2023 Spring Strings Winners - Group A - C

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 Adeline Kong, first grader from Virginia, she has been playing cello  since her 6th birthday. She loves to playing cello everyday. She was  selected as “Honorable Mention Winner” from 2023 Prima Volta Music  Competition. 

 Chloe was born in New Zealand and is currently eight years old. From a  young age, she has shown a wide range of interests and hobbies. However,  it was her love for the violin that truly stood out.  After only one year of learning the violin, Chloe has made great strides  and has become incredibly passionate about music. She hopes to continue  down this path and make even greater progress in the future.  Despite her young age, Chloe has already demonstrated a strong  dedication to her craft and an impressive work ethic. With her talent  and passion, there is no doubt that she will go far in the world of  music. 

 Ivy is an 8-year-old girl who loves music. She started learning violin  when she was 6.5 with her amazing violin online instructor Ms. Tingting  Wang. After 8 months of virtual lessons, Ivy won the 2nd place of King's  Peak International Music Competition(Group A) in May 2022. Then, she  got the Honorable Certificate of Marker and Pioneer International Music  Competition in June 2022. Ivy likes playing game and traveling with  family. Ivy also loves sports. She rides bicycles and plays soccer with  friends. After all, Ivy enjoys playing violin, and would accomplish more  and more on her musical journey. 

 Anri Ko is a 12 year old in the United States, and began studying violin  when she was four years old, and is studying with Ms. Yayoi Numazawa.  She also started learning piano at the age of four, and is currently  studying with Ms. Natalie Zhu. Since then, she has won numerous  competitions, such as first and second prize in the Little Mozarts  International Competition, and multiple awards in the Elite  International Music Competition, which gave her a few opportunities to  perform at Carnegie Hall and other concert halls. She has also won first  prize in the Crescendo International Competition in the winter, and won  3rd prize in the King's Peak International Music Competition in 2021.  

 Rosha Ipakchi is an Iranian-American 11-year-old violinist hailing from Virginia, USA. With a musical journey spanning 5 and a half years, Rosha initially studied under the guidance of Eric Davenport for the first two years, followed by three and a half years of tutelage from Monika Dorosheff, whom she continues to study with currently. 

Rosha's passion for music stems from her familial background with both of her parents being musicians and her aunt being a violinist. For her, music is an avenue for emotional expression. Each piece she plays tells a captivating story filled with various emotions, from sadness to happiness, excitement to anger. Rosha strives to convey these sentiments through her performances, using her instrument as a means of acting through sound itself.

Looking to the future, Rosha aspires to grace the stage as a soloist, sharing her musical gifts with audiences worldwide. Beyond her musical pursuits, Rosha finds joy in reading fiction novels, embarking on biking adventures and playing with her little brother. 

 Ioana discovered the beauty of the cello sound 4 years ago and she loves  it. She plays her cello with passion and hopes to become an important  cellist. She uses every chance to be on the stage, she enjoys playing as  a soloist with the orchestra and she loves to travel for masterclasses  to improve her technique.  

My name is Konrad Martuszewski. I started learning to play the cello at  the age of 7. I attend the Zygmunt Noskowski Music School in Gdynia. I  am in the cello class of Mrs. Jadwiga Rudka-Stefaniak. My public debut  took place in 2020 at the VI National Competition ,,Cello Miniature" in  Warsaw. It was a fantastic and successful experience for me, and after  this wonderful performance, playing the cello became an important part  of my everyday life.  I have taken part in regional, national, and international cello  competitions, winning podium places at such competitions as.  I took first place at the prestigious King's Peak International Music  Competition Summer 2021, the International Music Competition "Opus 2022"  - 1st place in Krakow,  Geneva International Music Competition 2022 - 1st place, National Cello Competition "Cellolove" in Kraków-1 st place,  King’s Peak  International Music Competition 2023 - 1st place, Lugano International Music Competition 2023 - 1st place. I love playing cello. 

 Zijing Liu was born in China. He loves music and long-distance running.  He is a curious and persistent boy who likes animals and values a  healthy diet. 

 Zihan Fang, 8th grader in Seattle, WA. He loves to play violin in the orchestra with friends. He is also a big fan of origami. 

 Wiktoria Martuszewska has been playing the violin for 7 years. She is  learning to play the violin in the class of Professor Małgorzata Skorupa  at the Secondary Music School in Gdynia. She has participated in many  violin masterclasses with outstanding violinists of international  renown: Prof. Janusz Wawrowski (Poland), Prof. Agata Szymczewska  (Poland), Prof. Piotr Tarcholik (Poland), Prof. Wiesław Kwaśny (Poland),  Prof. Marcin Baranowski and others. Since her debut on the big stage in  2019, she has performed regularly as a soloist, chamber musician and  orchestra member. She has collaborated with conductor, among others:  Monika Bachowska (Poland). She is a member of the Lusławice Talents  Orchestra. She is several times a scholarship holder of the President of  the City of Gdynia. She is a laureate of many international and  national violin competitions. Recent competition prizes are:  Laureate of the National Competition for Violinists, Violaists,  Celloists and Bassists in the framework of the 5th PRESTO Festival,  Poland § I Prize - International Tiziano Rosetti Music Competition, Switzerland § I Prize - International Music Competition, Vienna § I Prize - International Music Competition, Rome § I Prize - International Music Competition, USA § I Prize – Lugano International Music Competition, Italy 

 I have been playing the violin for 9 years. I am learning to play the   violin in the class of professor Małgorzata Skorupa at the Secondary   Music School in Gdynia. I have participated in many violin masterclasses   with outstanding violinists of international renown: Prof. Janusz   Wawrowski (Poland), Prof. Piotr Tarcholik (Poland), Prof. Wiesław Kwaśny   (Poland), Prof. Marcin Baranowski. Since I debut on the big stage in   2018, I have performed regularly as a soloist, chamber musician and   orchestra member. I have collaborated with conductor, among others:   Monika Bachowska (Poland). I am a member of the Lusławice Orchestra of   Krzysztof Penderecki's Talents. I am a scholarship holder of the   President of the City of Gdynia. I am a laureate of many international   and national violin competitions. Recent competition prizes are:  Laureate of the National Competition for Violinists, Violaists,   Celloists and Bassists in the framework of the 5th PRESTO Festival,   Poland § I Prize - International Tiziano Rosetti Music Competition,  Switzerland § I Prize - International Music Competition, Vienna § I  Prize - Muse International Music Competition, Athens. I love to play the  violin.  

