North American Virtuoso International Music Competition - Online Music Competition - Our music competition is open to all participants worldwide of all ages and levels in piano, strings, wind, vocal, chamber music, choirs, orchestras.
Sacha Jorba-Wu - Violin - Junior Category - Canada - 97% -Platinum Medalist 
Nathan Chen - Violin - Youth Category - Taiwan - 97% - Platinum Medalist 
Jiin Yun - Cello - YouthCategory - USA - 96% - Platinum Medalist
Sally Yapto - Piano - Professional Category - USA - 96% Platinum Medalist
Alia Yang - GuZheng - Professional Category - Taiwan - 96% Platinum Medalist
Yechong (Eric) Shan Piano - Collegiate Category - USA - 96% Platinum Medalist
Kaampoo Honglong - Piano - Junior Category - Thailand - 96% Platinum Medalist
Bo-Yuan (Paul) Jeng - Violin - Collegiate Category - Taiwan - 96% Platinum Medalist
Jacob Kang - Cello - Youth Category - USA - 95% Platinum Medalist
Ruichao Wu - Composition - Professional Category - China - 95% - Platinum Medalist 
Vlad Razvan Baciu - Composition Arrangement - Professional Category - Romania - 95%Platinum Medalist
Larisa Wangwittaya - Piano - Junior Category - Thailand - 95% Platinum Medalist
Sophie Liang - Piano - Junior Category - USA - 95% Platinum Medalist
Phatsacha Leowattana - Piano - Youth Category - Thailand - 95% Platinum Medalist
Phatthicha Leowattana - Piano - Youth Category - Thailand - 95% Platinum Medalist 
Taeryul Kim - Voice - Professional Category - USA - 95% Platinum Medalist
Felix Wang - Violin - Youth Category - USA - 95% Platinum Medalist
Ramona Lucaciu - Voice (Mezzo-soprano) - Professional Category - USA - 95% Platinum Medalist
Ornaiya Jongsitthisatjakul - Alto Saxophone - Junior Category - Thailand 94% - Gold Medalist
Esme Tran - Piano - Junior Category - USA - 94% Gold Medalist
Julia Gentry - Piano - Youth Category - USA - 94% Gold Medalist
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Yawen Yang - Piano - Professional Category - USA - 94% Gold Medalist
Xavier Marican - Saxophone - Collegiate Category Canada - 94% - Gold Medalist
Le-Yu HO - Violin - Junior Category - Taiwan - 94% - Gold Medalist
​Anna Ivanova - Voice - Adult Musician Category - USA - 94% Gold Medalist
​Justin Zhao - Yang Qin - Junior Category - New Zealand - 94% Gold Medalist
Renee Zhao - Harp - Pre-Junior - Category - Canada - 94% Gold Medalist
Lynn Ueno - Piano - Junior Category - USA - 94% Gold Medalist
 Yige Zhou - Piano - Youth Category - USA - 94%  - Gold Medalist
Yechong (Eric) Shan - Piano Composition - Collegiate Category - USA94% - Gold Medalist 
​Angela Shao - Violin - Junior Category - USA - 94% - Gold Medalist
Christina Uriegas - Violin - Collegiate Category - Serbia & USA - 94% Gold Medalist
​Sandra Keerthi - Voice (soprano) - Professional Category - USA94% - Gold Medalist
NAVI 2023 congratulates all the winners & finalists
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​2023 NAVI Winner's Biographies
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​Sacha Jorba-Wu - Violin - Junior Category - Platinum Medalist - Canada

​Sacha is a 10 year old Canadian Violinist who started lessons at age 5, and made his Solo debut at age 6 when he performed on stage for over an hour at Olympic Plaza. He plays First Violin with the Conservatory Sinfonia Orchestra, is a member of a Chamber group Trio-Magico, and works on his Solo repertoire with his mentor Concertmaster, Diana Cohen.

Sacha has been a member of 5 orchestras, including the Elgar Orchestra (2023) where he performed alongside Concertmasters Andrew Wan (Montreal) and Jonathan Crow (Toronto) in the Bella Hall.

In July 2022, Sacha was the Grand Prize winner of his age category for all
instruments at the Canadian Music Competition (CMC) in Quebec City.
Sacha at age 9 was honoured to Solo with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra on the July 4 th, 2022 Gala Concert, and received a standing ovation. His heart filled with joy when he was welcomed back to QC and invited by maestro Marc David to perform Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto with the Sherbooke Symphony Orchestra.
In July 2023, Sacha once again was the Grand Prize winner of his age category for all instruments at the Canadian Music Competition (CMC), held this time in Toronto.
In May 2023, Sacha received the Absolute Platinum Medal for Solo Violin with a score of 99%, in the Quebec Music Competition – Concours de Musique Québec (CMQ). This was the highest mark of the entire competition across all age categories and all instruments!

In 2021, Sacha entered his first music competition and loved it!! From 2021 to present, he has achieved the highest grades awarded. In CPAF 2023, he won all of UPPERSTRINGS and went on to win our Provincials (awarded FIRST PLACE for VIOLIN SOLO in the AMFA finals for 2021, 2022 and 2023).
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​Vlad Răzvan BACIU - Composition - Professional Category - Platinum - Romania 

​Vlad Răzvan BACIU is a prolific composer, whose portfolio includes more than 100 orchestral works, choral works, operas, and chamber music pieces. Baciu has been awarded multiple musical composition scholarships in Romania, Germany, Netherlands, Estonia, Greece, and Bulgaria, and has participated in several prestigious European Union competitions, receiving numerous awards and prizes. In 2020, he was invited to reside at the Hanse-Wissenschaftskolleg (Institute for Advanced Studies) in Delmenhorst, Germany as Artist-in-Residence where he composed the “Candle of the Soul” opera. And in 2021, he received the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to conduct a research on the American Contemporary Music and compose chamber and symphonic works at Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music.  
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​Ruichao (Rachel) Wu - Composition - Professional Category - Platinum Medalist - China

