Biographies of
2021 North American Virtuoso International Music Competition Prize Winners
2021 North American Virtuoso International Music Competition Prize Winners
Sebastian Di Bin - Piano - Palladium Medalist & Platinum Medalists Winner - Grand Champion - Italy
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.
Hikarigaoka Girls’ High School Wind Orchestra - Platinum Medalist - Grand Champion - Japan
The Wind Orchestra was established in 1969. It welcomes its 50th anniversary in 2019 with more than 120 band members. The band has appeared in the All Japan Band Competition National Finals 17 times, attended the Mid-Europe Festival (Austria) in 2001 and 2004 and the Summa Cum Laude Festival of Vienna, receiving Grand-Prix in 2004. They were also invited to perform for the Japan Wind Ensemble Conductors Conference from 2009 to 2015. Hikarigaoka Girls’ High School Wind Orchestra participated in several consortium commissions including those for John Mackey’s “Kingfishers Catch Fire”, Steven Bryant’s “Axis Mundi”, David Maslanka’s “Liberation” and Andrew Boysen Jr.’s “This is the Drum”. The band has also participated in the 73rd Annual Midwest Clinic in 2019 and worked with Jens Lindemann, trumpet, Jason Fettig, conductor, and Jerry Junkin, conductor. The band received The Sudler Flag of Honor from John Phillip Sousa Foundation. This flag is given to honor high school band programs internationally that have demonstrated particularly significant high standards of excellence in concert activities over a period of several years. The band often welcomes professional musicians such as Mamoru Nakata, former saxophonist of Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra, Taizo Okuyama, TKWO trumpet, Ayako Oura, TKWO clarinet and Ayako Maeda, flutist.
Chiacheng Sen - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Grand Champion - USA
In 2017, Chiacheng Sen won the first prize in the Australian Vocal and Concerto Competition, second prize in the International Music Competition Grand Prize Virtuoso in Rome, third prize in the Risingstars Grandprix in Berlin. In previous years, she also won the first prize in the USOMC in Oakland, American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition which led to her Carnegie Hall debut. She had also won first prize in United States Open Music Competition, second prize in the Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation, Second prize in International Young Artist Piano Competition in Washington DC. When Chiacheng was 12, she won her first competition in the Creative Art Competition hosted by Taiwan Television and Min Sheng Bao. She played Jeux D’eau by Ravel and won cash prize of 20000 NTD.
Chiacheng Sen received master degree from the New England Conservatory of Music and doctoral degree in Piano Performance with full scholarship from UC Santa Barbara. She worked in the UCSB music department as a collaborative piano teaching assistant for four years, teaching both undergraduate and graduate students. After graduation in 2011, Chiacheng worked at East Los Angeles College, Orange County School of the Arts, and Long Beach City College and other music schools as piano instructor and staff pianist. In 2018, Chiacheng collaborated with renowned violinist/ composer Jeremy Cohen from Quartet San Francisco in a memorial concert of Raymond Scott at Colony Theatre. Besides her career as an extraordinary pianist with wide interests, she also plays with the Orchestra Collective of Orange County as a violinist.
Yuqiao Chen - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Grand Prize Winner - 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 Third
Prize (Middle Group) in Vladimir Krainev Moscow Online Competition. 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”; He attained the Third Prize in Shanghai Open
Music Competition in Open age group. In Mendelsson Competition Asia-Pacific round
he achieved the First Prize in Junior B; Champion in Liszt Group in 2020 Singapore
international Piano Competition in Open age group; Gold Prize in Quebec International Competion(2020 &2021); He won the First Prize of International Moscow Music Competition and Second Prize of VIII Stockholm International Music Competition in 2021. He entered the final round of IV Vladimir Krainev Competition 2021. Meanwhile, Yuqiao has been invited to perform concerts in many different
countries, including a solo recital in Kathmandu when he was 10 years old and a series of concert in Prague and Berlin. He was titled as “Bechestain Young Artist”. Invited by “International Philharmonic Children of Future”, he performed in 3 concerts in Moscow.
MIA PEČNIK - Piano - Platinum Medalist - Croatia
Mia has received more than 70 first prizes on competitions. In 2020 she has been awarded the prestigious W.Richard Stiftung and has been chosen to take part in the promotion program of the G.Becker Agency Dortmund as part of the concert series “Best of NRW” with 13 concerts in the season 2021/22.
Mia won the Ivo Vuljević Award for the biggest musical achievement of young musicians in 2020 in Croatia and in 2019 the most significant award given to musicians in Croatia, the Young Musician of the Year Award. Several times, she was awarded with the „Oscar of knowledge” prize, awarded by the Ministry of education of Croatia. She is also the winner of the “Prof. Baltazar“prize given by City of Zagreb for the absolute prize on the Croatian National Competition.
Mia is now a student of Prof. A.Frölich at HfMT Köln. She has performed as a soloist and with an orchestra in Belgium, Serbia, Slovakia, Germany, Slovenia, Italy (St. Cecilia Hall), Hungary, Austria, Spain in the Great Britain, Poland, in the USA and in Kuwait.
In 2020 she was a finalist of the national Eurovision Young Musicians Competition.
She has recorded for the Croatian TV, Hungary TV and RTL.
Mia has received more than 70 first prizes on competitions. In 2020 she has been awarded the prestigious W.Richard Stiftung and has been chosen to take part in the promotion program of the G.Becker Agency Dortmund as part of the concert series “Best of NRW” with 13 concerts in the season 2021/22.
Mia won the Ivo Vuljević Award for the biggest musical achievement of young musicians in 2020 in Croatia and in 2019 the most significant award given to musicians in Croatia, the Young Musician of the Year Award. Several times, she was awarded with the „Oscar of knowledge” prize, awarded by the Ministry of education of Croatia. She is also the winner of the “Prof. Baltazar“prize given by City of Zagreb for the absolute prize on the Croatian National Competition.
Mia is now a student of Prof. A.Frölich at HfMT Köln. She has performed as a soloist and with an orchestra in Belgium, Serbia, Slovakia, Germany, Slovenia, Italy (St. Cecilia Hall), Hungary, Austria, Spain in the Great Britain, Poland, in the USA and in Kuwait.
In 2020 she was a finalist of the national Eurovision Young Musicians Competition.
She has recorded for the Croatian TV, Hungary TV and RTL.
Jeffery Ou - Piano - Platinum Medalist - USA
In 2009, 18-year-old Taiwanese-American pianist JEFFERY OU introduced himself to the music world by emerging as a Top 20 Semifinalist in season 4 of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” He was among the youngest contestants as well as the only classical musician, instrumentalist and East Asian to reach semifinals in the American spin on the “Got Talent” franchise that year. His performances drew worldwide attention. His private instructors have included WELLS YI WU, BAYA KAKOUBERI, Dr. STEVEN HARLOS and GUSTAVO ROMERO. In Europe, Jeffery is an alumnus of the Sankt Goar International Music Academy (Germany) and the American Institute of Musical Studies (Austria). In the United States, he attended the world-renowned College of Music at the University of North Texas, where he was an Emerald Eagle Distinguished Scholar and completed Bachelor's/Master's degrees in Piano Performance. Jeffery is currently completing a Graduate Certificate in Performance at the University of Texas-Arlington, where he studies under Dr. JOHN SOLOMONS as a Mary Frances Reel Memorial Scholarship Endowment recipient. He is slated for graduation in December 2021, with a currently perfect 4.0 Grade Point Average. Through his teachers, his artistic lineage directly traces to Robert Schumann, Felix Mendelssohn, Franz Liszt and Frederic Chopin.
In 2009, 18-year-old Taiwanese-American pianist JEFFERY OU introduced himself to the music world by emerging as a Top 20 Semifinalist in season 4 of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” He was among the youngest contestants as well as the only classical musician, instrumentalist and East Asian to reach semifinals in the American spin on the “Got Talent” franchise that year. His performances drew worldwide attention. His private instructors have included WELLS YI WU, BAYA KAKOUBERI, Dr. STEVEN HARLOS and GUSTAVO ROMERO. In Europe, Jeffery is an alumnus of the Sankt Goar International Music Academy (Germany) and the American Institute of Musical Studies (Austria). In the United States, he attended the world-renowned College of Music at the University of North Texas, where he was an Emerald Eagle Distinguished Scholar and completed Bachelor's/Master's degrees in Piano Performance. Jeffery is currently completing a Graduate Certificate in Performance at the University of Texas-Arlington, where he studies under Dr. JOHN SOLOMONS as a Mary Frances Reel Memorial Scholarship Endowment recipient. He is slated for graduation in December 2021, with a currently perfect 4.0 Grade Point Average. Through his teachers, his artistic lineage directly traces to Robert Schumann, Felix Mendelssohn, Franz Liszt and Frederic Chopin.
