019, Best 20 th Century Awards for both the 4 th and 5 th Brilliant Talent Discovery Awards International Music Competition for years 2020 and 2021. He recently won second place for the 2021 Music Singapore International Piano and Violin Competition. Samuel hopes to compose his own music in future and dreams of becoming a concert pianist touring the world with orchestras one day.
Colette Wong Tsz Ting - Harp - Platinum Medalist - Hong Kong
My name is Colette Wong, I am a six years old little girl & lived in Hong Kong. I started playing harp since I was four. I have not much on stage experience but the most precious moment was the 1st time on stage ensemble performance with the famous harpist from Switzerland, Park Stickney two years ago. This experience inspired me to be one of the harpist in an orchestra one day in future. It was my pleasure be one of the winners in Quebec Music Competition & looking forward to see you all in near future. Stay Health & Happy!
William Jin - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
William Jin is 15 years old and a 9th grader in the Pianist program at Orange County School of the Arts in California. He started playing piano and cello when he was six and performed as a violinist at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. William studies with Dr. Judy Huang, and he has been selected for convention and awarded State Honor in MTAC CM. He won several awards in competitions, including MTAC, CAPMT, Southern California Junior Bach Festival, Southwestern Youth Music Festival, Satori Young Pianist Grand Prize Competition, Great Composers Competition Best Performance, Bonn Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition, London Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition, AFAF International Music Competition in NYC, and Pittsburgh International Piano Competition. He has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall.
17-year-old Konstantinos Chrysostomou from Cyprus is no stranger to large audiences. In 2012 he reached the finals after his successful participation in ANT1 Greece’s popular televised talent show “Greece’s got talent”. Konstantinos gave his first recital at the age of nine. As one of the child prodigies of Ezekiel Elkin Konstantinos was selected to take part in the international music summit “Wunderkindz” ,representing Greece in Buenos Aires Argentina. His performance of the song “El sirtaki de Icaro” in Castilian, is available on Spotify, published worldwide by Warner Music Group. He has also performed at prestigious events including concerts organised by the house of representatives during Cyprus’ presidency of the Council of the European Union at the presidential Palace.
In December 2018 Konstantinos performed the role “The page of the Kings” in the Opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors”, a production by Kyrenia Opera where he was able to share the stage with well-known opera singers from the US in Europe. In 2021 Konstantinos has been awarded first and second prizes in many internatinal competitions: Angel Voice Classic (Belgrade) Grand Prix winner, Abanico Art Voices (Bulgaria) 1st prize, Rocky Mountain Competition (Canada) 2nd prize, Aphrodite Voice (Cyprus) 2nd prize and Québec Music Competition 1st prize Platinum Award. Konstantinos is a student at Pankyprio Odeon where he studied singing with Ellie Aloneftou for three years and since 2018 he continues his studies with Mariza Anastasiades.
Claire Rong - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
Claire Rong, age 12, is currently taking piano lessons with Mrs. Sueanne Metz. During the past five years with Sueanne, Claire has made rapid progress at piano and has become more and more passionate about classical music. Claire has won numerous local, national and international piano competitions including first place at the 2018 AFAF International Concerto Competition, overall best performance for 2017 US New Star Piano Competition, first place at 2017 Carmel Klavier International Piano Competition, second place at 2018 Chopin International Piano Competition etc. Claire has given many public performances in different places around the world. She performed at Musikverein in Vienna Austria, Carnegie Hall in New York, Royal Albert Hall in London, Kostroma Russia with the Kostroma Orchestra and Kurozweki Palace in Poland. Claire is also an active member of her school orchestra. In addition to music, Claire enjoys drawing, reading and travelling around the world.
Denisa Stefania Cazaciuc - Voice (Soprano) - Platinum - Romania
My name is Denisa Stefania Cazaciuc, I`m 14 years old and I`m from Iasi, Romania. Vocal performance: National Opera Iasi – member of the Children’s Choir “Juniors of the Opera”: Giacomo Puccini, “Tosca”; Georges Bizet, “Carmen”; Carl Orff, “Carmina Burana”; Ruggero Leoncavallo, “Pagliacci”; Giacomo Puccini, “Boema”. Awards: 2021 – First Place at the „Rocky Mountain Music Competition – Spring 2021” Canada, Rocky Mountain Voice Competition Junior Category, 13-14 years old category; 2021 – Laureate at the „Angel Voice Classic” Belgrad, Serbia, Classical Singing Junior and Nomination „Mozart Singer”, Junior; 2021 – Laureate 1o at "International Online Festival-Contest ;FUTURE STARS;” Italy (Sopravista International Festivals); 2021 – First Place Winner at 2021 King`s Peak International Classical Music Competition, Spring 2021, Voice Soprano, Age Group C; 2021 – First Place Winner at 2021 AMERICAN MUSIC TALENT COMPETITION, Voice Category, Canto Classic; 2021 – Laureate 1 (Golden Diploma) at International Music Moscow Competition 2021; Other awards at nationals competitions.
Charlene Lee Hau Lam - Voice - Platinum Medalist - Hong Kong
Born in Hong Kong, Lee Hau Lam Charlene is currently studying with Professor Christiane Hossfeld at the Hochschule für Musik Dresden in Germany. Charlene was awarded The Best Soloist Prize at the International Festival of Choral Art-Singing World in Russia and second prize at the international competition Giovani Musicisti-Città di Treviso. She was placed second at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales. She also sang in Masterclasses by Renée Fleming and Sumi Jo. Her opera repertoire includes Pamina in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, Susanna in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, Sylviane in Lehár’s The Merry Widow and Mercédès in Bizet’s Carmen.
Jiyoun Shin - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Korea
After graduating from Yewon School and Seoul Arts High School, the best art schools in Korea, she studied piano and French literature at Yonsei University. She will begin her master's degree at CNSMP in September. She stands out in several countries, such as France, Italy, Korea, Vietnam, Japan, Canada, and Finland etc. , and is also a member of the piano duo << Comme Toi>> , because she is interested in chamber music as well as solo performances.
Zihan Zhu - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
Zihan Zhu, started her piano learning since the age of 6, currently study with pianist Tian Lu. Ms.Zhu makes outstanding academic achievements and won grand prizes at various competitions, such as： 2nd Prize at East Carolina University young artist competition, First Prize ZhongMei International Piano Competition and received full scholarship to attend 2021 Baltimore International Piano Festival. She just won First Prize at the Aegio International Piano Competition. She was invited to performed in Carnegie Hall , GuangXi Arts center, A.J.Fletcher Recital Hall, Russian Embassy in Washington DC. Besides music, Ms. Zhu enjoying dancing, watching Movies, and hiking.
Estelle Bang - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
Estelle Bang is an active pianist in solo and chamber music recitals in and outside of the United States. She recently earned her Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance from Boston University, under the tutelage of Prof. Boaz Sharon. Prior to studying at BU, she received her Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Piano Performance and graduated summa cum laude from Seoul National University.
Dr. Bang was a recipient of several awards, including Di Bonaventura Scholarship, Lee Chrisman Scholarship, the First Prize in New York Artists International Competition, the First Prize in American Protégé International Piano Competition, the First Prize in Korean-American Cultural Foundation Competition, the First Prize in Music Education News Competition, the Second Prize in Laszlo Spezzaferri International Music Competition, the Second Prize in National Students' Music Competition, and Seoul Educational Chief Award. She was also a laureate for Schumann Festival and New Music Series: STUDIO 2021. As a member of Bon Piano Trio, Estelle was a winner of the Seoul National University Chamber Music Competition and has been invited to perform many chamber music recitals.
Recently she had a lecture recital focusing on "Literary Effects of E. T. A. Hoffmann on R. Schumann's Piano Music," and gave a lecture performance and master classes for "Beethoven Seminar on His 32 Sonatas." As a DMA candidate at BU, she performed at Boston University Concert Hall for the Celebrating Beethoven 250 Concert, Black History Month Concert, Claude Debussy Centennial Concert, The Golden Age of Harlem Stride Piano Concert, etc. (specially selected soloist). Dr. Bang will perform at Carnegie Hall this year for the American Protégé International Piano Competition Winner’s Recital, and will also be featured in a NYC recital of the Winner of the New York Artists International Competition next year.
Her passion for teaching has led her to serve as a Graduate Assistant at BU, where she teaches individual piano lessons and group classes for music majors and non-majors at the undergraduate and graduate level. Dr. Bang's additional studies include the master classes of Seymour Lipkin, Ian Hobson, Christopher Harding, Peter Bithell, Wen-Sinn Yang, Oliver Kern, Robert Roux, and Tali Morgulis among many others.
Aryanna Holmes - Violin - Solo and Ensemble Category - Platinum Medalist - USA Aryanna Holmes is a full scholarship student at the Gifted Music School Conservatory in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she is currently studying violin with Eugene Watanabe. She will be attending Yale University in the fall as part of the class of 2025 with the intent of completing a double major in Music and Mathematics. She has won several concerto competitions and has had the opportunity to perform with The Salt Lake Symphony, The Southwest Symphony, and the Utah Valley Symphony. In 2020 she was named the winner of the Utah Symphony Youth Guild competition in both the Senior and Ensemble categories. Aryanna won the State Music Listening Competition (an academic music trivia competition) three years in a row, moving on to the National Competition all three years, where she placed 2nd Nationally in 2018, and 3rd Nationally in 2020. In 2021 she has been a 1st place winner at the New York Artists International Competition, the American Protégé International Concerto Competition, The Prima Volta Music Competition, The New York International Concours Competition, The Great Composers Competition in ‘The Music of Eastern Europe’, ‘The Music of Germany and Austria’, ‘The Best Grieg Performance’, ‘The Music of the Centuries:17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th century categories’, a recipient of the Gold Medal for the AADGT International Young Musicians festival, as well as a 2nd place winner of the American Protégé International Music Talent Competition. Aryanna will be performing at Carnegie Hall in November 2021, and has won two more additional Carnegie hall performances that are scheduled for 2022.
Ezekiel is a 15 year old student of Eugene Watanabe in Salt Lake City, UT. He is currently a student at the full scholarship pre-college conservatory program at the Gifted Music School and is a recipient of the Dorothy Richard Starling Foundation Scholarship. Ezekiel made his orchestral debut at age 12 with the Utah Symphony, and was awarded solo performer, "Best of State" by Salt Lake Magazine in 2020. In 2019, Zeke won 1 prize in the MTNA string competition, junior division, and was Overall Grand Prize winner of the ENKOR competition in 2020. He has won or placed in several local and national level competitions as well, in both solo and chamber divisions. In 2020, Zeke was highlighted on KSL TV's "High Five" spotlight for the donation of 30 violins to the GRIT after school music program. Zeke has been invited by various members of the local community to perform including: the Deseret News executive faculty, the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, Excellence in the Community Concert Series, Holladay Arts Council, and the Utah Senate. He has also performed for several esteemed violin professors such as: Robert Lipsett (Colburn School), Midori Goto (Curtis Institute of Music), Laurie Smukler (Juilliard School), and Simon James (San Francisco Conservatory).
Bo Yang - Violin - Platinum Medalist - China
Bo Yang is currently pursuing his undergraduate of Musical Arts in violin performance at the Minzu University of China and study under professor Zhen Guo Pang.As an avid soloist, he has been a prizewinner of various festival and competitions , include being Platinum 5th Edition of Quebec International Music Competition, Honorable Mention 27th 2020 United States International Music Competition, First place Vienna International Art Competition Symphony: “Beijing No.101 High School Golden Sail orchestra's symphony Concert in Celebration of the Chinese National Day and 17th Chinese culture Festival in the Washington metropolitan ”. Performing in the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts “The Sixth National Art Exhibition for primary and secondary school students” Follow the Beijing No.101 High School Golden Sail orchestra's symphony to Performing in the JinFan Concert Hall “Instrumental performance of the 23rd Beijing Student Art Festival ”
Female Choir „Canzona – Absolwent” Murowana Goślina - Choir - Platinum Medalist - Poland Conductor: Elżbieta Wtorkowska The Canzona Absolwent ladies’ choir was established in the autumn of 2001. It is made up of former members of the Canzona girls’ choir. The choir takes part in events and gives concerts all over Poland and abroad. Here are the most important competitions and festivals Canzona Absolwent took part in: - In 2003 the choir performed in Sweden at the International Music Festival in Kristianstad. - In 2004 it won the main prize at the 15 th Wielkopolska Choral Meetings in Koło. - In 2005 it brought home a silver diploma and a distinction for performance of antique music at the International Choral Competition in Barczewo. - In the same year it won a bronze medal at the International Choral Competition in Tampere in Finland. - In 2006 it gained a silver diploma at the International Choral Competition in Bratislava. - In 2008 the choir won a silver medal at the 36 th International Choral Festival in Olomouc in the Czech Republic. - In 2009 it won a silver diploma at the 9 th International Choral Competition in Bad Ischl in Austria. - In 2010 the group received a silver award at the 17 th Yuzhnaya Palmira International Choral Competition in Odessa, Ukraine. - In autumn 2009 the choir appeared at the 9 th Biggar Little Festival and gave concerts in Edinburgh, Scotland. - In 2011 the choir took part in the 1st National Marian Song „Maryi Matce” in Poznań, where it received the 3rd prize. The group also performed during the summer Vocal Music Concerts „Varmia Gaudent et Cantat” in Ramsowo. - In 2013 the choir took part in the Third International Choir Competition "Canco Mediterrania" in Lloret de Mar, Spain, where the women won three Silver Diplomas and third prize in the category of sacred music. - In 2014 the ensemble was awarded two bronze diplomas and reached the finals by achieving the 3 rd place in the Grand Prix competition at the International Choir Contest in Freamunde, Portugal. - In 2015 the choir received the 1 st prize at the 5 th International Chernomorski Zvutsi Competition in Balchik, Bulgaria. - In 2016 it gained 2 nd prize at the 5 th International Choral Competition “Music&Sea” in Paralia, Greece. - In 2017 the ensemble was awarded the “Honorary Diploma of Excellence” at the 23 rd International Choral Competition on Malta. - In 2018 the choir took part in a concert tour in the United States, giving performances in New York City and in New Jersey. - In 2019 the choir received the 2 nd prize at the International Choir Festival “Les voix de la liberté” in Yvetot, France. - In 2021 the choir received 1st and 2nd prize at International Youth Music Competition (category Open) in Atlanta USA,the choir also won the 1st place at the 20th Choir Festival in Bijeljina (Bosnia and Herzegovina), the 1st Place Diploma at the
International Music Competition in Moscow (Russia), the 1st Prize Diploma at the Aphrodite Cyprus International Vocal Competition in Limassol (Cyprus), 2nd Place Diploma at the 8th International Vocal and Choir Online Festival and Competition in Kiev (Ukraine), Platinum Medal during the 5th edition of Quebec Music Competition (Canada) and First Place Diploma during the 16th Creative Meetings Together in the 21st Century, Sophia invites the art of Faith, Hope and Love in Sofia (Bulgaria). In 2007, the choir co-organized the Edmund Szymanski International Choral Meeting and since 2008 it has been organizing the annual editions of the Edmund Szymanski International Choral Festival in Murowana Goślina.