​Ruichao (Rachel) Wu is a dedicated concert and film composer based in Los Angeles, with a deep love for music and a sincere passion for her craft. Having studied at the Eastman School of Music, the Beal Institute of Contemporary Media and Film Composition, Rachel obtained her Master of Music degree, solidifying her foundation in composition.
Throughout her career, Rachel has been fortunate to be invited and have her music performed at prestigious venues such as Kilbourn Hall, Hatch Recital Hall, and even the renowned Tchaikovsky Music Hall. 
In addition to her work in the concert setting, Rachel has had the privilege of scoring multiple animations, films,  advertisements and theater dramas. Those works has been selected and nominated at various film festivals since 2019,such as the Venice Film Festival, Ontario International Film Festival, American Golden Picture International Film Festival, West Lake International Animation Festival, Hiroshima International Animation Festival, China (Beijing) International Student Animation Festival, Monstra Lisboa International Animation Festival, Geneva International Animation Film Festival, and the Golden Hedgehog College Theater Festival, and won many awards.
Also,  her integration of music with multi-media arts has allowed her to showcase her work in renowned venues such as the Zhejiang Art Museum and the Xiangshan Art Club. Through these exhibitions, she has been able to explore new artistic dimensions and share her music in captivating and innovative ways.
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​Ramona-Andreia Lucaci - Voice - Professional Category - Platinum Medalist - Romania

Ramona-Andreia Lucaciu is a Romanian-American mezzo-soprano who is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Vocal Performance at Temple University in Philadelphia, under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Christine Anderson.
Andreia graduated from "George Apostu" High School of Arts in Bacau, her birthplace, in 1998. In 2003, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Vocal Performance with a major in Bel Canto from the National University of Music Bucharest, where she studied under the guidance of Prof. Univ. Maria Slatinaru-Nistor.
Andreia has performed various opera roles, such as Marcellina and Cherubino in Mozart's opera "Le Nozze di Figaro," and Larina and Filippyevna in Tchaikovsky's opera "Eugene Onegin" at the Opera Studio of the National University of Music Bucharest.
Since 1998, she has embarked on a successful soloist career, performing with vocal ensembles in Romania and abroad. She has participated in vocal-symphonic concerts, chamber music concerts, and recitals, showcasing a wide range of repertoires from early to contemporary music. Andreia has also traveled on artistic tours in China, Europe, and Japan, performing musicals and operettas with an Austrian private company.
In 2003, she became a full-time soloist at the "George Enesco" Bucharest Philharmonic of Romanian Athenaeum. For over fifteen years, she served as a soloist at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Cathedral in Bucharest, where she recorded two albums with baroque and classical repertoire, accompanied by the Baroque Orchestra of the National University of Music Bucharest.
Andreia has participated in Master-classes with renowned Romanian-American opera/symphonic conductor Christian Badea, as well as the distinguished Romanian-French opera singer and mezzo-soprano Viorica Cortez. Cortez described Andreia as possessing an admirable voice, great stage presence, and distinct musicality.
Throughout her career, Andreia has competed in several competitions and received prestigious awards, including the "Mihail Jora" National Voice Competition (Bucharest, 2001, 3rd Prize), the "Martian Negrea" National Voice Competition (Ploiesti, 2001, Special Prize), the China International Voice Competition (Beijing, 2002, Special Prize), and the "Sacred Music" International Voice Competition (Rome, 2011, semi-finalist).
In 2014, Andreia found her soulmate, Michael, and relocated to the United States. She currently resides in Philadelphia with her husband, their seven-year-old son, and five-year-old daughter. In the U.S., she performs with "The Opera Project Stockton" in New Jersey and recently participated in the Annual Memorial Concert with the Abington Symphony Orchestra and Oratorio Choir, performing Haydn's "Lord Nelson" Mass in D.
Andreia deeply values her Romanian heritage and actively participates in concerts and recitals organized by the Romanian Professional Society of Philadelphia, the Consulate General of Romania in New York, and the Honorary Consulate General of Romania in Philadelphia.


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​Jiin Yun - Cello - Youth Category - Platinum Medalist

Jiin Yun (16 years old) is a junior at the Orange County School of the Arts. She started cello when she was 6 years old, and currently studies with Professor Joon Sung Jun. Jiin Yun won numerous awards including grand prize at Enkor International Music Competition, first prize at the Bellagrande International Music Competition, International Music Competition Salzburg “Grand Prize Virtuoso”, Golden State International Competition, second place in the American Classical Young Musician Award and in Los Angeles Violoncello Society (LAVS). She has performed the Vivaldi Cello Duet as a soloist with the Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings orchestra at Segerstrom Hall. Furthermore, Jiin Yun had the wonderful opportunity of receiving a masterclass from world-class cellist, Ron Leonard. Aside from her solo career, she is active in chamber music and orchestra. She has been the honor member of Junior Chamber Music for 8 years, and was titled as the Debut Artist for the last two years. In 2022, she was the semi-finalist of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and was selected as the assistant principal of the National Youth Orchestra 2. This summer, she toured the continent as the principal cellist of  NYO-USA with Gil Shaham and Hilary Hahn. 

She also uses her talent in music to give love to the community by volunteering in a variety of organizations such as Back to Bach, Smile Train, Love in Music, and Dragon Kim Foundation. Outside of her cello life, Jiin Yun is passionate about environmental issues, as she actively campaigns and carries out research. She was a team member in a nationally ranked Science Olympiad team. In her free time, she loves to write short stories and poetries. 