Eunhyang Choi - Piano - Gold Medalist - South Korea
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 ‘Czerny-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 a gold medal in the Quebec international music competition, the first price in Grand Prize Virtuoso international competition, Honor mention in Music and stars awards in Spain, the 5the Krystian Tkaczewski International Competition and the V Future Stars. She is currently performing in Russia, the USA and South Korea and will continue her academic and musician careers with Professor Jerome Rose In New York.
Timea Dragony - Composition - Gold Medalist - Hungary
Hungarian composer Tímea Dragony studied at the Zoltán Kodály Elementary
School of Music and was a member of the famous CANTEMUS children's choir. She
studied on faculty piano, music theory and composition.. She graduated in 2002 at the
Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music as a composer.
In 2002 she won a scholarship of the Republican Scholarship of the Hungarian
Culture Ministry and the Zoltán Kodály music and composing scholarship of the
Ministry of Education and Culture of Hungary three times in 2002, 2003 and 2006.
From 2004-2004 she was supported by the Academie Musicale de Villecroze.
Her music has been presented in many festivals, such as: SPRING Festival Budapest,
Artrium Festival of Hungarian Radio, Café Budapest, Contemporary Festival Days of
Madrid, Autumn Festival in Amsterdam. She had composition recital in Leipzig at
the Mendelssohn Bartholdy Music Academy.
She is prize winner of many prestigious competitions. Symphonic orchestra prize of
MÜPA in 2020. "Arany János” Competition /vocal – string orchestra category 2.
prize in 2018. Winner of the National Ballet Music Competition in 2014. IKZE Festival
’Ligeti’ jury prize in 2008. Kincses Compositional Award 1. and 2 prize in 2000, 2001.
Zoltán Kodály Compositional Award of the Kodály Intitute 3. prize in 2018. She won ’Hungarian Art’ grand prize and ’Hungarian Culture’ grand prize in 2009 and 2010 . In 1998 she won first prize of the oratorio category of Petőfi ’Quodlibet’ National Competition.
Hungarian composer Tímea Dragony studied at the Zoltán Kodály Elementary
School of Music and was a member of the famous CANTEMUS children's choir. She
studied on faculty piano, music theory and composition.. She graduated in 2002 at the
Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music as a composer.
In 2002 she won a scholarship of the Republican Scholarship of the Hungarian
Culture Ministry and the Zoltán Kodály music and composing scholarship of the
Ministry of Education and Culture of Hungary three times in 2002, 2003 and 2006.
From 2004-2004 she was supported by the Academie Musicale de Villecroze.
Her music has been presented in many festivals, such as: SPRING Festival Budapest,
Artrium Festival of Hungarian Radio, Café Budapest, Contemporary Festival Days of
Madrid, Autumn Festival in Amsterdam. She had composition recital in Leipzig at
the Mendelssohn Bartholdy Music Academy.
She is prize winner of many prestigious competitions. Symphonic orchestra prize of
MÜPA in 2020. "Arany János” Competition /vocal – string orchestra category 2.
prize in 2018. Winner of the National Ballet Music Competition in 2014. IKZE Festival
’Ligeti’ jury prize in 2008. Kincses Compositional Award 1. and 2 prize in 2000, 2001.
Zoltán Kodály Compositional Award of the Kodály Intitute 3. prize in 2018. She won ’Hungarian Art’ grand prize and ’Hungarian Culture’ grand prize in 2009 and 2010 . In 1998 she won first prize of the oratorio category of Petőfi ’Quodlibet’ National Competition.
Jerome (Carmelo Di Girolamo) - Piano (Pop) - Gold 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).
Aurora Lee - Piano - Gold Medalist - USA
Aurora Lee is a high schooler who has been playing piano since age four. She is a 2018 Music Institute of Chicago Artists of Tomorrow Merit Scholarship recipient and has won first place in the Granquist Music Competition, Rhapsody Arts Center Sonatina festival, honorable mention in the Wisconsin Music Teachers Association Badger State Competition, and second place in the American Protege International Piano and Strings Competition. Additionally, she has three Superior rating awards from the National Federation of Music Clubs. Aurora also performed in the Chicago Duo Piano festivals, Borromeo Music Festival, and Music Institute of Chicago's 86th Anniversary Gala. Besides playing the piano, Aurora also studies violin and has received full score honors at the IGSMA Solo and Ensemble in both piano and violin. In her free time, Aurora enjoys singing and playing percussion and guitar.
Joosang Kim - PIano - Gold Medalist - South Korea
Joosang Kim is a concert pianist, teacher active in the Berlin metropolitan area. His performances has been described as “virtuosic demands”. A pianist characterized by his grounded interpretations and solid sound, he has performed at Studiosaal, Kroenungskutchensaal, Kammermusiksaal in Berlin, Boesendorfersaal in Salzburg, Usquare Keumho Art Hall, Yeongsan Yangjae Hall, and Yeongsan Art Hall in addition to many other stages in Berlin, Europe, and Korea.
He attended many of Masterclasses with DAAD(Deutscher Akademische Austauschdienst) Scholarship. He participated the Masterclasses of Dmitri Alexeev, Andrea Lucchesini, Andreas Weber, Bernd Goetzke, Ekaterina Mechetina, Richard Braun, Bjoern Lehmann, Natalya Shokhireva.
He received many of Prizes at the Competitions such as 1st Prize at the Iscart International Music Competition in Lugano, 1st Prize at the International Piano Competition ‘Paderewski in Memoriam’ in Poland, 2nd Prize at the International Moscow Music Competition in Russia, Gold Stars Prize at the Music and Stars Awards 2021 in Estonia, Gold Award at the North American Virtuoso International Music Competition.
Joosang Kim is a concert pianist, teacher active in the Berlin metropolitan area. His performances has been described as “virtuosic demands”. A pianist characterized by his grounded interpretations and solid sound, he has performed at Studiosaal, Kroenungskutchensaal, Kammermusiksaal in Berlin, Boesendorfersaal in Salzburg, Usquare Keumho Art Hall, Yeongsan Yangjae Hall, and Yeongsan Art Hall in addition to many other stages in Berlin, Europe, and Korea.
He attended many of Masterclasses with DAAD(Deutscher Akademische Austauschdienst) Scholarship. He participated the Masterclasses of Dmitri Alexeev, Andrea Lucchesini, Andreas Weber, Bernd Goetzke, Ekaterina Mechetina, Richard Braun, Bjoern Lehmann, Natalya Shokhireva.
He received many of Prizes at the Competitions such as 1st Prize at the Iscart International Music Competition in Lugano, 1st Prize at the International Piano Competition ‘Paderewski in Memoriam’ in Poland, 2nd Prize at the International Moscow Music Competition in Russia, Gold Stars Prize at the Music and Stars Awards 2021 in Estonia, Gold Award at the North American Virtuoso International Music Competition.
Jia Li - Piano - Gold Medalist - China
A native Shanghainese, Li Jia received his post-graduate diploma in piano (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 , Prokofiev international Music Competition,London Young Artist Music Competition, American Young Artist 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.
A native Shanghainese, Li Jia received his post-graduate diploma in piano (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 , Prokofiev international Music Competition,London Young Artist Music Competition, American Young Artist 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.
AHHA Duo - Duo Ensemble - Gold Medalists (Heather Wang & Amy Baskurt) - USA
Heather Wang
Heather Wang is a high-school student residing and studying in New York City. She has been playing classical guitar for 4 years, and is currently a student in the Juilliard Pre-College Program, studying with classical guitarist Tali Roth.
Heather has engaged with solo, chamber, and orchestral music in the genres of classical and jazz. In the summer of 2019, she participated and performed in the 4Strings Music Festival as a solo, chamber, and orchestral musician. She is currently a Youth Ambassador and young musician of the Youth Program at Concerts in Motion, a nonprofit organization with the mission to bring live music concerts to socially isolated individuals throughout New York City. Heather has received recognition for solo performance in competitions including the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition, Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition, and Young Maestro International Music Competition. Heather also plays the piano, drum set, and electric bass. She likes to spend her free time on photography and drawing, and enjoys swimming on her school’s swim team.