The choir’s repertoire is based on the traditions of romantic, contemporary and folk song, as well as popular music. The ensemble also performs early music. The choir’s founder and first conductor is Elżbieta Wtorkowska, Professor at the Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz, and its second conductor is Adrianna Wtorkowska-Kubińska, a graduate of the Academy of Music in Poznań who has also completed a choirmaster’s qualification in Bydgoszcz. The choir’s president is Aleksandra Ancan.
Roksana Puchniarz - Harp - Gold Medalist - Poland
Roksana Puchniarz is a 25 years old harpist and student of Grazyna and Kiejstut Bacewicz Academy of Music in Lodz (Poland) in the harp class of prof. Beata Tarnowicz-Kamińska. She began her musical journey at the age of 9 with the piano. Then, at the age of 16, she discovered her true love and passion, harp. Since then she has taken part in masterclasses with: Anneleen Lenaerts, Elżbieta Szmyt, Agnieszka Gralak, Joanna Kozielska. Roksana collaborates with the various orchestras in Poland and Czech Republic. She is a laureate of many awards at the international competitions: Kings Peak International Music Competition – Spring 2021 (2nd prize), International Music Competition Opus 2021 (3rd award), 5th Quebec International Music Competition (Gold Medal) and International Moscow Music Online Competition (2nd prize). Her second passion is Spanish language, she is also a student of master's degree in Spanish Philology at the Adam Mickiewicz University of Poznan (Poland).
Cantadivina Yu Yin Wong - Harp - Platinum Medalist - Hong Kong
Wong Yu Yin Cantadivina comes from a music-loving Hong Kong family. She began taking harp lessons at the age of three under the tutelage of USA International Harp Competition winner Ms. Dan Yu. Cantadivina is currently studying the harp under Ms. Ann Huang, who is the Principal Harp of the Hong Kong Sinfonietta and part-time harp lecturer in many tertiary institutions in Hong Kong. Cantadivina had participated in many local harp and piano competitions with good results. In 2015, she competed in a harp competition in France as well as a harp and a piano competition in Italy. She was awarded the highest score in all three events. Then, she obtained the gold award in the 3rd Hong Kong Harp Competition 2015 Open Lever division. She obtained the first Prize of 2016 Grand Prize Virtuoso Competition International Music Competition in London, and the first prize in eMuse Competition organized by International Association of Art, "the Muse" in Greece. In November 2016, she went to Taipei and obtained the first prize of Taiwan Camac Prize 2016 in Open Lever Harp Youth Division.
She has extensive experience in performing on stage. She has been involved in several student recitals, community arts performances. She has also been invited to participate in Becky Lee's "A dream come true concert".
Selina Lin - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
Selina Lin is a 15-year-old pianist from the USA. In addition to winning a Platinum Medal at the 2021 Quebec Music Competition, they have also won 1st Prize at the 2020-2021 Crescendo International Competition, 1st Prize at the 2020 Piano League Piano Star International Competition Finalist Round, and the Trophy award at the 2020 Sierra Fall Festival. Since age 4, they have studied with multiple piano teachers and completed the Certificate of Merit examinations up to the Level 10 Advanced and Panel level. In addition, Selina has participated in masterclasses with Hans Boepple, Alexandre Moutouzkine, and Dr. Sarah Chan. They currently study with Ms. Carol Chuang in Folsom, CA. Besides practicing piano, Selina participates in their school marching band, tutors younger kids in academic and performing arts subjects, and enjoys drawing in their free time.
Zihan Peng - Piano - Gold Medalist - Canada Zihan Peng started playing piano at the age of 4, but stopped at 6 because of her family immigration to Canada. She is fortunate to resume her piano lessons with Dr. Angela Chan at Lambda School of Music and Fine Arts at age 11, where she continued playing piano. In the same year, she won first prize at the Crescendo International Music Competition with her first Chopin piece. Her teacher not only helped her improve her musical still to a good level within a short period of time, but also planted a musical seed within her heart. Zihan loves to play piano and music has become a major part of her life ever since.
Recently, Zihan is preparing for the North American Virtuoso International Music Competition, and she felt that there is great achievement when she worked heard to reach a goal. Besides music, Zihan enjoys playing badminton. She won several championships in the Quebec Badminton Junior Competitions.
Thannapas Luanpitpong - Piano - Platinum Medalist – Thailand
10-Year-Old Thannapas Luanpitpong was born in Bangkok Thailand. Thannapas started piano lesson when she was 3. She is currently a student of Dr. Pornphan Banternghansa and Dr. Christopher Janwong Mckiggan. Thannapas has won numerous first prizes in several national and international music and piano competitions including
- the Platinum Medal in the Quebec International Music Competition 2021 - Brilliant Prize Winner of The 5th Brilliant Talent Discovery Awards International Music Competition 2021, Singapore - First Prize Winner of Canadian International Music Online Competition 2021 - First Prize Winner & Best Etude Award of The UCSI International Piano Festival & Competition 2020 ,Malaysia - First Absolute Prize Winner of 10th International Piano Talents Competition 2020 Milan,Italy - First Prize Winner of 2020 Piano League Piano Star International Competition ,USA - First Prize Winner of SEA Piano Competition 2020 , Malaysia - First Prize Winner in The Royal Cup of Yamaha Thailand Music Festival 2020 For Electone Solo - First Prize Winner in The Royal Cup of Yamaha Thailand Music Festival 2019 for Both of Piano Solo and Singing for kids - First Prize Winner + Top Prize award of The Singapore Asia Youth Piano Competition 2019 - First Prize Winner + Top Prize award of The 6thMacao asia pacific youth piano competition 2019 - First Prize Winner of The 20thOsaka International Music Competition 2019, Japan for Piano Solo & Second prize winner for Vocal Musical Course Junior Category - First Prize Winner of the 3rdSingapore international Classical Piano Competition 2019 - First Prize Winner of The American Protégé international Piano & string Competition 2018 ,USA - Gold Prize of ADDGT “ Passion of Music “ 2018 , USA - First Prize winner and Exceptional young musician special prize at Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition 2017 ,Salzburg Austria
Currently at the age of 10, Thannapas is a Music Scholar student in Year 6, Primary Music Ambassador and Primary House Captain at Regent’s International School of Bangkok,Thailand and Thannapas also is a member of Mensa International Organization ( High IQ Society) as a gifted child with an IQ score of 143
Aside from Playing piano, Thannapas also excels in Chinese ,Japanese ,German, Song composition, Singing ,Cello , Violin, Electone, Ukulele and Guitar.
Kacper Solarz was born in 2003 in Jaworzno, Poland. He’s a student of violin class by professor Adam Wagner and also by professor Agata Szymczewska. The young musician is the laureate of many awards as a soloist at national and international violin competitions. He was an active participant and a scholar of International Academy called Stringtime NiederRhein in Goch, Germany (2015-2019) and of the 22nd Morningside Music Bridge in Warsaw (2018). Kacper took part in Master Artistic Education Programme - Lusławice Talent Orchestra (2015-2016). He’s been a member of the Penderecki Youth Orchestra since 2018 – the string orchestra for the most talented young Polish musicians, fulfilled by Krzysztof Penderecki European Centre for Music in Lusławice. He was awarded with the „Young Poland 2019” grand from the Polish Minister of Culture and National Heritage. He’s been a scholar of the Polish Children’s Fund (2017-now) and of the President of Jaworzno (2014 - now).
Bridget Su - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Taiwan
Bridget Su was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and began studying piano at the age of 6. She studied with Mary Ko, a student of the famed pianist and pedagogue, Josef and Rosina Lhévinne. Over the years, Bridget has put in diligent efforts as she is enhancing her skills and perfecting all the minor details during the process. With her solid techniques, Bridget has performed in numerous locations such as the Beijing Zhongshan Concert Hall, where she joined the Golden Childhood Youth Artists and played with the Beijing Symphony Orchestra, the Soochow University (SCU), the Bach Concert Hall in Taiwan, among others.
Other than piano, Bridget is an excellent student in school, and is among the best tennis player in the school team.
Anna-Lucia Mena Shevchenko - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Ukraine/Canada
Anna-Lucia started playing the piano at the age of 10, in 2017 under the direction of her mother, Yaroslava Shevchenko. She gave her first solo recital at the age of 11. She won 1st Prizes in numerous local Music Festivals and Provincial competition classes in Canada. Anna-Lucia was the 1st Prize Winner of the University of Manitoba Concerto Competition, Winnipeg Music Festival Concerto class, and Canimex National Canadian Music Competition 2020 Edition, where she was named the Favourite Instrumentalist of the Prairies region in the 11-14 y.o. category. Anna-Lucia became a laureate of many International Piano competitions. She was invited to participate in several concerts for selected winners in most world’s prestigious concert halls in Europe and USA. Recently Anna-Lucia won the 1st Prizes in such competitions as the 9th International Riga Competition for Young Pianists, ''Grand Prize Virtuoso'' in Bonn along with the ''Exceptional Young Talent'' Special Prize, Golden Classical Music Awards International Music Competition with ''Exceptional Young Talent'' Award, American Protégé International Piano & Strings Competition and Quebec International Music competition with Platinum Award.
Kantapat Piyathumawuttikul - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Thailand
Kantapat Piyathumawuttikul (Indy) started learning piano since 4 years old. He has been playing and enjoying it ever since. Indy is now at Denla British School in Thailand under All Round Scholar for music and chess. Indy is under the tutelage of Mr.Cholapat Chongstitwattana from Cholapat Piano Studio since 2015. He has just started competing several years ago after winning a small competition at the school and ended up winning several prizes from many competitions. What he enjoys the most is to perform in front of the audiences and improve his skills from new pieces that he learned and practiced. Indy loves traveling and is happy to perform in different places. He enjoys listening to piano concerts. Indy also loves playing chess and boardgames during his free time.
DEFNE EKMEKÇİ - Violin - Gold Medalist - Turkey
Defne Ekmekçi was born in Eskişehir, Turkey, in 2004. She began playing violin at the age of 8 and started her violin studies with Nuri Deniz Mumcu at Anadolu University State Conservatory when she was 10 years old.
During her study since 2014, she attended the masterclasses of Prof. Mihail Gotsdiner, Prof. İldiko Moog, Ulrich Mertin and Prof. Orhan Ahiskalı at Anadolu University State Conservatory. She also attended the masterclasses of Cihat Aşkın, Hakan Şensoy, Andrej Bielow, Igor Petrushevski, Igor Tkatchouk, Aleksandr Vinnitskii and Muhammedjan Turdiev.
Defne had a solo performance with the Anadolu Symphony Orchestra and performed G. Viotti’s Violin Concerto No:23 in G Major. She was also awarded “Honorable Mention” by the Classic Pure Vienna International Music Competition 2018 in Vienna, Austria. Defne Ekmekçi continues her violin studies at Anadolu University State Conservatory with Nuri Deniz Mumcu.
Yu-Hua Lin - Cellist - Gold Medalist - Taiwan
Yu-Hua Lin is a cellist, studying in the music talented class of Taoyuan Municipal Wu- Ling Senior High School. She currently studies cello with Mrs. Ying-Chi Tang. Yu-Hua began studying cello at the age of 8. Coached by Han-Jie Hsu, Jing-Ling Wan and Ying-Chi Tang. In 2018, She held her first recital in Eslite Performance Hall in Taipei. In 2019, she attended Cremona International Music Academy and Festival. Since the tenth grade, she has been in the music talent program in Wu-Ling Senior High School. Recently, she was selected for the winners’ concert of Wu-Ling Senior High School concerto competition. She will perform with the orchestra in around October, 2021. Yu-Hua also actively participated in master classes and coached by international musicians, including Wen-Sinn Yang, Jean-Guihen Queyras, David Geber, Julia Lichten, Yehuda Hanani.