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​Larisa (Risa) Wangwittaya - Piano - Youth Category - Platinum Medalist - Thailand

Larisa (Risa) Wangwittaya is a 10 years old girl from Bangkok. She started learning piano at the age of four. At 6 years old, Risa joined Piano Academy of Bangkok under the guidance of Dr Pornphan Banternghansa and Dr Christopher Janwong McKiggan. Her first achievement was being awarded First Prize for the Paris Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition 2019 which she was the youngest winner selected to perform at the Philharmonie de Paris. Risa was similarly awarded First Prize for the London Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition 2019 and performed at the Royal Albert Hall. In 2020, Risa was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall as a winner of AADGT International Young Gifted Musicians Festival 2020 and American Protégé International Piano & Strings Competition 2020, and again in 2022 as the First Prize Winner of Golden Classical Music Award. Risa has since developed her musical skills and has been awarded prizes in many competitions including the Bangkok International Performing Arts Piano Competition, Hong Kong International Youth Performance Arts Festival, Asia Students Art Festival, the 7th Brilliant Talent Discovery Awards International Music Competition, Vienna Music Competition, London Young Musician Competition and Chicago International Music Competition.
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Sophie Liang - Piano - Junior Category - Platinum Medalist  - USA

Sophie started learning piano when she was four. For the past three years, she has been taking piano lessons from Teacher Denica Divecha. Sophie has received the First Prize at Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition. She also earned First Prize at the Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition and will be performing at Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall, New York City.

​In addition to piano, Sophie loves reading, singing, writing books and enjoys play structures at parks

  
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Kaampoo Honglong  - Piano - Junior  Category - Platinum Medalist - Thailand

Music is my life!
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Hello everyone, my name is “KAAMPOO”. I love music and I start my 1st piano lessons when I was 3.8 years old until now (11 yrs.). My quote of everyday that I talk to myself before practicing the piano is “The person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday”.
KAAMPOO H.
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​Elena Pavlea  - Composition / Arrangement  - Professional Category - Gold Medalist - Greece

Elena Pavlea (b. 1983) is a composer featured in the Convivium Records catalogue.  Elena Pavlea’s compositional output is influenced by Neo-romantic and Minimalistic musical genres.  Born and raised in Athens, Greece, she discovered classical music at an early age, undertaking her first piano lessons aged seven and composing her first piano pieces aged eight. In her own words, she relates, “I quickly realized that composition was something I felt I needed to pursue. I feel that music can help me to express myself in an honest and sincere way.”  Much of Elena’s music has been written collaboratively with film directors, video artists, choreographers, sculptors, painters, and poets. In her own words: “Music can be found in words, in gestures, in images and objects and can create a whole world by itself – or enhance an existing visual narrative where it already exists”.  Elena began her musical education in Greece. She undertook theory lessons with Alexandros Dionatos at the Max Hallecker Conservatory and completed her piano studies under professor Yannis Hallecker with a Piano Soloist Diploma. She also holds a diploma in Harmony (class of Dimitris Karavelis) from the Eratio Conservatory. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from The American College of Greece, with a minor in Philosophy. Elena continued her studies in the UK receiving her Postgraduate Diploma in Piano Performance from City, University of London and Guildhall School of Music and Drama (joint programme) under professor Peter Bithell. Elena is currently pursuing further studies in Fugue and Orchestration under professor Yannis Avgerinos at the Athens Musical Society Conservatory.  Elena has been awarded numerous prizes, including two first prizes in 2015, one in 2018 at the International Composition Competition ‘Donne in Musica’ and in 2023 she won first prize in the Caneres International Music Competition Vienna. Alongside composition and performance, Elena also studied philosophy and music aesthetics whilst she attended numerous masterclasses in Greece and abroad. She continues to work as a pianist, composer, piano teacher and music educator in conservatories and schools in primary and secondary music education.
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​Isabela Samson Madero - Voice - Professional Category -  Gold Medalist – Philippines

Isabela Samson Madero, under the tutelage of Ms. Perpy Heath, excels in
classical voice. She achieved distinction as an Associate of the Royal Schools of Music in 2019. Despite the pandemic in 2021, Isabela showcased her talent at global events, including ABRSM's Global High Scorers Concert. Noteworthy wins include Most Outstanding Senior Classical Voice Performer at the KPU International Music Festival and second place in the New York Young Performer's Prize International Competition. During the pandemic, she engaged in an Online Masterclass by opera singer Lisette Oropesa. In 2021, Isabela clinched the Most Outstanding Senior Classical Voice Performer at the VAYA Fall Festival and won Silver at the World Classical Music Awards. In 2022, she secured the third prize at the VIII ODIN International Music Online Competition and the London Classical Music Competition. She attained Gold at the World Classical Music Awards in April. Continuing her success, Isabela triumphed at the VAYA Spring Festival and Royal Sound Music Competition. She claimed the Judges Best Performance Award at the Vienna Virtuoso Festival and emerged victorious at the Beethoven Young Musician and Tokyo International Youth Music competitions. Notably, Isabela was selected for a performance at the Beethoven House in Bonn in December 2023 after winning the Grand Prize Virtuoso Competition. Invited twice to perform for the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Isabela aspires to join more competitions and masterclasses to refine her craft.
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Lynn Ueno  - Piano - Junior Category - Gold Medalist - USA 

Lynn Ueno is an 11-year-old pianist from California who has been
studying under Professor Anna Poklewski and Ms. Bianca Roesli since
the age of 5. Lynn's passion for music has led her to remarkable
achievements from a young age. She made her debut performance at the
Royal Albert Hall in London at the age of 6 and has since won numerous
awards and prizes.