AHHA Duo - Duo Ensemble - Gold Medalists (Heather Wang & Amy Baskurt) - USA
Amy Baskurt - Violinist - Gold Medalist - USA
Violinist Amy Baskurt’s musical endeavors span solo, chamber, and orchestral playing. Amy has been a student of Ann Setzer at the Juilliard Pre-college Division in New York City. Amy also plays with the Camerata Strings ensemble at the United Nations International School and plays with the United Nations Chamber Music Society. One of Amy’s most cherished moments includes when she played with the DC Youth Orchestra which was invited to be the Orchestra-in-Residence at Musica Riva Festival in Riva Del Garda, Italy. She recognized that music connects nations with a common language. Also, Amy finds that playing in chamber groups brings her the most inspiration with her music. Amy believes that music brings people together and creates happiness amongst communities. Amy has won numerous awards for her work and has performed in famed venues including: Carnegie Hall, The United Nations General Assembly Hall, The World Bank, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall and Family Theatre, Washington National Cathedral, and the Lincoln Memorial. Amy has been playing violin for 13 years. When Amy is not playing, she enjoys Model United Nations and speaks French fluently.
Both musicians study chamber music with Professor Tali Roth at the Juilliard PreCollege Division. They are also the creators and hosts of the podcast The Whole Note: Voices of Chamber which explores how culture and diversity impact chamber groups and about the role of resilience in their lives. The AH HA Duo were awardees of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Young Musicians Innovation Challenge with their podcast.
Amy Baskurt - Violinist - Gold Medalist - USA
Violinist Amy Baskurt’s musical endeavors span solo, chamber, and orchestral playing. Amy has been a student of Ann Setzer at the Juilliard Pre-college Division in New York City. Amy also plays with the Camerata Strings ensemble at the United Nations International School and plays with the United Nations Chamber Music Society. One of Amy’s most cherished moments includes when she played with the DC Youth Orchestra which was invited to be the Orchestra-in-Residence at Musica Riva Festival in Riva Del Garda, Italy. She recognized that music connects nations with a common language. Also, Amy finds that playing in chamber groups brings her the most inspiration with her music. Amy believes that music brings people together and creates happiness amongst communities. Amy has won numerous awards for her work and has performed in famed venues including: Carnegie Hall, The United Nations General Assembly Hall, The World Bank, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall and Family Theatre, Washington National Cathedral, and the Lincoln Memorial. Amy has been playing violin for 13 years. When Amy is not playing, she enjoys Model United Nations and speaks French fluently.
Both musicians study chamber music with Professor Tali Roth at the Juilliard PreCollege Division. They are also the creators and hosts of the podcast The Whole Note: Voices of Chamber which explores how culture and diversity impact chamber groups and about the role of resilience in their lives. The AH HA Duo were awardees of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Young Musicians Innovation Challenge with their podcast.
Antian Jiang - Piano - Gold Medalist - Canada
14- year- old pianist Antian is the youngest recipient in the 130 year history of Royal
Conservatory of Music to have earned the Licentiate Diploma (LRCM) with Distinction,
which she accomplished in 2017 at the age of 10. She is also the second youngest in RCM history to have earned the ARCT Diploma, which she did at the age of 9. Antian has been a student of Steinway Top Teacher Dr. Michael Esch for the past 5 years. She also takesfrequent coaching with internationally acclaimed pianist, John O’Conor.
In 2021 Antian successfully did a Facebook Live stream which sponsored by Global
Outstanding Chinese Artists Association (GOCAA-AAF). In 2020 Antian was featured in three solo recitals online. Two of them were for the nationally recognized Kitchener Waterloo Chamber Music Society (KWCMS) @ Facebook Live, in which she performed - among other works, the Goldberg Variations. Over the last 3 years, Antian has performed multiple recitalsfor KWCM, the Steinway Series and Westben Festival series.
She has appeared in performance at Carnegie Hall , Steinway Hall in New York, NEC at
Boston, Boston Conservatory and the Royal Conservatory of Music. In April 2019, Antian made her orchestral debut at Markham theatre.
In 2019 Antian was accepted on full scholarship to Morningside Music Bridge program at NEC (Boston), and the Fifth Canadian Chopin Competition, Junior division. She was also recognized with the "2019 Excellence in Music Award" from the City of Markham, an award presented personally by Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. (This award is open to professional arts organizations, orchestras, ensembles in the Markham area etc.) . Over the past three years, Antian has been the focus of several documentary features and interviews by TV, Radio Stations and several newspapers in Toronto .
In 2021, Antian is just awarded honorable for The First Ise-Shima Online International Music Competition for Young Musicians in Japan, the Canadian International piano competition (14-17 years group), and distinction certificate of Neapolitan Masters
Competition(Junior B). In 2020, Antian won two European Piano Competitions: Music and Star Awards Intl. Piano Competition(Group D, Gold Award ) and Stayhome Intl. Piano Competition -young edition (3rd place). She also won both Solo and Ensemble categories of the Beethoven 250th anniversary competition which is run by AAF level GOCAA Intl. Piano Competition . Antian is the Contracted Youth Pianist of Global Outstanding Chinese Artists Association (GOCAA ) Intl. Piano Competition(AAF). Antian is the winner and the best of class of the Open/University level of OMFA Ontario 2020 provincial final. Other main achievements including: the winner of Crescendo Intl. Piano Competition and CMC Canada national final, etc. Antian also successfully obtained Harvard University online course certificate on Beethoven No.9 symphony and 19 century orchestra in 2020.
Antian has taken master classes with John O'Conor, John Perry, Robert Roux (Rice Univ.), Wha Kyung Byun (NEC), Meng Chie Liu (Curtis), and Simone Dinnerstein. She has just finished the Bach’s Well Tempered Clavier book one and Goldberg Variations. In addition to her competition repertoire, her special projects for the year include six Beethoven sonatas, Brahms' Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel , Robert Schumann's Waldszenen, Op. 82, a host of virtuosic works and etudes, as well as several concerti.
As a grade 8 gifted student, Antian is the regular winner of the International math contest winner of American AMC math contest series, Waterloo Math Contest series, Canada Mathematics Math Contest, Canada Kangaroo Math contest and Caribou math contest. Antian was a recipient of the 2021 D. E. Shaw Group AMC 8 Certificate of Excellence because her score was one of the top five scorers for the AMC 8 in MAA Section! She also credited on " Globally Distinction Honor" for 2020 AMC8.
14- year- old pianist Antian is the youngest recipient in the 130 year history of Royal
Conservatory of Music to have earned the Licentiate Diploma (LRCM) with Distinction,
which she accomplished in 2017 at the age of 10. She is also the second youngest in RCM history to have earned the ARCT Diploma, which she did at the age of 9. Antian has been a student of Steinway Top Teacher Dr. Michael Esch for the past 5 years. She also takesfrequent coaching with internationally acclaimed pianist, John O’Conor.
In 2021 Antian successfully did a Facebook Live stream which sponsored by Global
Outstanding Chinese Artists Association (GOCAA-AAF). In 2020 Antian was featured in three solo recitals online. Two of them were for the nationally recognized Kitchener Waterloo Chamber Music Society (KWCMS) @ Facebook Live, in which she performed - among other works, the Goldberg Variations. Over the last 3 years, Antian has performed multiple recitalsfor KWCM, the Steinway Series and Westben Festival series.
She has appeared in performance at Carnegie Hall , Steinway Hall in New York, NEC at
Boston, Boston Conservatory and the Royal Conservatory of Music. In April 2019, Antian made her orchestral debut at Markham theatre.
In 2019 Antian was accepted on full scholarship to Morningside Music Bridge program at NEC (Boston), and the Fifth Canadian Chopin Competition, Junior division. She was also recognized with the "2019 Excellence in Music Award" from the City of Markham, an award presented personally by Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. (This award is open to professional arts organizations, orchestras, ensembles in the Markham area etc.) . Over the past three years, Antian has been the focus of several documentary features and interviews by TV, Radio Stations and several newspapers in Toronto .
In 2021, Antian is just awarded honorable for The First Ise-Shima Online International Music Competition for Young Musicians in Japan, the Canadian International piano competition (14-17 years group), and distinction certificate of Neapolitan Masters
Competition(Junior B). In 2020, Antian won two European Piano Competitions: Music and Star Awards Intl. Piano Competition(Group D, Gold Award ) and Stayhome Intl. Piano Competition -young edition (3rd place). She also won both Solo and Ensemble categories of the Beethoven 250th anniversary competition which is run by AAF level GOCAA Intl. Piano Competition . Antian is the Contracted Youth Pianist of Global Outstanding Chinese Artists Association (GOCAA ) Intl. Piano Competition(AAF). Antian is the winner and the best of class of the Open/University level of OMFA Ontario 2020 provincial final. Other main achievements including: the winner of Crescendo Intl. Piano Competition and CMC Canada national final, etc. Antian also successfully obtained Harvard University online course certificate on Beethoven No.9 symphony and 19 century orchestra in 2020.
Antian has taken master classes with John O'Conor, John Perry, Robert Roux (Rice Univ.), Wha Kyung Byun (NEC), Meng Chie Liu (Curtis), and Simone Dinnerstein. She has just finished the Bach’s Well Tempered Clavier book one and Goldberg Variations. In addition to her competition repertoire, her special projects for the year include six Beethoven sonatas, Brahms' Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel , Robert Schumann's Waldszenen, Op. 82, a host of virtuosic works and etudes, as well as several concerti.