Alice Yacubovich - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
Born in Israel in 2005, Alice Yacubovich is an upcoming sophomore at Sherwood High School, in Olney, MD. She began studying piano in the summer of 2010, at five years old, and has been passionately practicing, performing, and competing since. She has participated in many competitions, such as the 2016 Carmel Klavier International Piano Competition for Young Artists, where she won the 2nd Place prize for her solo, and 3rd Place prize for her duet. She also competed in the MSMTA Maryland State Spring Solo Festivals, where she won 2nd Place in 2020, and 3rd Place in 2021. Music is constantly an adventure, and an area to keep discovering. In the past couple years, Alice has discovered some of her favorite composers, such as Rachmaninoff and Beethoven, which she recently performed with excitement. Although piano is Alice’s favorite activity, she also enjoys reading mystery books and baking.
Tiffany Lim - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
Tiffany is a high school freshman from California. She began studying piano at the age of six and is currently under the guidance of Prof. Anna Poklewski. Throughout her nine years of playing, Tiffany has won several awards in national and international competitions, including the United States Open Music Competition and the Encore Competition for Young Musicians. She also won First Place from Grand Prize Virtuoso, which provided her the opportunity to perform at Salzburg, Austria. In addition, she won Second Place from American Protégé, and she performed at Carnegie Hall in New York the following year. Tiffany held a Diploma of ABRSM and she had passed Certificate of Merit level 10 in piano. Aside from piano, Tiffany participates in her school orchestra and local youth symphony as a violinist. Her hobbies include singing, reading, and socializing with friends.
Melody Chang - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
Melody Chang, 16, is a rising senior at the Orange County School of the Arts in the pianist program (California, USA). She currently studies with Dr. Judy Huang. Most recently, she was nominated for the OC Register’s Artist of the Year program. In 2020, Melody was a recipient of the State Panel Honors award in the MTAC Certificate of Merit Program. Additionally, Melody has won top prizes in the Rachmaninoff International Youth Piano Competition, World Piano Teachers Association Finland International Piano Competition, World Bach Competition, Pittsburgh International Piano Competition, American Protegé International Piano and Strings Competition, Satori Young Pianist Grand Prize Competition, OCSA Piano Festival, and Southern California Junior Bach Festival Complete Works Audition. Melody has performed at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall and Segerstrom Concert Hall, and she has been invited to play at the American Liszt Society Festival in Los Angeles, California. She has had the privilege of working with world-renowned piano pedagogues, including Jean Yves Thibaudet, Professor Bernadene Blaha, Professor Kevin Fitzgerald, Professor Lucinda Carver, Dr. Sarkis Baltaian, and Professor Jura Margulis in various master classes, and she was a selected participant for the Curtis Young Artists Program in summer 2020. In addition to her solo performances, Melody enjoys collaborating with other musicians. She was chosen as the pianist for the All State California Honors Orchestra. Aside from piano, Melody is an accomplished violinist and a passionate advocate for public health education.
Kevin Kang - Violin - Platinum Medalist - USA
Kevin Kang 16 Years old violinist from New Jersey (10th grade at Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, Nj) He has been playing the violin for 8 years. He studied at Manhattan School of Music Precollege with Bela Harvath as a teacher. In 7th grade he was chosen to be Concertmaster for the All North Jersey Junior High School Symphonic Orchestra. He won first prize in the New York International Music Concours Competition. Vivo International Music Concours Competition(1st Prize) New York Chamber Players Finalist! Kevin performed with orchestra at Merkin Hall in 2019 He participates in the chamber music program of the New York Youth Symphony in New York City.
Adrian Gonzalez - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
Adrian Gonzalez, 10, is a 4th grader at Steven Decatur Classical Elementary School in Chicago. He joined Mrs. Sueanne Metz piano studio in June 2018. Since then, Adrian has won several prizes in competitions, including a gold medal at Chicago Area Music Teachers Association, (CAMTA) in 2020. He performed at Carnegie Hall in June 2019 as a winner of the American Fine Arts Festival. Adrian’s other interests include programming, math and swimming.
Jeffrey Li - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
Hello, my name is Jeffrey Li, and I am an 8th grader at the Garden City Middle School. My favorite subjects at school are science, math, and social studies. I have many hobbies, such as music, origami, geography, and running. As for music, I play piano since the age of 6, and currently attend the Manhattan School of Music and study classical piano with Robin Freund-Epstein. I also play violin at the school orchestra.
Jessi Lin - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
Jessi started the piano at 8 years old. She currently takes lessons from Ms. Nina Chia-Chi Yen. After 1 years of starting the piano, she was the finalist in USIMC2020, and got 2nd place in PIMC 2021. She loves music so much and her dream is to become a famous pianist and composer to give a lot of beautiful music to people.
R&K Piano Duo - Piano Duet - Gold Medalist - USA
R & K Piano Duo, formed in the summer, 2020 by 15 year old Ray Chen and Kristen Fu. R & K won 2nd place in American Protege Music Competition and will be performing in Carnegie Hall, New York at the end of 2021. Primo - Ray, 1st place winner in various piano competitions, namely Chopin SF, Seattle International. Besides music, Ray enjoys Basketball and running. Secondo - At a very young age Kristen won 1st in Taipei Culture Cup. Now Kristen enjoys playing piano in piano duet, cello in piano trio, and at Fremont Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Mak Ho Hin - Harp - Gold Medalist - Hong Kong
I am Mak Ho Hin. I am now 13 and have been playing harp since four. I won a gold award in the 1st Hong Kong Asian Youth Harp Competition and 1st prize in the 2020 International Fringe Online Music Competition. I have also played harp for charities to raise money on several occasions. I am passionate towards music and hope that one day I can bring happiness to people around me through music.
Natnaree was born in July 2011 in Bangkok, Thailand. She began violin lessons with Teacher Polyiam Palitponganpim in June 2018 at Aum-aree Music school. Currently (June 2021) Natnaree is studying in Suzuki violin book 6 and enjoys playing and learning the violin with her wonderful teacher.
Pang Yi Xuan - Violin - Gold Medalist - Malaysia
Pang Yi Xuan (Age 16), started to learn to play the violin at a young age of 5 under the continuos guidance of Mr. Su Tzu Yuan, a dedicated Taiwanese Violin Mastro. She has successfully achieved an excellent results at Distinction in ABRSM Grade 8 practical exam. Yi Xuan has been actively participating in various music festivals and competitions at local to international level, and had won prizes such as:
Silver Award (2nd Prize) for Rising Star Category in Canadian International Music Competition 2020-2021;
1st prize in Taiwan-Japan International Children's Music Competition, Okinawa 2019;
Outstanding Performance Award in Osaka International Music Competition Malaysia Regional Round 2019;
Outstanding Performance Award in 6th Singapore Raffles International Music Festival (Singapore) 2019;
3rd prize in Tainan International Music Festival, Young Artist String Solo Competition, Taiwan 2018;
1st prize in Singapore Raffles International Music Festival (Malaysia) 2016;
Bronze Award in Singapore Raffles International Music Festival (Singapore) 2016;
Gold Award for Instrumental Ensemble Competition in Singapore Raffles International Music Festival (Singapore) 2016;
Bronze Award in Euroasia Strings Competition, Malaysia 2016;
2nd prize in Young Artist String Solo Finalist in The Malaysian Youth Music Festival 2015;
Silver Award for Chamber Music Competition (String Ensemble), Singapore Raffles International Music Festival 2015;
Finalist in Young Artist High String Solo Category in Malaysian Youth Music Festival 2014;
2nd prize in Cheer Tainan International Music Festival, Taiwan 2013;
Silver Award in Mandeville Piano and Violin Festival, Singapore 2013; and
2nd prize in String Solo Performance in Malaysia Youth Music Festival 2012;
Yi Xuan holds a post as Concert Master in Camerata MusicPro Youth OrchesBronze Award in Euroasia Strings Competition, Malaysia 2016.performing in many places in Malaysia since year 2017; She has been a Violin Soloist of CMO in Camerata Music Pro Debut Concert in year 2016.
She had attended several masterclasses with Professor Chien Min Yen and Professor Nanette Chen, both are well-known Taiwanese Violin Maestro.
Yuqio Chen - Piano - Gold Medalist - China
Born in China in 2007, Yuqiao is the student of Ecole Francaise International de Pattaya Thailand and he currently learns piano with Irina Novikova who comes from Moscow.
Yuqiao has already won over 30 international awards. His accolades include several First Prizes at “Association Culture Melos” in Paris, Rome, Geneva and Madrid; Grand Prize in Junior B at “26th US Open Music Competition” in San Francisco; First Prize in Junior B and Fourth Prize as youngest competitor in the Professional Group at “2nd Hong Kong International Music Competition for Young Pianists”; Second Prize(Junior Group) and Special Prize at “Ginastera Music Festival”; Third Prize(Middle Group) in Vladimir Krainev Moscow Online Competition; Champion in Liszt Group in 2020 Singapore international Piano Competition(Open age) Meanwhile, Yuqiao has been invited to give concerts in many countries. He gave a solo recital in Kathmandu when he was 10 years. He was invited to perform in Prague and Berlin and was titled as Bechestain Young Artist. Invited by “International Philharmonic Children of Future”, he performed in 3 concerts in Moscow. He is now preparing to perform with Royal Symphony Orchestra of Thailand.
Sophia Suwiryo - Composition - Gold Medalist - USA
Sophia Suwiryo is a 6th grader from Cincinnati, Ohio. She studies piano with Dr. Takako Hayase Frautschi at the preparatory department at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. At 9-years old, she was featured as a child prodigy on national ABC News and Steve Harvey TV Show. She is a Young Scholar of the Lang Lang International Music Foundation. Sophia’s musical gift continues to garner much attention both nationally and internationally. She was invited to perform with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, conducted by Maestro John Morris Russell who described her as “amazing” and “brilliant”. After winning first place in Chopin International Competition Hartford, she was invited to visit Poland, her favorite composer’s homeland, and made an international debut at the XXV International Chopin Festival at Busko Zdroj. Sophia musical gift as a pianist has been awarded in many competitions but also been appreciated by charities. She is also an active chamber musician.
Zda Sumbillo - Voice - Gold Medalist – Philippines
Zda is a 10-year old consistent academic awardee and a winner in the 2018 Song Festival at her school. She is a two-time Gold Medalist - Voice in the 2021 Trinity International Music and Quebec Music Online International Competitions. She was a bronze medalist, Rising Star Category - Voice in the 2020-2021 Canadian International Music Competition. She recently got nominated as Best Performer in a Musical in Broadway World 2021 Awards for her first international musical performance in Lights, Stage, Sing Cabaret under Broadway Everyday Star Theater (BEST). She and her BEST team won third place when they participated in the 2021 Eurovision Musical Contest 2 - representing Denmark in Inspiration Theater Co., UK. She had her first stint as a playwright and performed as Super Z (a superhero) in the Voices of Youth Theater Festival and won a Power Performer award in the Voices of Youth Talent Showcase by Powerstories in Florida, USA. Zda has a passion for music and the performing arts. She has played diverse roles in acting and was a work shopper at Atlantis Theatrical (AT), Repertory (REP), Trumpets Playshop, and ABS CBN-Star Magic. As a thespian, she was part of "online edition of The Big One-Oh!"; and portrayed Snitch, the fox in the Seven Little Penguins in REP on stage. She dreams big and loves to inspire people by sharing her talent for singing, dancing, performing, and the gift of sharing a story.
Nikolai Nyagolov - Piano - Gold Medalist - Canada
Nikolai Nyagolov was born in September 2009 in Edmonton, Canada. His piano education started when he was 5 years old in September 2014 with Dr. Yoana Kyurkchieva. Since then Nikolai have won numeral piano competitions in Edmonton and attended local music festivals. He won second place in 2018 and 2019 at the American protégé International Music talent competition and performed at the Carnegie Hall in New York. In February 2021 he won first place at Grand Prize Virtuoso competition and was invited to play at Royal Albert Hall in London. Playing piano is his passion and he enjoys it very much. His dream is to pursue music as a career. Nikolai’s favorite composers are Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt and Rachmaninov.
Jean Ma - Piano - Gold Medalist - Canada
Jean Ma is a grade 8 student at Fern Hill school in Ottawa, Ontario. Born in China in 2007 and then moved to Canada in 2017 along with her family. She has been studying piano with Ms. Molenaar since she came to Canada. She also plays guitar, a Chinese traditional musical instrument Guzheng , and the violin aside from the piano. In her free time, she enjoys taking care of her dog, drama and writing stories. She aspires to be a music teacher in the future.
Thomas Fanelli - Piano - Gold Medalist - USA
My name is Thomas Fanelli, and I am a high school student in Connecticut who has been playing piano for about 6 years. I have participated in many competitions and auditions through the years, and I focus mostly on playing classical pieces. I enjoy playing piano very much, and even hope to one day become a piano instructor.”
Samantha Kuek - Piano - Gold Medalist - Singapore
Born in Singapore in 2002, Samantha Kuek started music appreciation lessons at the age of 5. She eventually developed a stronger interest in the piano and pursued formal piano lessons under the guidance of Charles CL Pui. Currently, she is pursuing an Associateship Performance Diploma from Trinity College London, UK. Her dedication and love for the piano has enabled her to continue learning and advancing her skillset while pursuing a non-music degree in the National University of Singapore.
Lee Kan You - Piano - Gold Medalist - Malaysia
I am 14 years old, currently studying in the 2nd form of high school. I have been learning piano for 4 years from my teacher Mr Chris Chong. This is my first time taking part in an international music competition and I am glad for archieving a honorary award of GOLD. I am active in my school band and have been participated in many performance events throughout the years. I wish I could have more breakthroughs in my play and keep on the passion in playing piano as well as attempting in playing various types of music. I would also like to take this opportunity to give thanks to my teacher for his guidances and encouragements given. Thank you to my parents who giving me a lot of supports throughout the way. Last but not least, thanks QMC for giving me the stage to perform and granted me a valuable affirmation.