In 2019, Lynn won the 1st Prize at the "International Music
Competition London Grand Prize Virtuoso," where she delivered a
brilliant performance. She also secured the 1st Prize at the "2020
American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition" and was
invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York in 2022. Lynn recently
won the 2023 Artciál International Piano Competition and has been
invited to perform at the Honors Concert at Herbst Theatre at the San Francisco Performing Arts Center.

Lynn has received several other awards for her exceptional talent, including the FIRST PRIZE + EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG TALENT Special Prize at the "International Music Competition Bonn Grand Prize Virtuoso" in 2020, the 1st Prize in the 2021 Great Composers Competition, and the Platinum Award with the highest score in her category at the 2022 Quebec International Music Competition. She has also achieved the 3rd Prize in both the 2021 and 2022 United States International Music Competitions, the 1st Prize in the 2021 US New Star Piano Competition by composer Chopin, and the 2nd Prize in the 2021 KAMSA Competition.

Additionally, Lynn received the Gold Prize at the 2023 North American Virtuoso International Music Competition and was featured at a NAVI Top Prize Winners' Gala Concert, among many other accomplishments. 
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Jiayi Shi - Piano - Collegiate Category - Gold Medalist - USA


Jiayi Shi, born in 2006 has studied under Cindy Lee for nearly nine years, and has studied piano for 13. During such time, she has participated in multiple international and local competitions, achieving First places, notable awards, prizes, invitation, and experience. Jiayi has had the privilege of being invited to perform at esteemed venues including Carnegie Hall in the United States, Solitar Mozarteum, Petit Palau at the Palau de la Musica Catalana, and other locations both within the country and internationally. Jiayi has also recorded professionally and regularly engages in recital performances, with experience in solo, duet, and ensemble settings.

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Mason Moon - Cello - Youth Category - Gold Medalist - USA

Mason is a junior in Millburn High School in New Jersey. He played viola for a year when he was in fourth grade, but switched to cello and has been playing it for 6 years. During his time as a cellist, he participated in his school’s chamber orchestra and he was a principal cellist in the school orchestra. He participated in the New Jersey North Region (as a co-principal cellist) and All-State Orchestras. He participates in other orchestral ensembles like Veritas Youth Orchestra and Bernards Ensemble.
Outside of music, Mason volunteers at an animal shelter. He is also enthusiastic about biology and math.
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​Duoduo Dai - Violin  - Youth  Category - Gold Medalist - USA

Duoduo Dai, a 15-year-old violinist, has been playing the violin for seven years, studying with various teachers along the way. Currently, she is fortunate to be learning from Elizabeth Faidley which has further enhanced her musical abilities.  Duoduo Dai's dedication and love for the violin have led her to win multiple awards in state, national, and international competitions. Among her achievements are second place in the New York Violin International Competition (NYVIC), the New York American String Competition (NYAIC), and the Pacific Violin and Music Competition (PVMC) in the junior age group. These accomplishments reflect her growth as a musician and her ability to captivate audiences with her performances.  In addition to her competition successes, Duoduo Dai has had the opportunity to attend masterclasses with renowned artists such as Ray Chen, Hans Jensen, and Stefan Jakiwv. These experiences have provided her with valuable insights, improving her technique and expanding her musical knowledge.
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​Adelynn Li  - Piano - Pre-Junior Category - Gold Medalist - USA

​Adelynn Li, 6, lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her parents. She started her first piano lesson at five and fell in love with the instrument.  Her parents soon discovered she has perfect pitch and decided to pursue the musical path further. A student of Lena Grozman, Adelynn has already been placed top prizes in many piano competitions. Her recent achievements include the Grand Prix of the Concert Festival International Competition 2023, the First Prize of the American Protégé International Music Talent Competition 2023, and the First Award of the 2023 Artciál International Piano Competition San Francisco region (live audition) with the highest score in Category A and a Master Class with Dr. Hanbo Ma. Additionally, Adelynn is the top prize winner of many other competitions such as the First Prize of the Charleston International Music Competition 2023, the Absolute First Prize and the Special Prize of Excellent Musicality Award in the World Grand Prix International Music Contest Season 2, 2023,  the First Prize and the Exceptional Young Talent Special Prize Winner of the Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition 2023, and the Gold Medalist of the North American Virtuoso International Music Competition 2023.
 
By age 6, Adelynn has already received invitations to perform at the Carnegie Hall in New York City three times. She was the youngest performer during her Grand Prix/First Prize Winner’s Recital at Carnegie Hall in April, 2023, and was selected to receive a scholarship towards the 2023 Summer Tour to perform at Vienna & Salzburg, Austria. Being a recipient of the Challenger school scholarship (Middlefield Campus) for the past two years, Adelynn loves learning. Besides piano, she enjoys reading, dancing, story writing, math and swimming. She is also an enthusiast in science.

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​Wong Yuet - Piano - Pre-Junior Category - Gold Medalist - Hong Kong

Wong Yuet is currently a second-grade student at a kindergarten in Hong Kong. Yuet's father recognized the value of classical music in early childhood education and introduced Yuet to piano lessons at the age of three and violin lessons at four. Yuet is currently studying piano with Jamie Shum, a prominent young pianist in Hong Kong, and has had the opportunity to perform in various concerts and competitions. Yuet has achieved notable success, including winning the First Prize in Grade 2 at the 75th Hong Kong Schools Music Festival (2023), Gold Medal in Quebec Music Competition (Canada), Gold Medal in North American Virtuoso International Music Competition (Canada), the Champion in both the Kindergarten group and Grade 2 at the Greater Bay Area International Youth Piano Competition 2023, Bronze Award in World Piano Teacher Association (Finland) and Bronze Prize in INZAI International Music Competition (Japan).  
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Ornaiya Jongsitthisatjakul - Alto Saxophone - Junior Category - Gold Medalist - Thailands

Hello, my name is Ornaiya Jongsitthisatjakul, or you can call me Wha Wha, and I'm 11 years old, from Thailand.