As a grade 8 gifted student, Antian is the regular winner of the International math contest winner of American AMC math contest series, Waterloo Math Contest series, Canada Mathematics Math Contest, Canada Kangaroo Math contest and Caribou math contest. Antian was a recipient of the 2021 D. E. Shaw Group AMC 8 Certificate of Excellence because her score was one of the top five scorers for the AMC 8 in MAA Section! She also credited on " Globally Distinction Honor" for 2020 AMC8.
Huei-Chiao Yang - Violin - Gold Medalist - Taiwan
Huei-Chiao Yang, born in Taipei 2008, 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, in June 2021 at age 13, won a gold medal in Violin Solo for 2021 North American Virtuoso International Music Competition and a Platinum Award in Violin Solo for 2021 Quebec Music Competition. Also, she won the excellent first prize for 2019 Taipei Solo Violin Competition; second place in group B (age 9~16) for 2019 Singapore International Violin Music Festival; second prize in Violin Solo for 2018 National Music Competition; 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, Cho-Liang Lin, Bin Huang, David Chan, Yu-Chien Benny Tseng, Paul Huang.
Iris Sung - Violin - Gold Medalist - USA
Iris is a 15 year old violinist who studies with Mr. Masao Kawasaki at the Juilliard School, Pre-college Division. She started her violin studies at the age of 4, and has performed actively as a soloist, and in chamber groups. She is an assistant concertmaster of the New York Youth Symphony and has served in principal positions of the Juilliard Pre-College Symphony. She is also a member of the Amoroso Quartet through the NYYS Chamber Music Program, where they were awarded the Director’s Award. The Amoroso Quartet were also semifinalists in the Fischoff Competition. At age 12, she was invited to the Vianden International Music Festival in Luxembourg as the youngest soloist. This year, Iris will also be participating in the Tanglewood Summer Institute Program. Iris has also performed as a soloist with the Orchestra of Camerata New Jersey and the NV Chamber Orchestra. In the past, she has won many awards from such competitions as the Young Artists Concerto Competition, hosted by Bravura Philharmonic Orchestra, the New York Artists International Competition, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Young Musicians Program, Camerata Artists International Competition, National Young Maestro Competition and International Grande Music Competition. Previously, Iris has performed at violin masterclasses given by Lucia Lin, Alexander Velinzon, James Buswell and Nancy Wu. She was also selected as a student artist for the 2021 Starling-Delay Symposium, where she performed for Giora Schmidt.
Iris is a 15 year old violinist who studies with Mr. Masao Kawasaki at the Juilliard School, Pre-college Division. She started her violin studies at the age of 4, and has performed actively as a soloist, and in chamber groups. She is an assistant concertmaster of the New York Youth Symphony and has served in principal positions of the Juilliard Pre-College Symphony. She is also a member of the Amoroso Quartet through the NYYS Chamber Music Program, where they were awarded the Director’s Award. The Amoroso Quartet were also semifinalists in the Fischoff Competition. At age 12, she was invited to the Vianden International Music Festival in Luxembourg as the youngest soloist. This year, Iris will also be participating in the Tanglewood Summer Institute Program. Iris has also performed as a soloist with the Orchestra of Camerata New Jersey and the NV Chamber Orchestra. In the past, she has won many awards from such competitions as the Young Artists Concerto Competition, hosted by Bravura Philharmonic Orchestra, the New York Artists International Competition, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Young Musicians Program, Camerata Artists International Competition, National Young Maestro Competition and International Grande Music Competition. Previously, Iris has performed at violin masterclasses given by Lucia Lin, Alexander Velinzon, James Buswell and Nancy Wu. She was also selected as a student artist for the 2021 Starling-Delay Symposium, where she performed for Giora Schmidt.
Jae Park - Violin - Gold Medalist - South Korea
Jae Park was born in South Korea in 2009. He moved to Vancouver, Canada when he was five. He is currently in Grade 6 of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Elementary and enjoys playing the violin. He started learning the violin at age six and his teacher is Lawrie Hill in the Vancouver Academy of Music. He was a concertmaster in the VAM Junior Symphony with conductor Joseph Elworthy. He won the platinum award in the Quebec International Music competition, Wieniawski special award in String Avenue International Competition, and he won the grand prize in the Vienna Jugend Musik Wettbewerb in 2021. He was also the winner of the Ann Lesley Bain Memorial Scholarship in the Edith Lando Gifted Youth Competition.
Tiffany Lim - Piano - Gold & Silver Medalist - USA
Tiffany is a rising high school sophomore from Fremont, California. She began studying piano at the age of six, and she studied piano in APAM Music Academy with Ms. Fonny Chandra. Currently, she is under the tutelage of Prof. Anna Poklewski.
Throughout her nine years of playing, Tiffany has won several awards in competitions, which includes: the Platinum winner in Quebec International Music Competition (Canada, 2021), first prize winner of International Music Competition Bonn “Grand Prize Virtuoso” (Germany, 2021), first prize winner of International Music Competition Salzburg “Grand Prize Virtuoso” (Austria, 2021, 2017), Gold and Silver medals of North America Virtuoso International Music Competition (Canada, 2021),
second prize winner of American Protégé International Music Talent Competition (New York, 2017), second prize winner of Encore Piano Competition (San Jose, 2016), multiple awards from US Open Music Competition (United States, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015) including a second prize of Showcase Sight Reading Solo in Junior Division. She was invited to perform as guest artist in the Bach Goldberg Variations International Charity Project to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada in 2021. Furthermore, Tiffany is a Diploma holder of ABRSM
(Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music). She passed California Certificate of Merit Advance Level in piano and was awarded with Convention and State honor.
Aside from piano, Tiffany plays violin in orchestra. She was a concert master at Hopkins Junior High and a violinist in 2020 California All-State Honor Orchestra as well as the CMEA Bay Section Honor Orchestra. Currently, Tiffany plays in Golden State Youth Orchestra Senior Symphony as a first violinist.
Andy Yang - Piano - Gold Medalist - Canada
Andy Yang, 8 year old, from Montreal. He’s currently in grade 2 in Académie Sainte-Anne and enjoys playing piano. He started to learn piano at the age of 6 with Dr. Angela Chan in Lambda School of Music and Fine Arts.
He was a First Prize Winner in the rising Star Category of Canadian International Music Competition for piano during the year 2020-2021, and the First Prize Winner in the Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition this year, 2021.
Playing piano has become an integral part of Andy’s life.
Andy Yang, 8 year old, from Montreal. He’s currently in grade 2 in Académie Sainte-Anne and enjoys playing piano. He started to learn piano at the age of 6 with Dr. Angela Chan in Lambda School of Music and Fine Arts.
He was a First Prize Winner in the rising Star Category of Canadian International Music Competition for piano during the year 2020-2021, and the First Prize Winner in the Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition this year, 2021.
Playing piano has become an integral part of Andy’s life.
Ananda María Domínguez Kesselman - Flute - Gold Medalist - USA
Ananda has been surrounded by music since she was in the womb because her mother was playing flute, full-time in an opera, ballet and symphonic orchestra and her father was conducting. When she could barely sit up, she would pretend to play intricate pieces on the piano which led to her improvising beautiful melodies at one years old. Soon after her fourth birthday, she began piano lessons and quickly progressed because she was already at a first grade reading level. Reading music came easily to her and her natural musicality and love for music flourished.
One day, Ananda saw a video of a five year old boy playing flute that enthralled her. She immediately asked if that could be something she could have and play! Once she received one, she mastered multiple melodies within an hour of receiving it, and performed on our weekly “Musical Mashup” (outdoor concert for our neighbors and friends due to Covid-19) the following day, which she had already been performing piano in. After a week of playing, she recorded a video of her performing “Twinkle, Twinkle Variations” that received over 15,000 views in two days on a well known Instagram flute page!
Ananda has been playing flute for ten months and the piano for two years now. On a typical day she sightreads, learns and records a new piece because her note reading is incredible, due to her solid piano background. It’s fun to sightread with Ananda, in between working on more challenging repertoire! This has allowed her to progress quickly on the flute, since she doesn’t have to worry about reading the notes. Last summer, Ananda participated in the NY Philharmonic 30 day practice challenge! To her surprise, they featured her as participant in their Instagram stories writing how much they loved her flute performance of Theme from “A Little Night Music” by Mozart. She managed to learn a new piece of music everyday for thirty days as well!