Aidan Loo - Piano - Gold Medalist - Malaysia
My name is Aidan Loo. I am from Malaysia. I started the journey of music at the age of four. It’s always a satisfaction to see myself progressing from no music background at all to being able to play songs I like. I have won gold prizes for both Grand International Music Festival Piano Competition and The 7th Hong Kong International Youth Performance Arts Festival in 2019. I also got silver for 2021 MIA Young Musician Competition. I understand that persistence is much of what separates the successful from the pure wishful thinkers. I will not give up on my dreams to perform on stage. I am very honoured to have received a Gold award for my performance. I would like to give thanks to my teacher - Patrick Kong and Ms Chan Kit Yee for their guidance and encouragement given.
Sunny Fang - Piano - Gold Medalist - USA
Sunny Fang, 12 years old, started taking piano lessons with Peyhwan Kuan in 2017. In the subsequent years Sunny was the first place winner of the 2018 and 2019 USOMC Piano Competitions. Together with his sister, Sara Fang, they won 3rd place in American Protégé Competitions and they performed at Carnegie Hall, NY the summer of. 2019. Since the pandemic started last year, Sunny has been actively participating in piano competitions both locally and internationally. Sunny won second place in the 2020 Piano League Piano Star International Virtual/Zoom Competition. He won 3rd at the Pro Piano Online Competition.
Jiawei Tang - Euphonium - Silver Medalist - Qatar
My name is Jiawei Tang, living in Doha, Qatar. From the age of 12, I started studying euphonium at the Qatar music academy, and I was recognized and selected to join the Qatar Youth Orchestra in 2020. As a symphony member, we were invited by the World Innovation Summit for Health 2020 for the online virtual performance. As a representative of Qatar, this year I am very honoured to participate in the 2021 Quebec international music competition and won the silver for euphounium musical instrument in the age group 16-18.
Isabella Sijia Liu - Voice - Gold Medalist / Piano - Silver Medalist - Canada
Soprano Isabella Liu started taking vocal and piano lessons with Ms Teresa Tang since 2017 when she was 10. She is very passionate in singing and her talent starts to blossom this year when she received a bronze medal in 2021 Canadian International Music Competition and then the Second Prize in singing in 2021 Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition. Isabella is now preparing for grade 8 exam for Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto. She is also keen on drama and English literature.
Margarita Pinkosz - Piano - Silver Medalist - USA
Born in Ukraine, Margarita is an established harpsichordist, pianist, and chamber musician. Even as a young performer, she obtained her first awards winning 1st prize in two categories in the Int'l Piano Competition in Brest, France. She is performing regularly in Europe and USA, and worked closely with other critically acclaimed musicians including Andrzej Jasinski, Elisso Virsaladze, Ewa Pobłocka, Jerome Rose, Oxana Yablonskaya, Vera Nossina, Victor Mierzhanov. The musician got accepted into the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, Belgium under guidance of Evgeni Moguilevsky and has many accolades under her belt as follows, 2nd Prize "Madeleine de Valmalete" Piano Competition, 1st Prize in the Grand Metropolitan Int'l Competition, 1st Prize in the IMKA Competition, 1st Prize in the NIMC, Cannes festival music for Silentium Dei, recording CD with Polish music for European deputy Frederique Ries, inaugurating concert for European Union in Porto, Portugal. Currently based in San Francisco, California, the musician studied harpsichord at the SFCM.
Teh Shu Hui - Piano - Silver Medalist - Malaysia
My name is Teh Shu Hui. I am 20 years old and I was born and raised in Malaysia. I have just completed my STPM Exam (A Level) and will be furthering my study in Mass Communication. I've been studying piano since I was 10 years old. Although I’m learning piano for a several years but this was my first time participated in an international piano competition and had won my first piano honorary award. I am touched as it is such a great encouragement to me and it motivated me to continue my music pathway confidently. I would not let any opportunity for me to pursue my piano music to pass by me in the future. I hope I can carry out more impressive performances soon.
Trinity Lee - Violin - Silver Medalist - USA
I am a 15-year-old Mission San Jose High School sophomore in Fremont, CA. I began learning piano at age 4 ½ and violin at age 7. At 5 years old, I won first place at the Youth Focus competition for piano. I have participated in several orchestras, including being a concertmaster of the Hopkins Junior High School Advanced Orchestra, which won second place at the National Orchestra Festival put on by ASTA in 2019 and the Jenny Lin Foundation Youth Music Program in 2019. I have passed Certificate of Merit level 10 for piano and Certificate of Merit level 10 for violin. I received an honorable place in the International Music Competition for violin and performed at the Masonic Homes for a Christmas event in association with the Mission Chamber Music Festival, a program she participated in for 2 years. I currently study violin under Jing Yang.
Nathan Thai - Piano - Silver Medalist - USA
Hello, my name is Nathan Thai. I am currently 16 years old, and study under Ms. Anne Isaakyan Bader. I started playing the piano at the age of 5, and it is my biggest hobby. I completed the Certificate of Merit piano theory last year, and have been selected for convention multiple times. My favorite genre is Romantic, because of the freedom you get when executing the music.Throughout the years, I have competed in multiple competitions and received multiple prizes. Competing in piano solo competitions to me is really fun not only because of the rush of adrenaline and excitement when performing on stage, but also because I get to listen to different types of people’s music.
Pinploy Linamnuaychai - Violin - Silver Medalist - Thailand Ms. Pinploy Linamnuaychai is a Thai violinist. She was born on the 10th July, 2008. She has began learning Suzuki Violin lesson with Ms. Tansinee Rujipasakul by the age of eight at Aum-Aree Music School. She has ever won several prizes in both Thailand and International competitions. She has also constantly performed in group ensemble concerts as well as solo concerts.
Ruth Levitsky - Flute - Bronze Medalist - USA
Ruth Levitsky has spent this past pandemic year seeking new musical challenges and enjoyed competing in the Quebec Music Competition. She looks forward to returning to in-person playing with the Calliope Chorus and Orchestra. She is a student of Jean Antrim. She also loves discovering new acoustic spaces, such as the porch of the historic Adams Mansion in Quincy, MA.
Justine Rafla - Voice - Bronze Medalist - Canada
Born in Montreal, QC, Pop/Classical singer, Justine (16 years) started singing in 2014, took classes at Sheila Parkins Academy. At high school, she is registered in the vocal concentration program at Regina Assumpta music school, sponsored by UQAM music school. This is her 4th year, next year she will graduate with a diploma in singing. She participated in competitions as: Quebec Ontario youth music festival (5 years), won many 1st place trophies, Talent Nation Show and Moksha talent competition. She is also talented in acting. Chosen by American actor Michael Palance, she attended the Premiere program practise sessions (acting and singing) and participated in Premiere showcases in Orlando, FL 2018. She took classes at M.S.O.P.A. acting school in 2019. She is good at commercials, monologue, and soap opera. She added to her portfolio piano classes in 2019 & 2020. She is dedicated and loves to have a singing career.
Rishika Goteti - Piano - Bronze Medal - USA
Rishika is currently high school freshman in New Jersey, USA. Since childhood she has been keen student and lover of of vocal and instrumental music. Rishika has been learning Western classical Piano from accomplished teacher in NJ and won in many piano competitions. She has been invited to perform in prestigious concert halls like Carnegie Hall NY in 2017 and 2018, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Boston in 2019, Rockport Music performance center in Rhode Island in 2019 . She was also a winner in the International Indian Icon competition in instruments category.
Rishika is also learning traditional Indian Carnatic vocal music and participated and won many singing competitions in New Jersey organized by Indian cultural organizations. Aside from music, Rishika is also an accomplished Academic student. She also loves to spend her time reading books and has been dabbling in writing books since middle school. Rishika plans to pursue her passion in music in the future and hopes to be an accomplished musician hopefully bringing cheer to the musical lovers around the world. Rishika is honored to participate in Quebec International Musical Competition and be part of the esteemed group of winners in the competition.
Jessandra Wong - Piano - Honorary Mention - Malaysia
Malaysian pianist Jessandra Wong adores a wide variety of exciting career opportunities. Jessandra is a full time pianist, vocalist and musician. As a chorale singer, Jessandra has competed and performed in choir competition, tour and festivals in Europe such as Croatia, Czech Republic while touring across Vienna, Prague and Hungary, and Asia such as Taiwan, Vietnam, Myanmar and Malaysia. In Europe, the choir has been awarded two Gold Prize awards in Karlovac, Croatia and Olomouc, Czech Republic. The choir has been voted Top 5 as an overall champion in Olomouc, Czech Republic. In Asia, the choir has been awarded Silver Prize award in Taipei, Taiwan and a Gold Prize award in Hoi An, Vietnam.
Furthermore, Jessandra has collaborated with the Dithyrambic Singers and Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) as a Soprano chorale singer. Jessandra is versatile in terms of vocal range, singing both Alto and Soprano ranges. Beautiful choral works include Beethoven’s Mighty 9th (2017), Malaysian Film Ola Bola (2017), Carl’s Orff Carmina Burana (2018), Tchaikovsky’s Russian Queen of Spades Opera (2019) and Hironobu Sakaguchi Final Fantasy (2019). As an enthusiastic pianist, Jessandra has been to numerous piano competition training grounds, and luckily she has been awarded Gold Prize award in Asia Pacific International Arts Festival, Bangkok International Piano Competition and 6th Hong Kong International Youth Performance Arts Festival. Jessandra has also been awarded Silver Prize award in Euroasia and Kota Kinabalu Music and Dance Festival. Jessandra has also been awarded Bronze Prize award in Singapore NIPA Piano Competition.
Jessandra has been able to improve on her music skills by going for masterclasses under Yulianna Rumiantseva, Dr. Eri Nakagawa, Dr. Murray McLachlan, Mr. Loo Bang Hean, and Hitomi Koyama. As a music educator, Jessandra constantly aims to innovate her music classes and make her classes accessible to the public for all ages and from different levels in music. Jessandra hopes that the public will grow to love music in different genres and find a type of music that they will enjoy playing everyday.
Myuyo in Heaven - Violin - Honorary Mention - Canada
At three, gifted with a tiny 1/4 violin through my father who was a violin lover, who sent me to another violin lover who offered me basic lessons for 15 years. To my regret, I quit it, just continuing piano on my own as hobby all the way.” “At fifty, I made a resolution to take it back, to take the lost time back, with pure Love, feeling as if it was my destiny, the reason why I came back to this life.” “May 2021, finally gave up all the residues of my past to wholeheartedly set out for my new flights on Frankie, my violin, in this enliveningly challenging beautiful sky."
Junior Winners
Esme Soae Tran - Piano - Platinum Medalist (Grand Champion) - USA
Esme is 6 years old and is currently attending kindergarten at Harbor Day School in Newport Beach, CA. She has been studying the piano under the direction of Prof. Ana Maria Eckstein. She enjoys playing various composers, reading about their lives, and learning different musical eras and their musical styles. At age 5, she won the Gold Prize in the WPTA Finland International Piano Competition 2020; Second Prize, 2020 US New Star International Piano “Etude” Competition and 2020 US New Star International Piano Competition; First Prize + Exceptional Young Talent Special Prize Winner, 2020 Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition; First Prize, American Protégé International Music Talent Competition 2020, for which she looks forward to performing at the Carnegie Weill Recital Hall in November 2021; First Absolute Prize + Exceptional Young Talent Special Prize Winner, 2020 International Music Competition Bonn Grand Prize Virtuoso; First Absolute Prize + Exceptional Young Talent Special Prize Winner, 2021 International Music Competition London Grand Prize Virtuoso, for which she was invited to perform at the Royal Albert Hall, London. More recently, she won Gold Prize in the 2021 Golden Key Music Festival; Gold Prize, 2021 Musicale Piano Etude Festival; Gold Prize, 2021 WPTA Finland International Piano Competition. Besides piano, Esme also enjoys ballet and figure skating.
Leander Hennes Resch - Violin - Platinum Medalist - Germany
Leander Hennes Resch began to learn to play the violin at the age of five. He is instructed on the violin by Ms. Susanne Reiner and has coaching lessons from Mr. Dennis Kozarov. At the age of seven he appeared for the first time as a soloist with the Wissembourg Chamber Orchestra and made his debut at Carnegie Hall at the age of eight. In the meantime he has given concerts at such renowned locations as the Mozarteum Salzburg, Bozar Brussels, the Beethoven House in Bonn and open-air concerts in Italy. He has won several prizes and grand prizes at international competitions and has attended master classes with Prof. Viviane Hagner and the Notos Quartet, among others.
Vivian Nguyen - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA Vivian Nguyen, 11 years old, started playing piano since she was four years old. Currently, she is studying piano at Pleasanton Academy of Music in California, USA under the professional guidance of her teachers, Ms.Tatiana Kubatina and Dr. Alexander Lazarev. Vivian has achieved many notable accomplishments such as winning Grand Prizes and First Prizes at various competitions including New York Concert Festival International Competition, US Open Music Competition, US International Music Competition, and Music Through the Centuries Competition. One of her most memorable achievements was performing at the prestigious Carnegie Hall when she was nine years old as a Grand Prix Prize winner from the New York Concert Festival International Competition. She enjoys performing piano and listening to other talented musicians at competitions and recitals. Vivian appreciates a broad range of music styles and repertoires as each music period presents unique characteristics which she loves to explore and master.