I started playing saxophone when I was 7 years old. I’m received many awards at Asia competitions and International competitions.
This isfirst time participating in the NAVI 2023 and I’m honored to get Gold Medal award.  
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I loved and appreciated the sound of the saxophone, my favorite genres were Classical and Jazz.  I was also playing the piano, but the piano for me was very difficult, but I tried my best. If you like my song, you can keep an eye on me on my youtube channel called WhaWha SaxSounds.

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Shujun Huang - Harp - Professional Category - Gold Medalist - Hong Kong

​ Currently a special harpist of Dongguan Songhu Philharmonic Orchestra and Bay Area Philharmonic Hong Kong Orchestra, and the founder of Dongguan Carty Harp Center. Under the tutelage of Ms. Helen Tsoi, a harp educator in Hong Kong, she went to Serbia with Ms. Željka Milošević and Germany with Ms. Elisabeth Anetseder-Meyer to study harp. Now she is studying harp with internationally renowned harpist Ms. Dan Yu, and has obtained a postgraduate degree in commercial music from Berklee College in the United States. Second place in the harp senior group in the 13th World Open Music Competition. 2023 International Youth Talent Musician Competition Judges (Harp). During her stay in China, she actively participated in various performances and has rich experience in performances and teaching, including the Dongguan City Chinese New Year Gala, Dongguan Steinway & Sons Concert Hall performances, and also taught harp instructors in international schools, popularized harp music, introduced international teaching methods. Shujun has been interviewed by RTHK's CIBS & "Music World Horizon" and The Hong Kong Pianist Society.

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​Anna Ivanova – Voice – Adult Musician Category – Gold Medalist –USA/Belarus
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Anna Ivanova is a Belarusian-born economist currently working at the International Monetary Fund. She holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Master's degree in Economic Development from Vanderbilt University, and a Master's degree in Nuclear Physics from Belarusian State University. Alongside her professional career, Anna has actively pursued her love for singing. She has been taking private voice lessons with renowned opera singers Jennifer Casey Cabot and Olga Romanko, further honing her musical skills. 
Anna has showcased her musical talent through various notable performances, including at the State of the Arts Cultural Series organized by the U.S. Department of State, a concert at the Kaufman Music Center in New York, and a concert at the Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington D.C. Additionally, she has participated in a range of performances organized by Seeds of Hope Armenia, the Potomac Vocal Institute, and the Society of Veterans of Belarus, among others.
Anna's musical abilities have earned her recognition: she was awarded the first prize at the 2022 2nd Swiss International Music Competition, a gold medal at the 2023 Nobel-Artist International Music Competition, and a platinum medal at the 2023 Quebec Music Competition.
 
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​Christina Uriegas - Violin - Collegiate Category - Gold Medalist - Serbia / USA

Christina Uriegas was born in 2004 in Serbia, where she has just graduated from the Music High School as a Performer of Classical Music on the Violin, and she is currently working towards continuing her musical education at the university level.

Till starting elementary school in 2011, she lived with her family in the USA and Germany.  At the age of 8, Christina started playing the violin at the Music Elementary School in her hometown, and six years later, in 2019, she enrolled the Music High School majoring in performance on violin. During her schooling, Christina has taken advanced violin training classes and attended violin masterclasses given by the violin professors and virtuosos in their profession: Vladimir Markovich, Marija Kovachevich, Goran Kentera, Imre Lakatosch, Neboyscha Vlaisavlyevich, Megumi Techima Kalman, Robert Lakatosch and Stefan Milenkovich.

Christina has performed at various concerts and ceremonies in Serbia, either as a solo performer or as a part of schools’ orchestras, or chamber orchestras. She has also participated in numerous state and international competitions in Serbia, and this year for the first time she participated in an international online competition abroad - North American Virtuoso International Music Competition- where she won a golden medal.
 
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​Hyeunjoo Chung - Shamisen - Youth Category - Gold Medalist - USA

Hyeunjoo Chung is a Korean practitioner of traditional Japanese
music. He studies Tsugaru-shamisen under Bachido founder Kyle Abbott
and is a proud member of the international shamisen community at
Bachido. He mixes influences from traditional Korean music into his
shamisen playing to create a hybrid sound, while also using
non-traditional musical techniques such as the use of electric
amplification. He is inspired to play by the struggles of Zainichi
Koreans in Japan and the joy of sharing culture. He had the
opportunity to perform at the Santa Cruz Japanese Cultural Fair.

Since 2022, Hyeunjoo has been an Evergreen Valley High School student,
and plans to pursue a higher education.

Hyeunjoo additionally plays other instruments, including the gayageum,
piano, viola, and erhu. He has obtained a diploma from the National
Guild of Piano Teachers and plays in the Evergreen Valley String
Orchestra. In his free time, he searches for traditional clothing,
writes novels, and drinks copious amounts of lemon ginger tea.