Ananda has placed in nineteen international competitions on flute, including 1st Place in four Charleston International Music Competitions. Ananda won 1st Prize in the American Protégé International Music Talent Competition and will perform in Carnegie Hall in 2022. She also won 1st Place in the 2020 King's Peak International Music Competition, the Gold Prize in the Music & Stars Awards Competition, Gold in the 2021 Quebec Music Competition, 2nd Place in the 2021 Rocky Mountain Music Competition and 2nd Place in Crescendo International Music Competition. She recently won the Gold Prize in the London Young Musician Season 4, Young Talent Category and the Fans' Favorite Award in the prestigious London Young Musician of the Year competition.
Ananda is an Ambassador for Nuvo Instrumental, who discovered her after she was playing the flute for one week, and she has been featured in various music education publications.
Enrelle Ashong - Harp - Gold Medalist - Canada
Enrelle Ashong was born in Vancouver, Canada and she started her harp lessons at the age of five
with teacher Miya Otake 2 years ago. She won her first prize, the gold medallion, in the KPU competition in 2020 and won a trophy in her age group in KPU competition in 2021. Enrelle also plays violin and piano but the harp is by far her favourite instrument. She hopes to one day play the harp on a big stage in an orchestra.
Wong Nga Yau - Marimba - Gold Medalist - Hong Kong
Nga Yau is a 11 year old girl from Hong Kong. She started learning piano, harp and percussion at the age of six. She has been a member of the school choir and the percussion band for five years.
This is her first time to participate in North American Virtuoso International Music Competition. She is truly honored to receive Gold Medal for playing the marimba .
She is enthusiastic about music. Music brightens her life.
Articha Satavatin - Piano - Gold Medalist - Thailand
Articha Satavatin, a native of Thailand, started his piano lessons at the age of five
at the Amstutz Music School located in the heart of Bangkok; in a studio of Mr.
Myer Tessalee. He is currently in Reception Class at Satit Prasarnmit Primary
International School in Bangkok, Thailand.
Articha has begun his musical journey by attending the “RhythmicMove” or
Eurhythmics (music and movement) group class for toddlers and young children
since he was 2.5 years of age, also at the aforementioned Amstutz Music School;
taught by Dr. Onpavee Nitisingkarin.
Being inspired by his music classes since a very young age, Articha immediately
started his piano lessons at the same school right after his completion of
Eurhythmics Lessons. After learning piano for 5 months, Articha won ‘FIRST
PRIZE’ from his first piano competition, ‘APRIL 2021 Broadway, Disney and
Musical Theatre International Music Competition’ by International Youth Music
Competitions (IYMC) under the Age Category ‘Age 7 & Younger’.
Currently, it has been 7 months that piano sessions have developed his talent and his passion for music, and he is looking forward to learning more repertoire, to perform in a recital, and to join more music/piano competitions.
Anabelle Lin - Piano - Gold Medalist - Taiwan
Anabelle Lin, a 13-year-old seventh-grader from Taiwan started learning piano at age 4 with Ms. Mary Ko according to the Suzuki Method. She was a First Prize Winner in the Piano Category of the Golden Classical Music Awards last year. In January, she was a Third Price winner for the International Youth Music Competition. Recently, she won Silver Prize in the Northern Lights Competition and Gold Prize for the North American Virtuoso Competition. At 9-years-old, Anabelle played Haydn’s Piano Concerto in C major Hob: 14:4 3rd mvt. In 2019, she played Haydn’s Concerto in G major Hob.XVIII:4 3rd mvt at the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing. Recently she performed Mozart’s Concerto No. 22 3rd mvt. Anabelle also started playing flute at age 10. In 2018, Anabelle performed Vivaldi’s Flute Concerto in G Major RV.435 3rd mvt at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing.
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) and North American Virtuoso International Music Competition 2021 - Gold Medalist. She’s invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in 2020.
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 2021 and received gold medal in the 2021 North American Virtuoso International Music Competition 2021.
Lam Ching Wing - Harpist - Gold Medalist - Hong Kong
LAM Ching Wing started playing the harp when seven years old. During that
period, she participated in competitions and received several awards in different countries such as Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Austria and many others.
These competitions not only let her experience playing music pieces on stage, but also to meet a lot of wonderful harpists and learn about their music and culture. In addition to normal practices, performing publicly and sharing music with people also is her dream. Therefore, she participated in the New York Carnegie Hall, The Education University of Hong Kong, the Moret city hall in France. She hopes to promote the arts, and sharing the beauty of harp with more people.
Jacky Leung - Alto Saxophone - Gold & Silver Medalist - Hong Kong
Jacky Leung is the first prize winner of the 2020/2021 International Music Competition in
Germany, North America & Canada. Jacky had made tours and given performances and masterclasses in universities and events namely Qingdao Grand Theatre, Mahidol University, Shantou University, Kuala Lumpur Performing Art Centre, Beijing International Saxophone week & China Annual Saxophone Congress and the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Region 3 Conference etc. In 2017, he was the jury member of the Elbe Valley International Music Festival. From 2019, Jacky Leung 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 8 first prizes & numerous other prizes in Germany, North America, Canada, Japan etc. Besides, Jacky also performed with many worldwide renowned artists including Kenneth Tse,
Jean-Yves Fourmeau, Philippe Geiss, Vincent David etc. Jacky composed varieties of pieces which got high acclaims. He has premiered his composition, “Locus II” & “Fate” in the NASA Conference in 2019 together with his own arrangement of Chinese repertoire “Tribe of Yao Dance ” played together with Kenneth Tse. 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 artist.
Jeffrey Kautz - Timpani - Silver 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.
Shelby Thompson - Voice- Silver Medalist - USA
Shelby Thompson is a vocalist from Summerville, SC. She is a Senior at Charleston Southern University pursuing her degree in Choral Music Education.
Shelby has been apart of various musical performances such as: Beauty & the Beast, Bye Bye Birdie, Legally Blonde, Seussical, Pirates of Penzance and lastly her most prominent role as Bebe Benzenheimer in A Chorus Line at Flowertown Players theatre. She is an active choral member who has performed in major conferences such as: Southern Regional American Choral Director’s Association in 2016 and the South Carolina American Choral Director’s Association in 2019. Shelby also had the pleasure touring Germany and Switzerland performing with the Charleston Southern University’s Concert Singers.
Miss Thompson is honored to receive this Silver medal from the North American Virtuoso International Music Competition and would like to thank her family and friends for their unwavering support. “Through every peak and every valley you were there to help me persevere through every challenge I faced. For that, I thank you.”
Murphy Chuang - Cello - Silver 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 Symphony 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
Around; 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.
Yi Ren Lou - Guitar - Silver Medalist - Malaysia
Yi Ren Lou, 10-year-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 has been 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. Year 2021, she won a Magna Cum Laude Award in Young Artist Music Award 2021-Guitar, Indonesia. Follows by the 2 nd Prize in Choki Got Talent
Malaysia 2021- Guitar. Last month, she received a Platinum Award for her performance in Quebec Music Competition 2021. She is very honored to receive a Silver Medal in North American Virtuoso International Music Competition, which still looks like a dream for her. Yi Ren believes music always
bring happiness and positive vibes to everyone beside her, she will continue to fill up everyone life with her music and love.
Yi Ren Lou, 10-year-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 has been 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. Year 2021, she won a Magna Cum Laude Award in Young Artist Music Award 2021-Guitar, Indonesia. Follows by the 2 nd Prize in Choki Got Talent
Malaysia 2021- Guitar. Last month, she received a Platinum Award for her performance in Quebec Music Competition 2021. She is very honored to receive a Silver Medal in North American Virtuoso International Music Competition, which still looks like a dream for her. Yi Ren believes music always
bring happiness and positive vibes to everyone beside her, she will continue to fill up everyone life with her music and love.
Rozalia Bryła - Violin - Silver Medalist - Poland
Rozalia Bryła is born in Poland in 2008. She is a student of PSM name of M. Karłowicz in Katowice in the class of Ms. Monika Szweda. Rozalia debuted at 10 year old at the Silesian Philharmonic in Katowice. She has won more than 20 international competitions. Rozalia won the 1st place in the 4th National Competition "Młodzi Artyści na Zamku Suskim" in Sucha Beskidzka (Poland). She is the winner of the 1st prize in the "International Music Association Gloria Artis in Vienna" with an invitation to perform in Vienna during the 2022 artistic season. In 2021 she won the GRAND PRIX prize in the 1st National Competition "Co młodym w duszy gra?" in Ruda Śląska (Poland). In Canada, she won 1st place in the "21st Century Talents Strings Competition" with an invitation to perform in Ottawa during the 2022 artist season. She won a scholarship in Lugano (Switzerland) for the "1st Swiss International Competition Tizizano Rosseti Music Akademy". She won 1st place in the following music competitions: "Vienna Vituoso Competition 2021", "London Young Musican", "Europe Open Online Music Competition" in Serbia, "International Young Music Competition NOUVELLES ETOILES 4th edition" in Paris and in the competition “4 Concorso Internazionale di Esecuzione Musicale Citta di Sarzana". She took part in classes with Prof. Łukasz Błaszczyk, Caroline Campbell, Prof. Bartłomiej Nizioł, Dr. Agata Szymczewska. She participated in the Chicago International Competition and Festival in the class of Prof. Cornelius Chiu. She has performed as a solist in Germany, Czech Republic, Switzerland.