Daniel Man Jun Cheung – Alto Saxophone – Platinum Medalist - Australia My name is Daniel Man Jun Cheung. I am 10 years old and I live in Melbourne Australia. I have been learning the Saxophone for nearly 2 years. I love it so much that I have to play and practice every day. I wish I had started it even earlier. I have learnt a lot from this competition and I look forward to more opportunities so more people can hear my music. I hope I can be a great musician in future.
Isabella Xue - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
Isabella Xue is currently 10. She has been Peyhwan Kuan’s student since May 2018. Isabella is one of the Grand Prix winners in the 2021 International Piano Competition Paderewski in Memoriam, she is also the first place winner and Beethoven Prize of the most recent Virtual International Music Competition organized by the Chopin Society Malaysia. At 2021 Pacific Music Society and Foundation Scholarships - Piano competition Isabella is the winner for the first age category. At the 2nd WPTA Singapore International Piano Competition, Isabella won Platinum Award and Best Romantic Award. She won 1st place in the 2020 Putra International Piano Competition and the Neapolitan Masters Competition. Isabella won 1st and was named TOP PERFORMER RUNNER UP PRIZE at 2020 US New Star Music Competition by Composer Chopin & Bach. Isabella won the 1st Prize in 2020 COSTA RICA Piano Festival Online Competition.
Ester Lang - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
Ester Leng, 13 years old, student of Peyhwan Kuan since 2017. She really enjoys playing Bach’s and Chopin’s solo repertoire music and successfully won first place for the 2019 USIMC- Bach Special Theme and was invited to perform for the 2020 Junior Bach Festival. She was the first place winner of the 2019 USOMC in Advanced Level of The Treasury of Romantic Composers playing Chopin’s Étude. She also received first place in the 2020 Quebec Classical Music Competition with Chopin’s Nocturne. In March of 2019, Ester received second place for the US New Star Piano Competition by Composer. Ester won second place in the 2020 Piano League in the final round and second place in the Virtual International Music Competition of Persatuan Chopin Malaysia (Chopin Society of Malaysia). In the most recent International Piano Competition (Paderewski in Memoriam), Ester also won second place in Category C.
Heeley Wu - Harp - Platinum Medalist - Hong Kong
Heeley is a 7-year-old girl from Hong Kong. During the period between 2020 and 2021, she was the 1st prize winner in Grand Prize Virtuoso Competition, Okinawa International Music Competition, Rocky Mountain Music Competition, Muse International Music Competition, Great Composers International Music Competition and King's Peak International Music Competition, Canadian International Music Competition and Grand Metropolitan Music Competition, etc. She was the champion of grade 7 harp in Hong Kong Music Competition 2021 and Youth Arts Trophy Music Competition 2021. Recently, she has also won the Grand Prix laureate in Prague Competition. Her dream is to be a harpist.
Caleb Liu - Flute - Platinum Medalist - Hong Kong
Born in Hong Kong, Caleb Liu has been studying the flute under the tutelage of Mr Matthew Wu Wing-Yin. He has great passion for the flute and played with the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of Hong Kong and Millennium Youth Orchestra Plus. From solo to chamber, orchestral to flash mob performances, Caleb savours every performing moment as a flautist.
Besides the flute, Caleb also loves the piano, table tennis, science, mathematics and anything related to Harry Potter.
Chloe Jingyi Yong - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Malaysia
Chloe began her music journey in 2015 at the age of 5. In 2020, she was awarded a Silver prize in the Malaysian Piano Competition 2020 organised by Euroasia. In 2018, she achieved a Distinction in Grade 2 Piano. She has recently taken the Grade 8 Piano exam and is awaiting her results.
Chloe also plays the violin. She achieved a Distinction in Grade 3 Violin in 2019, and was awarded second prize in the ABRSM High Scorers’ Competition in Kuala Lumpur in 2019. She is working towards completing her Grade 8 Violin exam this year. She has also gained a Distinction in Grade 3 Music Theory.
Thatarat Vanichkobchinda - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Thailand
Thatarat Vanichkobchinda started playing the piano at the age of 4. At present,Thatarat is under guidance of Prof.Dr.Christopher Janwong Mckiggan. From an early age, he has won many prestigious awards from both international and national piano competitions. At the age of 7, he won First place GOLD PRIZE AWARD at Singapore Asia Youth Piano Competition, and First Prize+Exceptional Young Talent Special Prize Winner at International Music Competion Salzburg and Amsterdam“ Grand Prize Virtuoso. At the age of 8, he won second prize winner with special young talent award at Singapore International Piano Competition and received Gold prize from Osaka International Music Competition. At the age of 9, he won Gold prize from Bangkok International Piano Competition. He is the Fifth place winner of the 8th HKYPAF 2020, First prize winner at Pacific International Piano Competition(JuniorA), First Prize winner at Orbetello Piano Competition, and First prize winner at VIII International Piano Competition SMEDEREVO(CatA), and Second Prize Winner at Sugree Charoensook International Music Competition 2021.(ClassC)
Yi Ren Lou - Guitar (Pop) - Platinum Medalist - Malaysia
Yi Ren Lou, 10 years old, was born in May 2011 in Selangor, Malaysia. She started her guitar lessons with Mr. Emmanuel Low Wei En in December 2020 and her ukulele in June 2019. In 2020, She achieved a Distinction Award in Ukulele Performance Award Level 5 of University of West London and she won her Champion in Kids Got Talent Malaysia 2020/2021. Feb 2021, she won a Magna Cum Laude Award in Young Artist Music Award 2021-Guitar, Indonesia follow by the 2 nd Prize in Choki Got Talent Malaysia 2021- Guitar.
Quebec Music Competition is her first music competition in the western county, she is very honored to have received a Platinum Award for her performance. Yi Ren hope her music will bring happiness and positive vibes to everyone beside her.
Jae Park - Violin - Platinum Medalist - Canada Jae Park was born in South Korea, 2009. He moved to Vancouver, Canada, at age 5. He is currently in Grade 6 of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Elementary School. He loves playing the violin and piano. He started to play the violin at age 6. His violin teacher is Lawrie Hill, the department co-head in the Vancouver Academy of Music. He was a concertmaster in the intermediate orchestra at VAM with conductor Joseph Elworthy. He won the Platinum award in Quebec International Music Competition, Wieniawski special award in String Avenue International String Competition, and Grand prize in Vienna Jugend Musik Wettbewerb in 2021.
Wang Qianrui - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Malaysia
Wang Qianrui was born in March 2013 in Shenzhen, China. He started learning piano at the age of 6 with Ms Peck Sun Goh. With determination and his passion for music, he has shown tremendous improvement on the piano. At the age of 8, he participated in the ABRSM grade 8 piano and achieved a Distinction. Quebec Music Competition is his first music competition. He is very honoured to have received a Platinum award for his performance.
Valerie Cheng - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
Valerie Cheng, 8 years old. She began piano lessons with Peyhwan Kuan around the time Pandemic started in 2020. Valerie enjoys playing piano and is motivated after participating in the 2020 Piano Star International competition. She was the 3rd place winner before she turned 8. She is also one of the Grand Prix winners in the 2021 International Piano Competition Paderewski in Memoriam.
Yu-Tung Liang - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Taiwan
I’m from Taiwan and I’ve been learning piano since I was four years old. I am most grateful to my piano teacher Qiaowen Liu for his guidance. It’s an honor for me to participate in the Quebec Music Competition. It’s a great experience and test. I look forward to learning piano with a happy mood forever and have more knowledge and ideas. I also hope that everyone can get to know Taiwan more.
Jarvis Chan - Harp - Platinum Medalist - Hong Kong
Born in 2016 in Hong Kong, Jarvis is a kindergarten student who began learning harp at the age of 4 with Lillian Kong, and he has been active in participating in local and global competitions. Among these Jarvis has won the W.A. Mozart Prize at the 30th Young Musician Competition "Città di Barletta", the Young Hopes Prize at the 3rd Nouvelles Etoiles Competition, the Gold Award at The Hong Kong Young Musicians' Competition 2020, the 1st Prize and the Hope Prize at EAFF International Grand Music Competition Online 2020, the 1st Prize at Chopin Society Malaysia Virtual International Music Competition 2020, the 1st Prize at the X International Music Competition Amigdala, the 1st Prize at Premio LAMS Matera 2020, the 1st Prize at International Global Music Talent Contest 2021, the Champion at Hong Kong Intercultural Young Musicians Competition 2021, and the Platinum 1st Prize at 2020-2021 Canadian International Music Competition.
Lum Wei Xuan - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Malaysia
Lum Wei Xuan is currently 7 years old and based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She started playing piano since she was 4 years old. She obtained her 8th grade piano certificate at the age of 6 for CBE. She is so motivated to participate in piano competitions and has won several awards. In 2021, she won first prize in IMKA International Music Competition, first prize in 2021 King’s Peak International Music Competition, and Gold award in 5th Brilliant Talent Discovery Awards International Music Competition. , First prize for V Odin International Piano Competition 2020, first prize for Chopin Avenue International Piano Competition 2020, First prize in King’s Peak International Music Competition 2020, also a gold award in Canadian International Music Competition 2020. In year 2020, she also awarded 2nd prize for 2* France Music Competition and she is the Silver star winner in Music and Stars Award. She enjoys playing piano especially classical music.
Reina Ellie Hisada - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Japan
Reina Ellie Hisada, age 11, is a 5th grader at The American School in Japan. She began her piano study at age 8, as a student of Sueanne Metz. She is also an accomplished string player and a member of the Magical Strings of Youth of the Betty Haag Academy of music. Reina has received multiple prizes from local, national and international competitions including the American Protégé International Piano and Strings competition and the Grand Prize Virtuoso Competition. Through her music studies, she earned opportunities to perform in the world’s most coveted venues such as the Carnegie Hall in New York, the Orchestra Hall in Chicago, Ravinia Festival, Musikverein, Vienna, and in several historic venues in Lisbon, Portugal.
Outside of music, Reina loves to play soccer, read, and hang out with friends. She alsowrites poems and fantasy novels, a passion she developed during the pandemic stay at home.
Carson Xu - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Canada
Carson Xu, a Grade 3 student at the WD Ferris Elementary School, began his piano journey at the age of 6 is now under the tutelage of Ms. Peggy Yip. He has attended numerous piano festivals, including receiving First Place at the Crescendo International Music Competition. Carson is currently working towards completing Level 6 Piano of the Royal Conservatory of Music in June 2021. Besides piano, Carson also likes badminton, basketball, swimming and reading.
Aidan Lu - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Canada
Aidan Lu is 8 years oldfrom Calgary, Canada. He started learning piano at the age of 5, and since then with a passion for music. In 2020, Aidanparticipated in the Rocky Mountain Music Competitionand won multiple first places. This year Aidan is honored to receive First Prize and Exceptional Young Talent Special Prize in London Grand Prize Virtuoso InternationalMusic Competition. He also has been chosen as a Second Place Winner of the American Protégé International Piano & Strings Competition.
When Aidan is not playing piano, he can be found reading, drawing, snowboarding, or playing with his brother.
Sophia Wang - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Canada
My name is Sophia Wang and I am 6 years old. I like playing the piano, skating, swimming and singing. My favorite animal is the unicorn. I love blue seas, I also love pink leaves and the colorful world.
Davince was born on 14th November 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. He show his interest in music since he was a baby. He learn things very quick through song and can imitate the rhythm of his favorite nursery rhyme even before he can speak. His musical journey started when his family relocated to Bangkok, Thailand. While he was 1.9 yo., he started his first music lesson, the Suzuki Early Childhood Education (SECE) at Aum-Aree Music School then continue with suzuki violin lesson when he was 2.4 yo. The first violin lesson was on 13th March 2020. Davince spend almost 5 months on his Pre twinkle level. During his first one year in violin course, he performed 3 times in his teacher’s studio concert series and regularly attend group classes. Quebec International Music Competition is his first competition and prize which will be a great start and motivation for his violin journey.
Cailey Chong - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
Cailey Chong, 6 years old. She started piano lessons at the age of 5 with Peyhwan Kuan. Cailey enjoys playing piano and is greatly motivated after winning 3rd in the 2020 Piano League Piano Star International Virtual/Zoom Competition. She was also the 4th Place Winner in Treasury of USA Composers Elementary at USOMC. Cailey loves reading, swimming and playing with her sister and friends in the park.
Helena Sprajcer - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
Helena Sprajcer (9) is a student of Mrs. Sueanne Metz. She is a CAMTA Sonata Festival triple gold medalist, and a NSMTA Sonata Festival double gold medalist. Helena was a first place winner of the American Protégé Music Talent Competition Spring 2020, and was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall (performance has been postponed due to the pandemic). In addition, in 2020, Helena was the first place winner of the ISMTA North piano competition in Primary Division, a Sejong Music Competition finalist, and a Charleston International Talent Show Competition first place winner. Most recently, she was the first place winner of the Society of American Musicians Piano Primary competition in March 2021. She plays violin as a second instrument, enjoys tennis and gymnastics, loves nature and animals, spending time with her dog Matilda, rabbit Charlie and hamster Daisy, and hopes to some day work with animal rescue.