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​Xavier Marican - Saxophone - Collegiate Category - Gold Medalist - Canada

Xavier Marican is a saxophonist from Kamloops, BC, who aims to offer excellent performances of great music of the classical saxophone and inspire others to do the same. Marican studies music performance under Wendell Clanton at the University of Victoria.
Marican has performed as a soloist and with ensembles including the National Youth Band of Canada and the Denis Wick Canadian Wind Orchestra, receiving awards including the Rico by D’Addario Golden Reed Award and the Long & McQuade Outstanding Musicianship Award. Marican was a finalist in the 2023 Music International Grand Prix, a gold medalist in the 2023 Quebec International Music Competition, and a winner of the 2023 UVic Concerto Competition.
Marican has always shown persistence and dedication in his artistic pursuits. From 2018-20, he studied with the Greater Vancouver Youth Music Academy, making an over 700 kilometre round trip between Kamloops and Vancouver every Sunday to pursue superior musical education with their Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Marican is inspired by the desire to give performances that awe, impress, and inspire others in turn, and to create a shine in the eyes of audiences and students. His greatest inspiration, however, is the beauty of the saxophone, which requires no explanation.
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Yige Zhou - Piano - Youth Category & Christopher Norton Piano Music Category - Gold Medalist - USA

Yige Zhou is a 7th grader from California. She started playing piano when she was 5 years old.
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Yige got countless awards on piano performance. She got the first prize in 2023 Charleston International Music Competition. She also got the first prize in 2023 International Music Competition Grand Prize Virtuoso and was invited to perform at Salzburg(Austria) on July. Yige was the first-place winter of both the 2022 Golden Classical Music Awards International competition and the 2022 Seattle international Piano Festival. She was invited to perform at NYC’s
Carnegie Hall in 2022 too. She also won First Prize and Rising Star in the Muse 2019 international music competition. Additionally, she earned second place in both the 2019 Los Angeles Young Musician International Competition and the 2019 International music competition Salzburg
“grand prize virtuoso”. From 2018 up to 2022, Yige has earned several first-place awards in the Southwestern Youth Music Festival and Satori Summer Music Festival. In 2021, she has also earned State honor piano for the advanced Level of Music Teacher’s Association of California Certificate of Merit 2021.
Whenever she plays music, she imagines each piece as a story unfolding beneath her fingertips and shaped by her breath. Music means a lot to her.
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​Violet Chen  - Piano - Pre-Junior Category - Gold Medalist - USA

​Shortly before Violet was born, her mother started piano lessons to calm her pregnancy. Four years later, Violet started her own lessons from the same piano instructor, Ssu-Chi Winnie Chen. Aside from music, Violet loves reading junior fantasy novels, and playing strategic games with her dad. She stays busy with swimming, tennis and in-line skating.       In the summer, she visits relatives in Taiwan. She wants to write books, perhaps something involving Pokemon, princesses or some combination of the two. Violet has a little sister who is her best friend and partner in mischief.


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Felix Zhou - Piano - Junior Category - Gold Medalist - USA

Felix Zhou is a 8 years old boy from California. He started learning piano during the summer of 2021 and improved very fast. He won multiple first places in the Satori Summer Music Festival (young pianist contest) and Southwestern Youth Music Festival from 2022.
Recently, Felix got the gold prize and excellent interpretation award in 2023 Manchester International Music Competition. He also got the first prize in 2023 International Music Competition Grand Prize Virtuoso and Muse 2023 International Music Competition. He was invited to perform at Salzburg(Austria) and Athens(Greece).
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Ethan Chan - Piano - Pre-junior Category - Gold Medalist - Hong Kong (SAR)

Ethan Chan just completed his third-grade at a kindergarten in Hong Kong and he is turning to 6 years old on last month. Ethan started his group piano lesson at the age of three and half years old.  After taken few lessons, his piano teacher Ms Kobby Yeung realized that Ethan has a very good memory of music notes and invited him to join her piano studio and become
Ethan's private musical teacher.  Ethan has been studying the piano for the last 18 months  and has been participated the 74th (grade 1) and 75th (grade 2) Hong Kong Schools Musical Festival  (2022 and 2023) and achieved both with Silver Award. He has been taking grade 5 piano exam  of The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music on May 2023 and achieved the result  of Merit .  Currently, Ethan is prepare to taking the grade 6 ABRSM exam not later than the  end of 2023 and hopefully will finish his grade 8 ABRSM exam by the end of 2024.
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Jayden Tan - Piano - Junior Category - Gold Medalist - USA

Hello, my name is Jayden Tan, and I'm currently 8 years old. I have a fondness for the color turquoise, and cheese pizza is my favorite food. At home, I live with my mom, dad, and my younger sister, who is 4 years old. To pass the time, I enjoy reading fiction chapter books. Another hobby of mine is gardening, and I grow a variety of plants such as corn, peaches, pomegranates, tomatoes (both big and small), and persimmons. Additionally, I have a 10-year-old cat as a beloved pet.

My musical journey began at the age of 4 when I started playing the piano using an electric keyboard. Later, when I turned 5, I was fortunate enough to receive a real piano. Playing the piano brings me immense joy, especially when I tackle fast and lively pieces. Music has a profound impact on my emotions, as slow and soft tunes make me feel relaxed, while fast and loud ones make me feel energetic. My favorite genres are jazz and classical music.

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​Sandra Keerthi - Voice - Professional Category - Gold Medalist - India

Sandra Keerthi is an accomplished musician renowned for her exceptional vocal talents and unwavering dedication to the art of music. Hailing from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, Sandra embarked on a journey to the United States in pursuit of her passion for Jazz, ultimately discovering her true calling in Opera.
 
She completed her B.S. in Vocal Performance at Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester, New York. She was a soloist at RWU’s An Evening On Broadway and Handel's Messiah at the annual Christmas Gala. Within opera, Sandra was cast as the First Lady in Mozart's The Magic Flute and Fiordiligi in RWU Opera's production of Mozart's Cosi fan Tutte. Notably, Sandra made her debut as a soloist with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in December 2022, and she is set to be the featured soloist at their upcoming July concert in Inlet, NY, with Conductor Matthew Kraemer.
 
Sandra's talent has garnered widespread recognition and numerous accolades. She emerged as the first-place winner in her division at The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competition in 2019. She also won the Roberts Wesleyan Concerto Aria Competition in 2021. Sandra's recent accomplishments include receiving the prestigious Encouragement Award at the Metropolitan Opera Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition and securing first place in the NATS Eastern regional. She also placed third in the Classical Singers National Young Artist/Emerging Professional Competition in 2023 and is the winner of the Charleston International Competition.
 