William Jin - Piano - Silver 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 also performed as a violinist at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. William studies with Dr. Judy Huang, and he has been selected for conventions and awarded State Honors 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, Pittsburgh International Piano Competition, Quebec International Music Competition, and Muse International Music Competition. He has been invited to participate in Winners’ Recitals including the Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall
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 also performed as a violinist at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. William studies with Dr. Judy Huang, and he has been selected for conventions and awarded State Honors 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, Pittsburgh International Piano Competition, Quebec International Music Competition, and Muse International Music Competition. He has been invited to participate in Winners’ Recitals including the Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall
Abigail Wu - Violin - Silver Medalist - USA
Abigail Wu is a 15 year old rising junior from Syosset, New York. She has been playing the violin for 8 years and the piano for 11 years. Currently, she studies both classical piano and violin at the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Division. Over the years, she has accumulated numerous awards from competitions and garnered a significant amount of performance experience. For violin, she was a participant of the Long Island String Festival 2018 as well as the All-County festivals of 2016 and 2018. She was also the Concert Mistress of the Seminar Orchestra at the LIU Chamber Music Festival 2018, performed with the New Asia Chamber Music Society, COS Children’s Orchestra Society, Salut Taiwan, and the Queens Back to Bach Project. Recently, she was a winner of the LICM Soloist Competition 2021. For piano, she has won numerous awards through competitions such as Crescendo International, VIVO International, Concert Festival, Golden Key, Grand Prize Virtuoso International, NYSMTA, IMAS, and CMS Vienna International. Some performance venues include Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, Bruno Walter Auditorium at Lincoln Center, Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Music Center, as well as venues such as Ehrbar Hall in Vienna, Elgar Room, Royal Albert Hall in London, concert halls in the Municipal School of Music in Burgos, Spain during the Burgos International Music Festival, and various concert halls in the Manhattan School of Music.
In addition to music, Abigail strives to be an active contributor to her community and school. For the past 4 years, she has been running a non-profit musical competition called Vision Competition which gives talented young musicians the chance to perform at concert halls such as the Bruno Walter Auditorium at Lincoln Center while also raising over 13,000 USD for the NYU Langone Cancer Center for Kids, Mineola. For her work through this nonprofit, she received the Freedman Family and Philanthropic Youth Award from the hospital as well as the President’s Volunteer Service Award (Gold) and was commended by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards as a NY State Distinguished Finalist. She is also the founder of One Vision United, Vision Competition’s umbrella organization and has received citations from the Nassau County Legislator for her work as the Director of Partnerships of Students Combat Corona. Futhermore, she loves to golf, and has been on her school’s varsity team since the 9th grade. She also holds leadership positions in multiple school clubs and student government, hoping to use the 4 short high school years she has benefiting and improving her school in any way she can. Moreover, Abigail is an avid supporter of creative writing, believing it to be a powerful way to express one’s own emotions and innermost being and has received multiple gold, silver, and honorable mention keys from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards for her poetry, essays, and novel writing.
Ezo Huang - Piano - Silver Medalist - Taiwan
I come from Taiwan. I have been learning piano with Qiaowen Liu since I was three years old. In addition to piano, I also like painting, baking and swimming.
Participating in North American Virtuoso International Music Competition this time is an honor and a special experience for me. Thank you very much, teacher Qiaowen, who guided me with your heart, and thank my Lord Jesus for taking care of me! I look forward to having the opportunity to participate in music competitions and exchanges all over the world in the future. I hope you can get to know Taiwan more!
Maya Vasileiadou - Violin - Silver Medalist - Greece
Maya was born in Thessaloniki,Greece and she’s 11 years old.She began studying violin at the age of 9 at the New Conservatory of Thessaloniki,under the guidance of her teacher Mrs Raisa Popailidi.
She has participated in many international violin competitions and has won several prizes. Maya is also studying piano .
Lam Ching Yi - Harp - Silver Medalist - Hong Kong
LAM Ching Yi studied harp about 3 years. She enjoys significant success and received several awards in the international harp competitions, including in Sweden, United State, England, France, Germany and Austria.
In addition, Lam Ching Yi is keeping on public performances and harp music promotion, including the Carnegie Hall in New York, the Moret in France and The Education University of Hong Kong for sharing harp music. Apart from the harp, Lam Ching Yi also enjoys different artistic activities, including music, painting, dance, etc., and performed
in various occasions for sharing the beauty of art.
Ivarine Kanthamanond - Khim - Silver Medalist - Thailand
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.
Sophia Chen - Violin - Silver Medalist - Canada
Sophia Chen is from British Columbia, Canada. Sophia studies with Lawrie Hill at
Vancouver Academy of Music. Sophia has received awards from local, national, and
international competitions. Sophia’s awards include National Second Place in
Canadian Music Competition 2021 in the category of 7 years old strings; First Place at
Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival 2021; Gold Medal Winner in Quebec International
Music Competition 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 in 2019 Richmond Music
Festival. Sophia also won the Gold Medal and Class Winner in BCCM festival in 2020
and 2019. In addition to playing violin, Sophia enjoys reading, dancing, and skiing.
Veerindhra Songthaveephol - PIANO - Silver Medalist - Thailand
Veerindhra Songthaveephol (Kelly) is currently 6 years old from Bangkok, Thailand. Kelly is now studying in YEAR1 at Shrewsbury International School City Campus, Bangkok. Kelly starts to love music since she was 3 years old. Kelly started playing piano when she was 5 years old with D.M.A. Christopher Janwong McKiggan. Kelly follows her dream to be a pianist. Kelly joined her first Piano Competition in October 2020 until now. Last year, she won 4 music competitions in First Prize and Second Prize. This year (2021), Kelly got Gold Prize in Nordic International Piano Competition (Northern Lights Piano Festival), First Prize in International Youth Music Competitions, Gold Prize in Quebec Music Competition, and Broze Awards in World Piano Teachers Association of Finland.
Keshav Kaushik Gopal - Piano - Silver Medalist - USA
Keshav started playing the piano when we he was five-years old and now at 11, his passion for the piano has only grown and evolved. His favorite composer is Beethoven and when not practicing he tries his hand at composing and to teach himself his favorite songs. Keshav is obsessed with music and also plays the alto saxophone and is a self-taught guitar-player.
When not at his piano, Keshav can be found playing a multitude of sports. He is a huge sports fan and plays both soccer and tennis and is a big fan of Liverpool FC and Roger Federer. Keshav’s other interests include reading, travelling and all things Stars Wars. His dog, Yoda is his biggest champion and can often be found singing along to Keshav’s music.
Keshav loves performing and has missed playing during Covid. Having already played once at Carnegie Hall, he wishes to one day return and also play at The Royal Albert Hall. Keshav lives in Rye Brook, NY and is learning piano under Shari Weisz.
Arturo Bienve Díaz Álvarez - Composition - Silver medalist - Spain
Arturo Bienve Díaz Álvarez is 11 years old and studies and at the “Tomás Luís de Victoria” Conservatory in Ávila.
As a COMPOSER he has been awarded in several International Competitions for young composers: London Young Musician (1st prize, up to 28 years); North American Virtuoso International Music Competition (2nd prize); Uljus international competition, Serbia, (2nd prize) and in the IV International Prize of Composers of Vienna, Austria (3rd prize, up to 19 years) and he has been interviewed on television. He would like to be a soundtrack composer Though he knows it's very hard but it's good to have dreams.
Gaoyuan Thomas Cheng - Composition - Silver Medalist - Canada
Gaoyuan is 11 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
received Piano Scholarship Grade 3 & 4 and Jean Harach Primary
Piano Baroque Scholarship at 2019 & 2021 Regina Music Festival.
He also attained gold and silver medals for his compositions at the 5th Quebec International Music Competition in 2021.
Gaoyuan is passionate about composing and has written over a dozen scores. He wishes to publish an album of his compositions
one day.
Gaoyuan is 11 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
received Piano Scholarship Grade 3 & 4 and Jean Harach Primary
Piano Baroque Scholarship at 2019 & 2021 Regina Music Festival.
He also attained gold and silver medals for his compositions at the 5th Quebec International Music Competition in 2021.