Patrick He Zheng Yin - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Canada
Patrick He Zheng Yin was born in Montreal in 2010. His piano inspiration and passion came from the moment when he studies piano with Dr. Angela Chan at the age of five and half at Lambda School of Music and Fine Arts. His musical and express power make him an exciting keyboard player. In 2017, he won the First Prize in Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition and was invited to perform in Carnegie Hall in New York. He has been chosen as a First Prize Winner and awarded the Exceptional Young Talent Special Prize in the 2018 Grand Prize Virtuoso Competition and was invited to perform at Rome in December 2018. In 2019, he was the First Prize Winner of Grand Prize Virtuoso and was invited to perform at the Elgar Room, Royal Albert Hall in London 2020. In Quebec Music Competition of 2018 and 2021, he was the winner of Platinum Medal.
Isaac Cheung Nok Hei - Marimba - Platinum Medalist - Hong Kong Isaac Cheung (12) is a passionate young percussion player from Hong Kong. He began playing percussion at the age of 7 and has been studying with Miss Jojo Ho and Mr. Samuel Chan since he was 10.
In recent years, Isaac has been an active participant in local and overseas competitions. Among these Isaac has won the International Global Music Talent Contest 2021, Italy International Music Competition 2021 - HK Region, and 2020 – 2021 Canadian International Music Competition. He achieved ABRSM Grade 8 Percussion with Distinction in 2020 and currently serves as the Percussion Chair for the Senior Symphonic Band in Ying Wa Primary School. Isaac attributes the development of his talent for percussion to the guidance and encouragement from his excellent teachers.
Napasaporn Kajornprachaya - Clarinet - Platinum - Thailand Napasaporn Kajornprachaya or Suri (11 years old) has been known for her passion in music. She’s started her first singing lesson at the age of 5. Fortunately in those years, she had many special occasions to perform with renowned orchestras and famous musicians. Therefore, she has always been inspired by their talented works. Finally, she’s started learning clarinet when she was 8 years old. Suri has been actively involved in school musical opportunities, for example, selected to join FOBISIA Music in India, invited to play as 1st clarinet for STA Primary production band in 2020 and 2021, and had performed in many other events. Her next milestone is to achieve ABRSM Grade 5 and gain more experiences in renowned competitions around the world.
Jian Xu Liew - Voice - Platinum Medalist - Malaysia
Jian Xu Liew was born in Penang, Malaysia on 07 Nov 2008. He is learning singing with Ms Kho Mei Ling, who is a soprano in Malaysia. He enjoys singing from very young age, he is always motivated with performances and competitions.
In 2020, he won a 3rd Class Award in The 8th International Vocal Competition 2020 - Youth Junior Open and 1st Runner-Up in RockFest Malaysia Competition 2020.
During the pandemic period, he never stop learning, in 2021 , Jian Xu won his 1st Runner-Up in Solo and Champion in Group in Kid Got Talent Malaysia 2021, and he was chosen to be the Talent Idol 2021 with two titles he won.
Quebec Music Competition was the first western international vocal competition he joined. He is very honored to have received a Platinum Awards with his first English song; Say Something; this will be the great motivation for his singing journey in the future.
Yeung Tsz Yat Enoch - Flute - Platinum Medalist - Hong Kong
I think that this competition was a great learning experience for me. I’ve learned my strengths and weaknesses and what I need to improve on. Because of this experience, I feel more confident expressing my musical abilities and it inspires me to take more risks like this. I am extremely grateful to everyone for giving me this opportunity to shine and I will work hard to reach my goals.
Miya Peng - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Canada
10-year-old Miya is a gourmet, she likes to DIY all kinds of drinks. She also likes programming, graphic design and tennis. She learned piano with Dr. Angela Chan at Lambda School of Music and Fine Arts when she was 6. From 2016, She has been attended several local and international competitions and won the 1st place, such as Quebec Music Competition, Lakeshore Student Competition. Grand Prize Virtuoso, Crescendo, Golden Classic music competition. She enjoys the stage. She has played at Carnegie Hall for 3 times. In May 2019, she was invited to perform at Philip Cohen's Memorial Concert. In December 2019, she won a first prize in Grand Prize Virtuoso Competition and was invited to play in Brussels. In 2021, she was first prize winner of Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition and was invited to join the Bach Goldberg Variation International Charity Project.
Melinna Yu Nuo Yang - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Canada
Melinna Yu Nuo Yang was born on August 24, 2016. She started her first piano lesson in November 2020 with Dr Angela Chan at Lambda School of Music and Fine Arts. Very soon she won 1st place in the Quebec Music Competition.
Melissa Yi Nuo Yang - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Canada
Melissa Yi Nuo Yang was born on January 2, 2014. She started learning piano in 2019 with Dr. Angela Chan at Lambda School of Music and Fine Arts. She has won several national and international music competitions, including Crescendo International Music Competition (1st place), Quebec Music Competition (1st place), Golden Classical Music Awards (1st place), Quebec Youth Competition (1st place), Appassionato Quebec Online Youth Music Festival (1st place), The Canadian International Music Competition (1st place). She’s invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in 2020.
Ivarine Kanthamanond (Alice), from Bangkok, Thailand, is now 10 years old. She currently a fifth-grade student. She enjoyed many kinds of music instruments such as Piano, Traditional Thai Instruments, Flute and Violin. She has won numerous competitions including Gold Prize of American Protégé Music Talent Competition (USA) and be invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in year 2022, 1 st of King’s Peak Music Competition (USA), Gold Prize of Grand Metropolitan Music Competition (Canada), Gold Prize from London Young Musician Contest Season 4, 1 st Prize of Rocky Mountain Music Competition-Spring 2021 (Canada), 1 st Prize of Imka Internet Music Competition Bosnia), 1 st Prize of the Euro Kids Winter International Contest (Italy), 1 st Prize from Magic Muse International Online Competition (Russia). Moreover, Second Prize from I Kyoto International Music Competition (Japan), Silver Medal from Canadian International Music Competition. Also, Silver Prize from South East Asia Piano Competition. Currently, she participates in an orchestra as a Violinist. Also, she is a part of the wind band for Flute instrument. She has a showcase several times in Thailand for her music Instruments. She loves to play music instruments.
Anna Sitek - Violin - Platinum Medalist - Poland
Anna Sitek was born on 18 July, 2009. She graduated from the first degree music school named after Marcin Józef Żebrowski in Częstochowa. She started playing the violin at the age of six. From the first steps in the music school, she showed great talent, musicality and ease of play. She has won many awards at competitions in Poland and abroad. Ania is characterized by stage courage and crazy ideas. She likes to play on the big stage. She has absolute hearing. Apart from music, she likes animals, reading books and playing in the yard.
Sophia Xue - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Canada
Sophia Xue was born in May 2014. She began to study piano at the age of five. Then, she continued her studies under Mme. Chen Li-Benard in Montreal since 2020. In 2021, she took part in two music competitions. According to Mme. Benard, she was a very talented student and she reached almost perfection in playing her attending music, Waltz in A minor, in only few weeks' time. Therefore, her excellent performance earned her the first place in Little Mozart Crescendo International Competition at her first try. She also won the platinum medal in Quebec International Music Competition during the same year. Her favorite musician is Frederic Chopin. She practices passionately and enjoys her music. She also want to be a professional musician in the future.
Po-Hsin Chen - Piano - Platinum medalist - Taiwan Po-Hsin Chen is 11 years old. He lives in a delightful countryside in central Taiwan. He started playing piano at the age of 6. He has taken private piano lessons with Miss Ling-Hsien Kuo since he was 9. Miss Kuo is an excellent piano teacher; who encouraged him to develop his talent for playing piano. He enjoys playing piano and now is a student in the sport talent class at Gukeng Elementary and Junior High School in Taiwan. He loves music and always says “Piano is a good friend of his life”. In the past year, he successfully performed in piano competitions becoming the winner of 2020 International Music Competition Grand Prize Virtuoso (Bonn in Germany), Music@e-Contest Music Competition
Petlada Changkasiri was born on September 2nd, 2017. She started her first music lesson with the Suzuki Early Childhood Education (SECE) and her first Suzuki violin lesson on the 10th of September, 2020. Studying violin for 8 months as of June 2021. She has been taking her violin lessons with Mr. Polyiam Palitponganpim at the Aum-Aree Music School, Thailand. This is her first competition competing in the Quebec Music Competition 2021.
Nora Blagojevic - Piano - Gold Medalist - USA
Nora Blagojevic is a rising 7th- grade student at Glenelg Country School in Ellicott City, Maryland, USA. She started playing piano at age five and was always praised for her emotional, creative performance, strong technique, and unique individuality. Nora won many awards at different regional and international competitions. She was five times laureate at Maryland Piano State Festival 2016/2021. Nora won at the following International Competitions:
Quebec Music Competition 2020 (HM),
Rising Talents Festival, 2019 (Grand Prize),
Elite International Music Competition 2020 (First Place),
Canadian International Competition 2020/2021(Second Place),
Crescendo International Music Competition 2020/2021 (Second Award),
American Protégé 2021(Third Place), and
Quebec Music Competition 2021 (Gold Medal).
Besides the piano, Nora loves learning math, art, science, and playing tennis.
Tsang Yin Hei - Flute - Platinum & Gold Medalist / Piano - Silver Medalist - Hong Kong
Yin Hei began his piano lesson with his mother and started playing both flute and piano at 5. He is now learning flute under the guidance of Mr. Wu Wing Yin Matthew. Yin Hei is very much passionate in his music. He is also a team member in school orchestra and choir. Apart from music, he also loves soccer, science and astronomy. This is the first international music competition he joined. He is very pleasure to be awarded the Gold and Silver Medals in 2021 Quebec International Music Competition.
Miłosz Moskwa - Piano - Gold Medalist - Poland
Miłosz Moskwa was born on November 6, 2012 in Skwierzyna, Poland. He is a student of the 2nd class of the State Music School of the 1st degree. W. J. Ciesielski in Gorzów Wielkopolski in the piano class of Maria Rusak.
So far, he has won awards at competitions in Austria, France, Italy, USA, Ukraine, Russia, Thailand, Hong Kong and Poland.
Tay Xue Qian - Piano - Gold Medalist - Malaysia
Xue Qian started his learning of piano at the age of 4 at Yamaha Music School. He has been under the guidance of Teacher Choo See May and Professor Lee Yin Hwa in his journey of pursuing his dream in the world of music. Xue Qian has actively participated in the piano competition since his early age. He was the first prize winner of MYOF 2015 and 2016, third prize winner of 15th Hong Kong (Asia Pacific) Piano Final (Hong Kong) in 2017. He had recently won the Gold prize for South East Asia (SEA) Competition 2020 (Grade 8). Xue Qian enjoys piano and drawing in his spare time.
Gaoyuan is a grade 5 student. He started learning piano with Mrs. Rachel Xiao when he was five and a half years old. He has completed RCM certificate program requirements for level 6 piano First Class Honors with Distinction with a theory score of 100.
Gaoyuan likes reading, chess, playing Rubik's cubes, skating, skiing, and snowboarding. He loves playing guitar and piano for senior homes and at local music festivals, writing his comic book series, and watching magic shows. All these hobbies have inspired him for his musical creation. He has won Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers Association (SRMTA) Student Composer Competition provincial First Place three times and Second Place two times. He also received Piano Scholarship Grade 3 & 4 and Jean Harach Primary Piano Baroque Scholarship at 2019 & 2021 Regina Music Festival. Gaoyuan is passionate about composing and has written over a dozen scores. He wishes to publish an album of his compositions one day.
Sophia Chen - Violin - Gold Medalist - Canada
Sophia Chen is from British Columbia, Canada. Sophia has received awards from local, national, and international competitions. Sophia won the National Second Place in Canadian Music Competition 2021 in the category of 7 years old strings; First Place at Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival 2021; Second Place in American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition 2021. Sophia was awarded as "The Most Promising Junior Strings Player", First Place Winner, and Scholarship Winner at 2019 Richmond Music Festival. Sophia also won the Gold Medal, Class Winner at the BCCM festival in 2020 and 2019. In addition to playing violin, Sophia enjoys reading, dancing, and skiing.
Damian Gadiyak - Guitar - Gold Medalist - USA
Damian is eight years old boy with the love for classical music, who wanted to play music ever since he was three. He is currently 3rd grader at St. Stephens Classical Academy in Eldersburg, MD.
In 2019 Damian started piano and guitar lessons. He also took trumpet lessons in 2019 to try a completely different instrument, and this year learned recorder on his own to play just for fun.
Damian had several successful piano and guitar recitals and competitions, participated in Open Microphone Nights at the local community center, and plays “special music” in the local church, where he performs solo and duet with his little sister.
Ms. Rinrada Linamnuaychai, a Thai pianist and violinist, was born on the 24th of December, 2011. She has started taking Suzuki Piano lesson with Mr. Vorarat Wattanasombat and Violin lesson with Mr. Polyiam Palitponganpim at the age of five at Aum-Aree Music School. She has won several prizes in both local and international competitions for these two instruments. She constantly performs in group ensemble concerts as well as solo concerts.
Gabriel St-Amand - Piano - Gold Medalist - Canada
My name is Gabriel ST- Amand, I was born in October 2014, I am 6 years old, I live in Montreal, Canada, I started learning piano with Mr. Lee in June 2020, under the careful guidance of my teacher I gradually fell in love with playing piano, my wish is to be a pianist!
Jordan Junaidi - Piano - Gold Medalist - USA Jordan Junaidi was born on January 26, 2006. Currently, he is 15 years old going to Vista Del Lago High School for 10th grade in Folsom, California. He has been under the instruction of piano teacher Ms. Carol Chuang at the Pacific Institute of Music since he was 6 years old. Jordan has a love for music. In addition to the piano, he has also joined the school's band playing the clarinet and saxophone for several years.