She has guest conducted the Resonanz outreach choir for the Rochester Oratorio Society and was the soloist alongside the Rochester Oratorio Society. She serves as the Director of Liturgical Music at St. Marianne Cope Parish.
 
Sandra Keerthi's passion for music knows no bounds, and she continually seeks new avenues to express her artistry and connect with her audience as a global musician. 
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​Olivia Zhang - Violin - Gold Medalist - USA

​Olivia Zhang - Violin -Junior Category -Gold Medalist- Malaysia 
Born in Shanghai, Olivia Zhang discovered her passion for the violin at the mere age of four. Under the nurturing guidance of Ms.Bonnie Lee, graduated from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, Master and Bachelor of Music, Founder of Primo Music Pedagogy Music, Shanghai Opera House Symphony Orchestra, First Violin. Olivia's talent swiftly blossomed. She performing at renowned venues in Shanghai, including the prestigious Suez Hall and the Hongqiao Convention Hall, and enriching the artistic scene in art galleries and museums.Beyond solo performances, Olivia exhibited an aptitude for collaboration. She routinely joined forces with chamber music ensembles, offering a richer tapestry of sound. 
2023 marked a pivotal turn in her journey, as she began training under Dr. Goh Chia-Chien, the Artistic Director of Musicians Linkage,UCSI University Violin Lecturer, Sunway University Principal Advisor. The Philomusica Society This association not only brought her into the Musicians Linkage PSO/PYSO fold but also led her to regular performances at Menara Ken TTDI. Olivia shared her craft for a charitable cause, taking the stage at UCSI University in Malaysia for an NGO event.
Olivia's musical mastery hasn't just resonated with audiences but has also earned her accolades on competitive platforms. From clinching The Second place at the San Francisco International Innovative Music Competition in 2020 to being celebrated with The First Place certificate in the International Music Competition Best Vivaldi Performance，the Gold Award at the Beijing International Music Festival in 2021, she shone brightly in the 2022 8th Euro National Conservatory of Music Youth Competition, bagging both the third prize and the String Quartet Champion Award. Another feather in her cap was the Gold Award at the J.S. Bach International Open Music Festival in 2022.
For Olivia, the violin isn't merely an instrument. It's a vessel for emotions, a canvas for painting her stories, and a testament to the individuality of every musician. Through the harmonious strings of her violin, she believes in the universality of music, where myriad tunes come together in a grand symphony of life.

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Chloe Cho Yik Chi - Voice - Youth Category - Silver Medalist - Hong Kong 

Born in June 2009, Chloe is currently a vocal student of Ms. Smile TSE since 2020.  Chloe started learning singing at the age of 9 and she passed the ABRSM grade 5 (2019) and grade 8 (2021) singing exams with distinction. In Jan 2021, Chloe obtained the DipLCM on classical singing. Besides singing, she passed the ABRSM grade 8 flute exam(2021). Besides vocal, Chloe also learns flute and piano.

Over the past three years, she has received numerous champion and gold award in local singing competitions, including the Joint School Music Competition 2020, the Hong Kong Young Musicians Festival 2020, the International Fringe Music Festival and Competition 2020, the International Young Musicians Music Competition, the Wien 2020 and Global Children's and the Youth Singing Competition 2021.

Chloe has participated in the 73 rd (2021) 74 th ,(2022) and 75 th (2023) Hong Kong Schools Music Festival in 2021 and was awarded the following:
2021: (FIRST Place​) Vocal Solo - Foreign Language - Primary School - Age 13 or under 2022: (FIRST Place) Vocal Solo – Foreign Language – Secondary School – Age 14 or under (2022) 2023: (SECOND Place) Vocal Solo – Chinese Language – Open Group  Thank you NAVI for the Silver award.
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​Riya Divecha- Piano- Silver Medalist- Junior Category- USA

Riya Divecha was born in USA in 2013 and began studying piano at the age of 5. Riya started to participate in international piano competitions since 2023.

Riya has won numerous awards including the 1st prize in the Grand Prize Virtuoso international competition in Salzburg and Barcelona, the 1st prize in the Bach international music competition in UK, and the 1st prize in the Golden Classical music awards international competition in NYC.

Riya has been invited to numerous venues around the world including Solitar Mozarteum of Salzburg in Austria, Pitit Palau at the Palau de la Musica Catalana of Barcelona, and Carnegie Hall in NY.

Riya is honored to be part of the North American Virtuoso international competition for the first time and looking forward to exploring more in the music world.


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Athens Phannathat Jenjobkett - Percussion (Drums) - Silver Medalist -Thailand


Athens was born Thailand 2008. He started taking drum lessons at the age of 8. When he was 13, he completed the Trinity College London’s Grade 8 for the drums with a Merit.

He received many awards at Asia competitions and International competitions. This is his first time participating in the NAVI 2023.

He is currently playing for MCGP Pop combo. He is honored to get his award because it makes him want to keep on playing the drums and improve his skills.
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​Eileen Gong - Piano - Silver Medalist - Youth Category - USA

Eileen Gong was born in California and has been studying the piano since she was 7. She has been able to participate in numerous recitals and concerts throughout the years while also receiving many awards. 

Most recently Eileen was awarded the 1st prize in the Grand Prize Virtuoso International competition along with an invitation to perform in Salzburg and Barcelona. She has also attained 1st place in the Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition and is planning to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Eileen is honored to be part of the North American Virtuoso International Competition and will continue to work hard to attain great achievements in the future.
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Dexter Chien - Piano - Silver Medalist - USA

Dexter Chien is a 8th grader from California. He started playing piano when he was 5 years old. 