Gaoyuan is passionate about composing and has written over a dozen scores. He wishes to publish an album of his compositions
one day.
Anirudh Baiju - Piano - Silver Medalist - India
Anirudh Baiju is a 10 year old classical piano student at AR Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory, in Chennai India, He is being tutored by Mr. Puneet Sharma Asst to Dr. Surojeet Chatterji,(Alumnus of the Moscow Conservatory and Head of Russian Piano Studio KM Conservatory). Even as a toddler, Anirudh was found to be articulate in music rather than language, till his mother found him to have perfect-pitch at pre-school. Only at the age of 6, he was initiated into the unique pianism of virtuoso pianist Surojeet Chatterji. He was able to complete his ABRSM 5th grade in piano and performed before Dr A R Rahman and at the 11th KM day in 2019. He was selected as the finalist in the advanced category of ‘The Pianist’ contest season 2 held in Chennai 2019 .He aspires to be both a pianist and a composer of repute. His acute sense of rhythm stems from his very strong affinity to percussive instruments such as Drums, Mridangam and Tabla.
Anirudh Baiju is a 10 year old classical piano student at AR Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory, in Chennai India, He is being tutored by Mr. Puneet Sharma Asst to Dr. Surojeet Chatterji,(Alumnus of the Moscow Conservatory and Head of Russian Piano Studio KM Conservatory). Even as a toddler, Anirudh was found to be articulate in music rather than language, till his mother found him to have perfect-pitch at pre-school. Only at the age of 6, he was initiated into the unique pianism of virtuoso pianist Surojeet Chatterji. He was able to complete his ABRSM 5th grade in piano and performed before Dr A R Rahman and at the 11th KM day in 2019. He was selected as the finalist in the advanced category of ‘The Pianist’ contest season 2 held in Chennai 2019 .He aspires to be both a pianist and a composer of repute. His acute sense of rhythm stems from his very strong affinity to percussive instruments such as Drums, Mridangam and Tabla.
Maksymilian Maluśki - Guitar - Silver Medalist - Poland
Maksymilian Maluśki was born in Poland in 2006. He started his guitar lessons at the age of eight. Currently he is a student of the 2nd degree music school. As he says, the guitar is more than just an instrument, and music is his life. He spends every moment perfecting his playing, and besides guitar music, he enjoys listening to jazz and Chopin's music
He received many of Prizes at the Competitions such as Grand Prix at the VIII International Rome Music Competition in Italy, 1st Prize at the International North Music Competition in Sweden, 1st Prize at the Nice International Music Competition in France, 1st Prize at the Kyoto International Music Competition in Japan, 1st Prize at the XII World Open Music Competition in Serbia, 3rd Prize at the International Moscow Music Competition in Russia and many mores. He attended many of Masterclasses in Poland, for example with maestro Łukasz Kuropaczewski. He loves to play on stage and contact with the audience.
Maksymilian Maluśki was born in Poland in 2006. He started his guitar lessons at the age of eight. Currently he is a student of the 2nd degree music school. As he says, the guitar is more than just an instrument, and music is his life. He spends every moment perfecting his playing, and besides guitar music, he enjoys listening to jazz and Chopin's music
He received many of Prizes at the Competitions such as Grand Prix at the VIII International Rome Music Competition in Italy, 1st Prize at the International North Music Competition in Sweden, 1st Prize at the Nice International Music Competition in France, 1st Prize at the Kyoto International Music Competition in Japan, 1st Prize at the XII World Open Music Competition in Serbia, 3rd Prize at the International Moscow Music Competition in Russia and many mores. He attended many of Masterclasses in Poland, for example with maestro Łukasz Kuropaczewski. He loves to play on stage and contact with the audience.
Kantaporn Danchaivijitr - Piano - Silver Medalist , Violin - Bronze Medalist - Thailand
Kantaporn Danchaivijitr (Cookie), born in Thailand in 2007, started her music career at a very young age. She has always been surrounded by music her whole life. At 4 years old, she started learning piano with a clear passion. In 2015, at the age of 8, she entered her first piano competition, Yamaha Thailand Music Festival (YTMF), being the youngest in the category and winning the silver prize. Not long after, she entered her second competition at Trinity Music Learning Fest and won a silver medal for Grade 3 category. Having gained more confidence, she was ready to try her first international music competition, Singapore Asia Youth Piano Competition 2017, and achieved the bronze award. A year later, she took part in the Hong Kong International Youth Performance Arts Festival preliminary round (HKYPAF) and received the Gold prize for Grade 6 and Third place for Sonatina class. Apart from mastering the piano, violin is the second instrument which she started learning at age 9 from the influence of her sister. She had the opportunity to participate in Shrewsbury International School Orchestra. She continues to enjoy improving her techniques and skills over the past few years. Earning North American Virtuoso International Music Awards this year is the reward for her hard work and persistence in her music career.
Antoni Bryła - Snare Drum - Silver Medalist - Poland
Antoni Bryła, born in 2013 in Poland. He is a student of the State School of Music M.
Karłowicza names in Katowice in the class of Mr. Arkadiusz Kuc. At the age of 5 he made his
debut with joint performances in the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice
alongside his first teacher Mr. Krzysztof Nowakowski and Mr. Marcin Wyrostek & Coloriage. He is a winner of GRAND PRIX awards in the International Youth Music Competitions - Atlanta, USA, Golden Prize and special award for exceptional performance of the song in the International Competition "Young Musician" London. In addition, he is a laureate of more than 10 international music competitions incl. I places in the International Competition (Rocky Mountain), 20-21st Century Music Festival (Toronto), International Competition, 21st Century Talents Competition (Ottawa), North American Virtuoso International Music Competition (Toronto), Swiss International Competition Tizizano Rosseti Music Akademy (Lugano). In 2021, he received invitations to perform in Toronto, Zurrich, Lugano, Ottawa. He is a laureate of competitions in Ukraine, Serbia, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
Antoni Bryła - Snare Drum - Silver Medalist - Poland
Antoni Bryła, born in 2013 in Poland. He is a student of the State School of Music M.
Karłowicza names in Katowice in the class of Mr. Arkadiusz Kuc. At the age of 5 he made his
debut with joint performances in the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice
alongside his first teacher Mr. Krzysztof Nowakowski and Mr. Marcin Wyrostek & Coloriage. He is a winner of GRAND PRIX awards in the International Youth Music Competitions - Atlanta, USA, Golden Prize and special award for exceptional performance of the song in the International Competition "Young Musician" London. In addition, he is a laureate of more than 10 international music competitions incl. I places in the International Competition (Rocky Mountain), 20-21st Century Music Festival (Toronto), International Competition, 21st Century Talents Competition (Ottawa), North American Virtuoso International Music Competition (Toronto), Swiss International Competition Tizizano Rosseti Music Akademy (Lugano). In 2021, he received invitations to perform in Toronto, Zurrich, Lugano, Ottawa. He is a laureate of competitions in Ukraine, Serbia, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
Ana Kherkheulidze - Voice - Bronze Medalist - Georgia
Georgian Mezzo -soprano Ana Kherkheulidze . Graduated from Tbilisi state conservatory- Master's degree in Solo academic singing- Faculty of performing arts in 2019 . During her studies Ana took part in various concerts and master classes organised by TSC . Ana had her debut at Tbilisi state conservatory opera studio as Marcellina - Le nozze di Figaro by W.A.Mozart , Berta - Il Barbiere di Siviglia by G. Rossini.
In 2017-18 she studies at the Liszt academy of music , Budapest (scholarship ERASMUS+ ) under the lead of soprano Magda Nador. Where she performs in Budapest and other cities of Hungary. After her graduation Ana studies 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 . There she had concerts at opera Teatro la nuova fenice, Teatrino campagna... Recently Ana took part in competitions and took - III place at Viennese international spring competition , Super Grand prix- International festival and competition Magic sounds of Romania, platinum medal at Quebec music competition.
Ludmila Pelahiy – Voice – Bronze 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.
Fei Xia - Voice - Bronze Medalist - USA
Soprano Fei Xia 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 Doctoral of Musical Arts degree at
WVU under the tutelage of Dr. Hope Koehler. She recently won the First
Place in the American Protege International Vocal Competition(2021), the First Prize in “The Song” International Vocal Competition(2021), the Gold Medal in Quebec International Music Competition(2021), the second Place in Music and Stars Awards (2021), the Third Prize in North American Virtuoso International Music Competition (2021), and the
Third Prize in The North International Music Competition (2021).She also has been recognized by many national and international vocal competitions, including VODIN International Music Competition(2020 Honorable Mention); Metropolitan Opera National Council Audition Florida District (2019 Finalist); New York Lyra International Vocal
Competition(2018 Semi-finalist); and New York Lyric Opera Theater National Vocal Competition(2017 Semi-finalist). Ms.Fei has been selected to be engaged with numerous professional opera companies, including Vienna Opera Festival, New York Lyric Opera, Manhattan Opera Studio, Miami Classical Music Festival, Berlin Opera Academy, and Taconic Opera Company Young Artist Program. In 2017 and 2018, she was invited to perform opera at Carnegie Hall with NYLOP.