Gabriel Vasilescu – Piano - Gold Medalist - USA
Gabriel Vasilescu was born in Montreal, Canada and moved in the USA at 2 years old. He was first exposed to piano at 4 years old, but he started to study seriously in 2019 under the guidance of piano teacher Mrs. Sandra Curless. He participated in a few international and local piano competitions. Among these, Gabriel won second place at Little Mozarts International Music Competition and Consul General Award at Chopin Avenue International Piano Competition in 2021. He was also invited to perform at Carnegie Hall. He is passionate about composing and he would love to share his compositions in the future. Besides piano, Gabriel loves math, chess, basketball, and soccer.
Emma Xu - Piano - Gold Medalist - Canada
Emma Xu, 11 years old, began learning piano performance at age of 7. Emma has great passion for music. In 2021, she won Silver Prize of Canada International Music competition, First Place of Crescendo Little Mozart International Music Competition and Gold Prize of Quebec International Music Competition. She enjoys playing Bach’s and Chopin’s repertoire. Emma is currently studying under Mrs. Chen Li-Benard.
Emma is an arts lover. She enjoys painting a lot. Beside music and arts, she also loves swimming, biking and rock climbing.
Pearl Shi - Piano - Gold Medalist - USA
Pearl Shi was born in America in 2011. She started her music journey at the age of 6. Pearl began to learn to play piano with Ms. Carol Chuang at Pacific Music Institute in 2019. Within one year, she became one of the Medal Winners in the 2020 MTAC Sierra Fall Festival. She is praised for her emotional performance and strong technique. Pearl always has a great passion for playing piano! When she is not playing piano, she likes drawing, cooking, reading, and swimming.
Raina Zhu - Piano - Gold Medalist - Canada Hello everyone! My name is Raina Zhu and I am 10 years old. I am a cheerful, warm and generous, and helpful girl. My hobbies are football, piano, skiing and traveling.
.Spencer Zeiss - Piano - Gold Medalist - Canada
Born in 2013, Spencer who just turned 8, began learning the piano at the age of 5 with his phenomenal teacher, Ms. Janey Scott. That same year he won as the grand winner in the local music festival. His passion in music has inspired his mother to support him in any way she can. Aside from playing the piano, he also loves playing the ukulele, guitar, basketball, camping, building his Lego, Minecraft, making cards and giving hugs/kisses to mom. Spencer is very compassionate, helpful and loving. These are some of his awards; The Best Solo Performer – Oilsands Rotary Music Festival, 2019, First Place – Classical, Rocky Mountain Music Competition, 2021, First Place – 20-201st Century, Rocky Mountain Music Competition, 2021, Second Place – Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition, 2021, First Place – Little Mozart International Music Competition, 2021, Gold Winner – Quebec Music Competition, 2021, First Place – Alberta Music Festival Association (Provincial Level), June 2021.
Ezo Huang - Piano - Gold Medalist - Taiwan
My name is Ezo Huang and I come from Taiwan. It is an honor and a special experience for me to participate in the Quebec Music Competition. Thank my Lord Jesus for watching and protecting me! Thank you, Qiaowen Liu, who has guided me with your heart, and thank you, my parents, who have accompanied me to learn piano until now. I am very happy to receive this honor. I look forward to having the opportunity to participate in music competitions all over the world in the future. I hope everyone can learn more about Taiwan. Taiwan welcomes you, thank you!
Patrick Azariel Wijaya - Guitar - Gold Medalist - Malaysia
Patrick Azariel Wijaya born in Jakarta, March 18, 2007. He learned classical guitar since 7 years old with some achievements: • 1 st runner up Valerio International Guitar Festival 2018 • Favorite participant in South East Asia Guitar Festival 2019 • Junior category finalist in 2019 National Classical Guitar Competition • Best performers for Diploma Category in Trinity College London Concert Series 2021 • 1st Place Guitar Idol Jakarta Guitar School 2021 • 3rd place in the Diploma category D' Bianco Guitar Competition VI Jakarta 2021 Patrick has released 3 guitar compilation CDs with Jakarta Guitar School, participated in classical guitar concerts at the Erasmus Huis Dutch Cultural Center (2018), Goethe Haus (2019), and the charity concert Tribute to Life(2019). Patrick learnt from world class maestros masterclasses: Giordano Passini (Italy), Sabrina Vlaskalic (Dutch Guitar Foundation), Pablo Gonzales (Madrid Guitar Duo), Jorrit Douwess (Netherland), Augustin Pesnon (Paris Guitar Foundation), Ogmundur Por Johannesson (Iceland), Lorenzo Bernardi (Italy), Oliver Pletscher.
Yu-En Liang - Piano - Gold Medalist - Taiwan
I am from Taiwan and I am eight years old. I started learning piano when I was five years old. Thank you very much my piano teacher Qiaowen Liu for her careful guidance. This is my first time participating in a Quebec music competition. I am very happy and a little nervous. I also like sports. Piano and sports are my favorite activities. I hope that every day in the future will be a happy study, and I hope my music can bring people ease and joy.
Ruimian Li - Piano - Gold Medalist - Hong Kong
Ruimian Li is a 7-year old 3rd grade student in an international school in Hongkong. He started playing piano at five and was always praised for his outstanding performance, and priceless dedication with piano keys. Ruimian loves music and a quick learner under the supervision of his dedicated piano teacher in Russian Sound Music Academy. He happily plays piano and loves to share it to everyone.
Ruimian Li's awards in international categories: 2020 Hong Kong International Music and Arts Festival—First Place 2020 Tokyo International Youth Music Competition, Oversea Region—Champion 2020 “Florida Keys” Online International Music Competition–First Prize 2021 Canadian International Music Competition—Gold Prize 2021 Chopin Avenue International Piano Competition—Chopin Mazurka Award, Consul General Award 2021 Quebec Music Competition—Gold Prize
Nanon Tejthiwat - Piano - Gold Medalist - Thailand
Born in July 2017, Nanon started her music experience in Suzuki Early Childhood Education (SECE) at Aum-Aree Music School, Bangkok Thailand since she was 9 months old and continue until 3 years old. She showed her good understanding in music, rhythm, beat and melody during the classes.
Nanon chose her first instrument as piano and started her first piano lesson on January 2021 during the Coronavirus outbreak at age 3.6. she can quickly understand and remember songs by sing them out loud and practice on piano. After 4 months of studies, she participated the QMC as her first competition. Her performance on pianoalways sounds joyfully but vigorously and improvising sometime. Just like her personality.
Wong Tsz Kwan Harvey - Piano - Gold Medalist - Hong Kong
Wong Tsz Kwan Harvey, 7 years old, a Primary One student in Hong Kong and also a student of the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts majored in Piano. Harvey started playing piano at the age of 4, and already completed the Grade 8 piano examination with Distinction at the age of 6. Harvey also plays violin and double bass too.
Harvey loves music! He enjoyed playing piano and is happy to share the joy of music through the various repertoires he plays. His favourite composers are Chopin and Mozart.
Prannatee (Keene) Karnchanapoo is now studying in year one at Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside in Thailand. Keene is very passionate about playing violin, he also loves composing songs and dancing while playing violin. He has continuously been learning and playing violin since he was 4 years and 7 months old. Keene joined junior strings at school as the youngest member when he was 5 years old. He is now 6 years old and has always been enthusiastic and attentive when he is learning violin and watching the professional violin performance. He already passed the ABRSM level 1 with distinction, and he just received the Hope Prize Winner in Sugree Charoensook International Music Competition 2021.
Nicny won her first Gold from the annual singing competition organized by the Ministry of Education & Thailand Music School Association in 2018. Nicny won Gold Diploma each for singing the musical “Wouldn’t It be Loverly”, “A Million Dreams” and “If Only I Had A Brain” from The Prestigious International Online Vocal Competition “The Song”. She won a Gold Diploma for Pop, singing You Raise Me Up. She won First Degree for performing Naughty from the Musical Matilda in the Online Wave competition. Nicny won Silver in the final round of the Grand Metropolitan Music Competition and in the International Youth Music Competition respectively. Nicny won 1stPrize/Overall Winner of Brighton Got Talent 2021 organized by Brighton College International School Bangkok, performing “Colors of the Wind”. Nicny also won 1stPrize, Class Junior, organized by Young Artist Music Contest, Thailand 2020. Most recently, she won Gold from Quebec Music Competition 2021.
Patrick Azariel Wijaya - Classical Guitar - Gold - Indonesia
Patrick Azariel Wijaya born in Jakarta, March 18, 2007. He learned classical guitar since 7 years old with some achievements: • 1 st runner up Valerio International Guitar Festival 2018 • Favorite participant in South East Asia Guitar Festival 2019 • Junior category finalist in 2019 National Classical Guitar Competition • Best performers for Diploma Category in Trinity College London Concert Series 2021 • 1st Place Guitar Idol Jakarta Guitar School 2021 • 3rd place in the Diploma category; Bianco Guitar Competition VI Jakarta 2021 Patrick has released 3 guitar compilation CDs with Jakarta Guitar School, participated in classical guitar concerts at the Erasmus Huis Dutch Cultural Center (2018), Goethe Haus (2019), and the charity concert Tribute to Life(2019). Patrick learnt from world class maestros masterclasses: Giordano Passini (Italy), Sabrina Vlaskalic (Dutch Guitar Foundation), Pablo Gonzales (Madrid Guitar Duo), Jorrit Douwess (Netherland), Augustin Pesnon (Paris Guitar Foundation), Ogmundur Por Johannesson (Iceland), Lorenzo Bernardi (Italy), Oliver Pletscher.
Lee Chun Hei - Double Bass - Gold Medalist - Hong Kong
Jayden Lee, 6 years old, is a kindergarten student in Hong Kong. He has great passion in music. As an enthusiastic double bassist, Jayden has been actively participating in local and global competitions. Among these, Jayden has won Champions at Italy International Music Competition, International Young Musicians Music Competition, Wien and 11th IYACC International Music Competition, etc.
Currenly, Jayden is a member of the prestigious children's choir and symphony orchestra in Hong Kong.
Jade Man Huen Cheung – Piano – Gold Medalist - Australia
Jade Cheung, age 14, is a passionate music student from Melbourne, Australia. She started learning the Piano when she was in grade 1. Jade is blessed with the care and inspirations of her music teachers over the years. Jade studies at Ringwood Secondary College where they have phenomenal music programmes and instructors. She is currently learning the Violin and the Oboe while pursuing her AMusA in the Piano. Jade absolutely enjoyed the experience of this competition. She will continue to participate in upcoming opportunities so more people can feel and hear her music.
Zhen Yu Lai - Piano - Gold Medalist - USA
Zhen Yu is 7 years old and resides in California, USA. He has been learning piano for 6 months under the guidance of Peyhwan Kuan. He likes playing piano because the amazing piano sound brings him joy and excitement.
Zhen Yu won his first gold medal at the Quebec Music Competition 2021. It is a big encouragement for him to move forward. In his spare time, Zhen Yu enjoys gardening and playing pickleball. He also likes playing Legos. Zhen Yu is looking forward to meeting more talented pianists and sharing the fun that he has rewarded from playing the piano.
Yushun Wang - Piano - Gold - Singapore
Yushun discovered and developed an interest in piano at the age of 5, and started taking lessons since then. He gave his first public performance two years later, and has performed in the Shanghai Grand Theatre and the Shanghai Symphony Hall. He was a former member of the Shanghai Youth Orchestra. He is currently preparing for ABRSM Grade 8 Piano exam. His favourite composer is Chopin and he likes his etudes.
Kyla Ruidera - Piano - Gold Medalist - USA
Kyla Ruidera is an 11-year old pianist from California. She began to learn piano at age 4 and studies under the tutelage of Ms. Anne Isaakyan Bäder, a graduate of the Leningrad Conservatory. Kyla has received invitations to perform at Carnegie Hall from the AADGT International Young Musicians Festival for winning the Gold Award in 2020 and Silver Award in 2021. She won trophies for various categories at the Southwestern Youth Music Festival - 1st Place in 2018; 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Places in 2019; 2nd and 3rd Places in 2020. Kyla earned the Silver Award at WPTA Singapore in 2020 and the Bronze Awards at WPTA Finland in 2020 and 2021. She also achieved perfect scores for the Certificate of Merit Theory Exams in 2020 and 2021. Kyla looks forward to participating in live performances again after the pandemic. She enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
Ioannis Livanos - Voice - Gold Medalist - Cyprus
My name is Ioannis Livanos, I am 13 years old from Cyprus. Music is a big part of my life which started from a young age and at 9 years old I joined the Pankyprion Odeon, where I attend voice lessons with Mrs Mariza Anastasiades and piano lessons from Mrs. Chloe Mavronicola. I have taken part in many concerts and galas in Cyprus and also I have attended in many competitions in Malta and Serbia.
Kasey Moore - Piano - Silver Medalist - USA
Kasey Moore is a 12-year-old young lady born in Florida, USA. She initiated her music adventure at 4 years old playing the violin. When she was around 9 years old, she started her passion for piano. Since then, her love for this instrument has increased exponentially. She has obtained awards for her performances at the NY Schubert International Music Competition 2019, the Canadian International Music Competition (2020-2021) and the Charleston International Music Competition – 2021 Spring Music Competition. As Kasey’s quote: “I feel a special connection with the piano. It is a complex but wonderful instrument that lets me express feelings I cannot do with words."