Dexter has won many awards, both locally and internationally. Notably, Dexter received  Superior distinction in his age group for 2022 YMS US Highlight Repertoire Performance. More recently, Dexter has won the 1st prize in the Grand Prize Virtuoso international competition and was invited to perform live in Salzburg and Barcelona. In addition, he has won 1st place in the Golden Classical music awards internationally competition and will perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City. 

Dexter is honored to be part of the North American Virtuoso international competition and looking forward to more opportunities in the near future.
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​Kaitlyn Wan Lum Fong - Voice - Silver Medalist - Hong Kong (SAR)
 
Kaitlyn first started singing at the age of 3 and has been competing across various singing competitions around the world.  Her recent achievements include obtaining a Gold Award in Premia’s 2nd International Young Artists Concert 2022-2023; winning a Gold Award in the Canadian International Music Competition 2022-2023; winning a Gold award in the North American International Competition 2022-2023; and another Gold award in the Grand Metropolitan Competition 2022-2023; just to name a few. She passed her ABRSM Grade 5 vocal exams with Distinction in 2021.  At the age of 7, Kaitlyn received the prestigious Gold award from The International Music Competitions Salzburg “Grand Prize Virtuoso”, and was amongst a selected group of winners chosen to debut at the Mozarteum-Solitär in Salzburg, Austria.  At school, Kaitlyn is part of the Diocesan Girls’ Junior School’s Intermediate Choir and School Orchestra.  She is an avid ballet dancer and takes passion in training classical ballet.  Kaitlyn has performed for 8 consecutive years at the Christmas Nutcracker Benefit hosted by the HK Ballet Guild.  She aspires to move people through her music and singing.
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​​Kyra Xin Hei Fong - Voice - Silver Medalist - Hong Kong (SAR)
 
Kyra started singing at the age of 5 and had been awarded a Silver prize in the North American International Music Competition 2022-2023; 1st prize in the Golden Classical Music Awards 2022-2023, 3rd prize in the 75th Hong Kong School Music Festival (2023) Girls Treble Voice-Primary School-Age 7 to 8;  a Silver Award in the Grand Metropolitan International 2022-2023, a Gold Award in Canadian International Music Competition 2022-2023; and a Silver in 2nd Premia International Young Artistis Music Festival 2023.  She is part of her school’s junior choir at St. Stephen’s College Preparatory School and plays the cello passionately. She will be sitting the grade 5 ABRSM cello exams this coming Fall.
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Ephraim Shalom Samuel - Piano - Silver Medalist - United Kingdom

Ephraim Shalom Samuel, a young and promising pianist, has been making waves in the world of music from a very young age. Born in India, currently living in Oxford,England, Ephraim's remarkable musical journey began when he was just a child, immersing himself in the world of music and singing.

At the tender age of four, Ephraim's innate musical abilities were already apparent. His passion for music and singing was nurtured from an early age, setting the stage for his future as a pianist. At the age of nine, he embarked on his formal musical education at the KM Music Conservatory in Chennai, India, under the guidance of Dr. Surojeet Chatterji, musician and alumnus of the Moscow Conservatory, along with his Assistant and talented pianist Mr. Puneet Sharma.

Under the tutelage of these accomplished mentors at the Russian Studio of KMMC, Ephraim's prodigious talent flourished. His dedication and hard work were evident, leading him to early success. His first taste of victory came with 'The Pianist' by CASIO , followed by recognition at the Vienna International Competition and the JOYEUX International Piano Competition.

Covid Lockdown Triumph:
Amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, Ephraim's determination shone brightly.Seizing the opportunity to delve deeper into his craft, he undertook the ambitious task of self-teaching the intricate masterpiece by Ravel, 'Alborada del Gracioso.' This extraordinary feat not only earned him applause from his teachers but also secured him a scholarship at the conservatory. Ephraim's commitment and resilience during such trying times showcased his true potential.Ephraim was only 11 yrs old when he first played the Piece and still remains one of the youngest to attempt such a challenging Masterpiece. 

Ephraim's musical journey continues under the mentorship of Ms Tessa Nicholson, a respected pianist, soloist, and chamber musician, who also holds a teaching position at the prestigious Royal College of Music in London.


Quoting E S Samuel's  Teacher Dr Surojeet Chatterjee, "Being of extreme quiet disposition, he is too difficult to get to know, though his piano playing makes up for it and speaks volumes of his incredible abilities.It is indeed difficult to accept and believe is the one that was prepared and made totally on the strength of his abilities. How was he able to with such short to training to conquer the stupendous challenges of such a complex piano composition by Ravel. It is truly an incredible feat in the eyes of his teachers and colleagues.  “Necessity being the mother of all Inventions”, Sam did the impossible, what most students can only attempt to do under the supervision of mentors. During the long Covid Lockdown, Samuel with no mentor at hand did not sit idle but was selected as one of the 20 exceptional pianists at the Third International Competition in Vienna & ranked Third with the Bronze medal at the JOYEUX international piano competition 2021, Singapore with a score of 80.7%.Ephraim Shalom Samuel is a rare gem midst the very few young pianists emerging in India."

Ephraim Shalom Samuel's journey is a reminder that true brilliance emerges from the fusion of innate talent, unwavering dedication, and the opportunities that nurture both.
Messages from Professors
 
Thank you so much for this opportunity that you have given to the international kids.  What a wonderful experience indeed.  We look forward to the next season. 
~  Prof. Perpy Heath ~ 

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Thank you for the thoughtful and informative message. I am very proud of my student Xavier Marican. He will be in France soon for the UNIVERSITÉ EUROPÉENNE DE SAXOPHONE.
My best to all.
Wendell Clanton
Assistant Teaching Professor
Saxophone
University of Victoria
Victoria, BC, Canada
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