Soprano Fei Xia 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 Doctoral of Musical Arts degree at
WVU under the tutelage of Dr. Hope Koehler. She recently won the First
Place in the American Protege International Vocal Competition(2021), the First Prize in “The Song” International Vocal Competition(2021), the Gold Medal in Quebec International Music Competition(2021), the second Place in Music and Stars Awards (2021), the Third Prize in North American Virtuoso International Music Competition (2021), and the
Third Prize in The North International Music Competition (2021).She also has been recognized by many national and international vocal competitions, including VODIN International Music Competition(2020 Honorable Mention); Metropolitan Opera National Council Audition Florida District (2019 Finalist); New York Lyra International Vocal
Competition(2018 Semi-finalist); and New York Lyric Opera Theater National Vocal Competition(2017 Semi-finalist). Ms.Fei has been selected to be engaged with numerous professional opera companies, including Vienna Opera Festival, New York Lyric Opera, Manhattan Opera Studio, Miami Classical Music Festival, Berlin Opera Academy, and Taconic Opera Company Young Artist Program. In 2017 and 2018, she was invited to perform opera at Carnegie Hall with NYLOP.
Heather Wang - Guitar - Bronze Medalist - USA
Heather Wang is a high-school student residing and studying in New York City. She has been playing classical guitar for 4 years, and is currently a student in the Juilliard Pre-College Program, studying with classical guitarist Tali Roth.
Heather has engaged with solo, chamber, and orchestral music in the genres of classical and jazz. In the summer of 2019, she participated and performed in the 4Strings Music Festival as a solo, chamber, and orchestral musician. She is currently a Youth Ambassador and young musician of the Youth Program at Concerts in Motion, a nonprofit organization with the mission to bring live music concerts to socially isolated individuals throughout New York City. Heather has received recognition for solo performance in competitions including the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition, Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition, and Young Maestro International Music Competition. Heather also plays the piano, drum set, and electric bass. She likes to spend her free time on photography and drawing, and enjoys swimming on her school’s swim team.
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 of 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. Moreover, she took classes in acting 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. In 2021, she won a bronze medal in Voice in Quebec international music competition. She is dedicated and loves to have a singing career.
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 of 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. Moreover, she took classes in acting 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. In 2021, she won a bronze medal in Voice in Quebec international music competition. She is dedicated and loves to have a singing career.
Nathan Ching Kan Yiu - Violin - Bronze Medalist - Canada
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 2021 - Bronze Medal
- North America Virtuoso Competition 2021 - Bronze Medal
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 2021 - Bronze Medal
- North America Virtuoso Competition 2021 - Bronze Medal
Shreya Ghoshal - Voice - Bronze Medalist - Malaysia
My name is Shreya Ghoshal and I'm 13 years old. I am from India, however, I have lived in Malaysia for the last 13 years. I have been having vocal lessons at Young Choral Academy under Gynger Soh for the last 5 years and over the years, I have entered many singing competitions and I have also won prizes in most of them. Some of these achievements include the Golden Classical Music Award (2021) and getting the opportunity to debut in Carnegie Hall in New York (2022), First Prize winner at the Salzburg Grand Prize Virtuoso awards (2021), and getting the opportunity to perform at the Solitaire Mozarteum, Platinum Award for the Quebec music competition (2021) and many more. My main instrument is voice/singing, however, I also love to learn and play saxophone and piano.
I am very honored to receive a Bronze Medal in North American Virtuoso International Music Competition, which still looks like a dream for me. I believe music always bring happiness and positive vibes to everyone beside me, I will continue to fill up everyone life with music and love. In addition to music, I strive to be an active contributor to my community and school.
Akira Wongpaibool - Violin - Bronze Medalist - Thailand
Akira Wongpaibool is a 15 year old violinist. She started studying violin at age 14 in September 2020 and has had 8 months of tutelage prior to this competition which is also her first. She practices almost everyday for at least an hour and you can usually find her winding down from homework and lessons by playing JRPG games and watching anime “I look at how the anime characters dress up then I save my money to buy the cosplay and make slight altercations to it for concert wear” She says at the notion of dressing up for recitals. She hopes that she can learn and grow even more from this small step.
Shreya Ghoshal - Piano - Bronze Medalist - India
My name is Shreya Ghoshal and I'm 13 years old. I am from India, however, I have lived in Malaysia for the last 13 years. I have been having vocal lessons at Young Choral Academy under Gynger Soh for the last 5 years and over the years, I have entered many singing competitions and I have also won prizes in most of them. Some of these achievements include the Golden Classical Music Award (2021) and getting the opportunity to debut in Carnegie Hall in New York (2022), First Prize winner at the Salzburg Grand Prize Virtuoso awards (2021), and getting the opportunity to perform at the Solitaire Mozarteum, Platinum Award for the Quebec music competition (2021) and many more. My main instrument is voice/singing, however, I also love to learn and play saxophone and piano.
I am very honored to receive a Bronze Medal in North American Virtuoso International Music Competition, which still looks like a dream for her. I believe music always bring happiness and positive vibes to everyone beside me, I will continue to fill up everyone life with music and love. In addition to music, I strive to be an active contributor to my community and school.
Palak Chauhan - Piano - Bronze Medal - India
Palak is a 12-year-old classical piano student in the Russian Piano Studio at AR Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory Chennai, India, having studied in total for 4 years under the tutelage of Mr. Niteen Dongare ATCL (assistant to Dr. Surojeet Chatterji - Head of Russian Piano Studio - KMMC and Alumnus of Moscow Conservatory). She was in the Top Ten Junior Pianists at the 1st World Piano Competition 2020 Associazione Napolinova and a Bronze medalist at the 2021 Quebec International Music Competition. She aspires to a pianist of the soul with meaning and wishes to compose music. Other instruments that she is fond of are the Harp and Sarod.
Palak is a 12-year-old classical piano student in the Russian Piano Studio at AR Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory Chennai, India, having studied in total for 4 years under the tutelage of Mr. Niteen Dongare ATCL (assistant to Dr. Surojeet Chatterji - Head of Russian Piano Studio - KMMC and Alumnus of Moscow Conservatory). She was in the Top Ten Junior Pianists at the 1st World Piano Competition 2020 Associazione Napolinova and a Bronze medalist at the 2021 Quebec International Music Competition. She aspires to a pianist of the soul with meaning and wishes to compose music. Other instruments that she is fond of are the Harp and Sarod.
Inga Wygant - Piano - Bronze winner - USA
Inga Wygant is a winner of numerous international competitions and plays piano for events. Inga is 11 years old and has been playing piano for 8 years now. She is currently enrolled in piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Canada, which she has received honors for exams. Inga's musical debut was at the age of 6, when she performed Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor on the piano with a violinist accompaniment at a non-profit art event. Lang Lang is Inga's piano inspiration and she has met with him twice. The first time was when she was 4 years old, at a formal event after a concert. Inga also won a "Share the Music" International Contest. As a winner, Inga got to meet her idol Lang Lang for the second time, and attend his concert as his guest. Inga is planning to play a piano concerto to perform with an orchestra in Italy. Inga has a strong interest & talent for composing as well. Inga has a passion for piano and enjoys sharing music with the audience.
Petlada Changkasiri - Violin - Silver Medalist - Thailand
Petlada Changkasiri is 3 years and 10 months old. 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 9 months as of June 2021. She has been taking her violin lessons with Mr. Polyiam Palitponganpim at the Aum-Aree Music School, Thailand. She has won the Platinum Medal in the Quebec International Music Competition 2021. This is her second competition competing in the North American Virtuoso International Music Competition 2021 (Silver Award).
Petlada Changkasiri is 3 years and 10 months old. 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 9 months as of June 2021. She has been taking her violin lessons with Mr. Polyiam Palitponganpim at the Aum-Aree Music School, Thailand. She has won the Platinum Medal in the Quebec International Music Competition 2021. This is her second competition competing in the North American Virtuoso International Music Competition 2021 (Silver Award).
Prannatee (Keene) Karnchanapoo - Violin - Bronze Medalist - Thailand
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 professional violin performances. He just received the Hope Prize Winner in Sugree Charoensook International Music Competition 2021 and Gold Medal from the Quebec International Music Competition.
MORE BIOS TO COME - STAY TUNED!