Kristian Jordan - Piano - Gold - USA
Kristian Jordan is a 14 year-old rising 9th grader living in Ellicott City, MD, USA. She loves playing piano and guitar, as well as tennis, basketball, reading, dancing, swimming, and learning different languages. Her passion for music also ignited a joy of singing. Kristian looks forward to spending time with family, and socializing with her friends. She thoroughly enjoys and excels in school, her favorite subjects are math and science. Kristian has always maintained at least a 4.0 grade point average with an accelerated academic curriculum. Her aspirations are to study medicine, while pursuing a dual professional career in the music industry.
Natnicha Prasomsri - Violin - Gold Medalist - Thailand Natnicha Prasomsri was born in May 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand. Her enjoyment of music began when she heard her sister practice and listen to music every day. Natnicha started with Suzuki Early Childhood Education (SECE) class in October 2018 and started violin lessons with Teacher Polyiam Palitponganpim in January 2019. Currently (June 2021) Natnicha is practicing songs and various exercises in Suzuki Violin book3 with her wonderful teacher.
Daisi Guo - Piano - Silver Medalist - Canada
Daisi Guo, 7 years old, has been learning piano for almost two years with the greatest teacher Chen Li-Benard in Montreal Quebec. This year (2021) Daisi started to participate in international music competitions, and she has won first place of Crescendo Little Mozart International Music Competition and silver prize of Quebec International Music Competition.
Daisi is a very loving and caring girl, who has great passions for music. Daisi is very outgoing and loves almost everything. The newest hobby is fishing with her Daddy!
Punyapon Kanthanakit - Piano - Silver Medalist - Thailand
Ms. Punyapon Kanthanakit is a Thai pianist. She was born in 29th April 2010 .She started to learn piano with Mr.Vorarat Wattanasombat since she was 8 years old at Aum-Aree Music School. She participated in several competitions and won prizes in both local and international competitions.
Tan Yan Kyle - Violin - Silver Medalist - Malaysia
I am 13years old, a high school student who passionate about music. I have been learning violin since I was 4 years old and had been taken part in several domestic and international music competition. I am glad for obtaining a honorary award of SILVER in QMC. I wish I could have more breakthroughs in my play and keep on the passion in playing violin as well as attempting in playing various types of music. Thanks to such a great encouragement from QMC and I have decided to pick up my second instrument - piano. I wish I could be a brilliant musician in the future. I would like to take this opportunity to give thanks to my teacher Mr Chris Chong for his guidances and encouragements given. Thank you to my parents who giving me a lot of supports throughout the way. Last but not least, thanks QMC for giving me the stage to perform and granted me a valuable affirmation.
Yat Au - Cello - Silver Medalist - Hong Kong
Yat Au is a seventh grader. He had sensitive hearing when he was a baby and developed to like music and rhythm when he was a toddler. His mother decided to take him to learn cello when he was six. He happened to have more fun learning with other kids in a group class in Cello Factory. After three years, he started to be coached personally by Mr. Ken Ngai, making strides to become the concert master of his school orchestra. First time joining the QMC this year, he learnt a lot from the preparation and feedback. He can play his pieces fluently which reflects his enjoyment of the music. Yet, his music can still benefit with more depth. Next year when he joins the QMC again, the judges shall find improved skills and music expression in him. Yat is going to take ABRSM Grade 7 examination in the coming July.
Enqi Ye - Violin - Silver Medalist - China
Enqi Ye,From Guangzho China,Seven years old. Violin and I have been friends for four years, we often play together, although occasionally quarrel, but I like this friend very much! I stepped on the stage when I was four years old. I enjoyed playing on the stage very much. Music brought me a special childhood experience. I hope I can accompany it all the time.
Eldar Ibrahimov - Piano - Silver Medalist - Canada
My name is Eldar. I am 13 years old, Grade 7 student. I have started learning piano since 4 and have just completed Grade 10 Royal Conservatory of Music examination. My favorite genres are jazz and ragtime.
Other than playing piano my hobbies include reading, Lego building and playing board games with my family. I am looking forward to learning more musical pieces and performing at the festivals and contests.
Yinhao He - Violin - Silver Medalist - Canada
Je m'appelle Yinhao He. Un garçon de cinq ans qui vient de la Chine. Je vis présentement à Montréal, une ville romantique et illuminée d’art. Dans ma vie quotidienne, j'aime imiter les postures de joueurs des divers instruments en symphonie ; j'aime aussi parfois laisser mes bras aller, gesticuler comme un chef d'orchestre en faisant semblant d'être un soliste avec les yeux fermés. Je suis plongé dans la scène imaginée et je profite de ce moment.
Patteera Jianthanakanon - Piano - Silver Medalist - Thailand
My name is Patteera Jianthanakanon or Pearlie. I was born on February 28, 2014. I am 7 years old and I started to learn piano 2 years ago when I was 5. Teacher Loon is my piano teachers, he is very kind and helpful. He also persuade me to apply this QMC. This is my first time to join International music competition and I am so proud that I got silver medal. This is the best years for me even though during the pandemic, COVID-19.
Kodchamon Peerapatmongkol - Piano - Silver Medalist - Thailand
Kodchamon is an 8-year-old girl. She started her piano lessons when she was 4 years old. In recent years, she entered several local and international piano competitions. She received a First Prize Winner from the 2021 International Music Competition “London” Grand Prize Virtuoso (for Piano Solo Young Musician 8 years old and under) and the Gold Southeast Asia Regional Award from the ICA International Piano Competition 2021 Online (for Solo Amateur 13 years old and younger). She won Gold Prize from Thailand Music Festival For Young Artist 2020 (for Piano Solo under 10 years old) and Silver Prize from Thailand National Youth Contest 2019 (for Piano Young Artist under 9 years old). At her leisure, she enjoys Go (Weiqi), tennis, and painting.
Rolan has been learning violin since he was four years old. His way of enjoying music is to move while playing the instrument. He is currently learning violin at Mandeville Conservatory of Music, Singapore under Teacher Marinela Balagtas.
Not so long ago, he started learning piano. He likes how the piano sound can be so different from violin yet both please his ears. His love to music also pushes him to join his school’s band where he plays cornet.
In his spare time, he teaches his younger sisters violin and play video games.
Aanya Tungala - Piano - Silver Medalist - USA
Aanya Tungala started playing the piano at the age of 7, and has worked to improve her musicality and technical skills. She is a returning participant of the Quebec Music Competition, for which she was an honorable mention for her category. While she began learning music late, she is working with her teacher Mrs. Kristine Janusa to correct her technique and to become a better musician. Aanya played the pieces Sonatina in F major by Anton Diabelli, and Autumn Lake by Noako Jkeda. This is one of Aanya's first experiences in an actual competition, and she hopes to continue playing the piano competitively to learn more difficult pieces.
Yuziti Qiao - Violin - Silver Medalist - China
Yuziti Qiao was born in Beijing, China on 24th July 2012. She began to learn violin with Tong Zhang at the age of 6.
YuZhiluo Chi - Violin - Silver Medalist - China
Yuzhiluo Chi was born in Beijing, China on 15 th August 2014. He began to learn violin with Tong Zhang at the age of 3.
Ric Jayden, a 14-year old self-taught music enthusiast was born in Quezon province of the Philippines. His parents are Ricky Serra and Mildred Briguera Serra.Presently,he is studying at Pili Parochial School. Since childhood, Ric Jayden loves classical music and broadway songs. At six years old,he learned by himself to play classical songs in bamboo flute and melodion and made his first video recording of his instrumental performance of the song “ Moon River” which was uploaded on YouTube. His most unforgettable experiences as elementary student in University of Nueva Caceres were his first ohidoe piano performance of the “Turkish March” and his winning in the school’s Original Pilipino Music Singing Competition. . Last December 2020,he had his first audio recording of the traditional Christmas song ,“Let it Snow” . He was the youngest solo artist in a worldwide christmas Concert for a cause called Pasko sa Kabikolan, a project with a pure and noble cause initiated by Father Wilmer Tria ,parish priest of St.Raphael the Archangel Parish of Pili and directed by Director Ferdinand Dimadura. Greatly inspired and motivated, he joined online music competitions . He was awarded as First Runner Up Winner in “ Angel Beauty and Talent International Competition” whose director and producer is Zonrica Nincovic of Serbia . In the said contest, he performed a duo rendition of “The Merry Go Round of Life “ using two kinds of instruments simultaneously. Not long after it,he was given special recognition award too by the director of Musicland Online International Event ,Toni Aleksovski,for performing beautifully the song “New York, New York” . Ric Jayden’s passion in music has significantly grown over the years. With his mother ’s utmost support not only in terms of music but in other areas of his life too,he continue to fight for his holistic growth and resilience as a young teen despite many challenges amidst this pandemic .It is thru music, unconditional love and support from family and friends and faith that he feels most propelled to rise up and become better each day.
Nee Zi Qian - Violin - Bronze Medalist - Malaysia
Nee Zi Qian is a 9 year old violinist from Malaysia.
Since young, Zi Qian has been inundated with music which cultivated her interest in performing arts. Thus at the age of 6, she started her journey as a budding violinist at La Ben Musico where she had her lessons. In Oct 2020, Zi Qian joined the Pastorale Conservatoire of Music and was under the tutelage of Mr. Jia Weii Hue. While continuing to nurture her talent, Zi Qian was also participated in various events ranging from public concerts and music festivals. She has also participated and medaled in several competitions. Besides playing the violin, Zi Qian also enjoys reading, singing, swimming and figure skating in her free time.
Kejing Xie - Piano- Bronze-Medalist - Canada
Kejing Xie was born on August 7,2010 in China. He is Grade 5 student of École Montessori Internationale Montréal. He started learning piano when he was four years old. He has completed RCM certificate program requirements for level 8 piano. Kejing loves playing piano and guitar, and he also likes composing, reading, and skating. He plays the pieces he liked by piano which he had ever heard in the cartoons or movies. Kejing has won Canadian International Music Competition 2020-2021 Rising Star Category - Third Prize – Bronze . His favourite composer is Mozart. He enjoys performing on stage.
Nathan Yiu Ching Kan - Violin - Bronze Medalist - Hong Kong
Nathan starts with his violin learning at the age of 6 in Hong Kong. He has always been active playing in orchestras & chamber ensemble, which give him numerous opportunities performing & sharing music with his friends. In 2018, Nathan was honoured to perform in Vienna & Salzburg at a music tour and received masterclass training. His passion in violin playing has been growing ever since then. Year 2020 & 2021 have been the difficult years in making music. Yet Nathan has never stopped challenging himself in various renowned competitions & received many awards beyond his imagination! - Wien International Young Music Competition 2020 - 2nd Place - Taipei International Youth Music Competition 2020 - 3rd Place - Tokyo International Youth Music Competition 2020 - Honourable Mentions - Hong Kong School Music Award Competition 2020 - 2nd Place - Hong Kong International Youth Performing Arts Festival 2020 - 3rd Place - Quebec Music Competition - Bronze Medal - North America Virtuoso Competition 2021 - Finalist
Alexander Knyazyan - Piano - Bronze Medalist - Canada
Alexander Knyazyan was born in Toronto, Ontario, lives in Windsor, Ontario and is currently 11 years old. He started piano lessons with his teacher Anna Zaidman when he was 5 years old. This is the first time he participated in the international competition, but he has been competing and receiving various awards in Kiwanis competitions and has been recommended for the provincials. Since he was young, Alexander participated in Community Concerts in Windsor, Ontario, and volunteered for the community recitals in retirement homes and churches. Alexander enjoys playing classic music, rock, and popular selections. He also learns to play drums and guitar. His other interests include astronomy, gemology, chemistry, physics and geography. He is looking forward to excelling his piano skills and competing in the future.
Fiona was compelled to sing by age 2 and was introduced to the piano at age 5. She practiced each separately at Lambda School of Music and Fine Arts, and West Island Music Academy. Fiona also practiced musical theatre at StageCoach West Island from age 4-6 years old. At age 10 she began to combine piano and voice. Active in her school community, Fiona enjoys performing for school events and has spearheaded a band with a few classmates. Fiona loves to perform pop songs and is guided by her teacher, Aprajita Saxena. Fiona is 10 years old and resides in Montreal, Canada.
Palak Chauhan - Piano - Bronze Medalist - India
Palak started playing the Piano at the age of 5 and she is currently training at A.R. Rahman's K M Music Conservatory under the virtuoso Pianist Dr. Surojeet Chatterji. She spends her free time programming small pieces of music on Logic Pro. Other instruments that she is very fond of are Guitar and Harp. She is learning Hindustani Classical from Pandit. Shri. Kuldeep Sagar at Alaap Music Academy from the age of 6. She admires the works of Rachmaninoff and Debussy. She is currently home-schooled and learns, practices and performs music full time. She aspires to become a remarkable Pianist and wants to compose music.
Kanas Kanthamanond (Dylan) is just turned 7 years old. He started playing cello at the age of 6. After he played Cello for 3 months. He won 1 st Prize of Imka Internet Music Competition (Bosnia), 2 nd Prize of King’s Peak Music International Competition (USA), 3 rd Prize of Grand Metro Music Competition (Canada), Honourable Mention Prize of Rocky Mountain Music Competition (Canada). He was the finalist of World Championship of Performing Arts Competition 2021 to go for the next competition in the USA. He loves playing cello so much. He also plays other instruments such as Tenor Horn, Piano and the traditional Thai instrument.
Quebec Music Competition, Canadian National Music Competition, ONLINE and LIVE International Music Competition, Montreal Music competition for all ages and levels, Online International Music Competition, Piano Competition, Violin Competition, Guitar Competition, Singing Competition
Winners of 2021 Quebec International Music Competition, Young Musicians, international music competition, online music competition, online international music competition, online classical music competition