 Swansea Siu has been studying violin since the age of 5. Immersed in classical music from a young age, she enjoys spreading the art through performing and charity work. She is a top award winner of Beethoven Young Musician Competition, London International Music Competition, Grand Maestro International Music Competition (2022 Special Edition in memory of Queen Elizabeth II of United Kingdom), North American Virtuoso International Music Competition, Canadian International Music Competition, Pelican International Music Competition, Quebec Music Competition, and London Classical Competition, Birmingham International Music Competition, Amadeus International Music Awards, Grand Prize Virtuoso Competition in Paris, International Clara Schumann Competition, Caneres International Music Competition Vienna, Euterpe Music Awards, EMC – Sibelius Music Competition, Charleston International Music Competition, American Protégé International Piano & Strings Competition 2023, Fanny Mendelssohn International Competition, Universal Stars Music Competition, World Classical Music Awards as well as a first prize winner of Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition, BTHVN Wien Competition, Trinity International Music Competition, Global Genius Music Competition (2022 Winter Season), Beethoven International Music Competition (2023 Season 1), EMC – Golden Sound Award, Best Classical Musicians Awards (2023 Season 1), King’s Peak International Music Competition, UK International Music Competition, Euro Elite International Music Competition, Grand Prize Virtuoso Competition in Brussels Belgium, Grand Prize Virtuoso Competition in London England , London Young Musician Awards, Manchester International Music Competition (2023 Season 1) and Satori Summer Music Festival. Swansea has performed in music halls such as Segerstrom Center for the Arts of Orange County California, Weill Recital Hall of Carnegie Hall at New York City, and the Amphithéâtre Cité de la Musique-Philharmonie de Paris France, and the Studio Recital Hall at Centre for Fine Arts of Brussels, Belgium. Swansea is a current violin student at Orange County School of the Arts’ Strings and Orchestra Conservatory. She also performs with the OCSA MONTAGE! String Quintet to serve the local communities. She is based in Southern California. In her free time, she enjoys dancing ballet and playing piano.  

 I started playing the violin in 2018 at the age of 10 years old. And I  really love playing it everyday step by step I was learning new stuff  til today I can play a lot of music.  

 William Xie is a high school student who has enjoyed music since a very  young age. He started playing piano at the age of six. Around the age of  ten, William discovered his love for string instruments. He especially  loves viola’s rich and expressive tone. William has placed in top seats,  including first chair, in All-Region and All-State competitions each  year he is eligible to compete. Aside from solo performances and  competitions, William also loves playing in orchestra. He is the  principal violist of his school’s top orchestra, which has won  prestigious orchestra competitions during his tenure. He also enjoys  chamber music and has been in different ensembles with his friends. 

 Lina Seo is a ninth grader that has been playing the Viola for five  years. She has also been playing in Maryland Classical Youth Orchestra  for four years, played in Maryland Allstate orchestra and Montgomery  Allcounty orchestra. 

 Alexandra Kim, a 16-year-old from Pasadena, CA, began playing the violin  at age 4 and the viola at age 13. Under the tutelage of Dr. Cheryl  Scheidemantle, she has received numerous top prizes and accolades,  including from the American Protege Music Talent Competition, Charleston  International Music Competition, California American String Teachers  Association, Antelope Valley Bach Competition, Junior Bach Festival,  MTAC Scholarship Competition, MTAC VOCE Competition, and Satori Music  Festival. An avid chamber musician, she currently plays in a string  quartet at the Colburn School. She enjoys sharing the joy of music with  her community by regularly performing in nursing homes and hospitals.  Outside of viola, she is passionate about math and journalism. 

 Veronica Kuo started playing the piano at age 5 and decided to learn the  cello when she was 8 years old. She is currently a sophomore in high  school and has participated in many competitions such as the 2022 IMAS  Competition 9th Annual Talented Young Musician Olympia Competition for  piano(Gold prize) and the 2021 Pelican International Music  Competition(1st prize in both piano and cello). She has also passed the  Certificate of Merit Level 10 piano Level 10 cello exam and won State  Honor. Veronica has also won first place in the Kings Peak 2022 spring  competition. She has participated in her school orchestra since middle  school and performed at Midwest with her school orchestra in December  2022.  

  I have been playing violin since I was four years old.  From Twinkle,  Twinkle Little Star, through the Suzuki books, and now at famous  concertos, my violin journey has been fun, challenging, and very  rewarding.  Currently, I am a member of Melody Connects, which is a  non-profit group that offers free weekly violin lessons to  underprivileged youth.  I am also the Concertmaster of East Bay Youth  Orchestra, which holds multiple charity concerts every year to benefit  local food bank and to bring music to families with special needs 

 Lauren Juntunen, 17 years old, started playing violin at age 6 and is  currently studying under Dr. Ayako Yonetani. Recently she received  Honorable Mention in the FSMTA Concerto Competition. In 2022, she won  1st prize in the FSMTA String Senior Competition and received Honorable  Mention in the Florida MTNA Competition (Senior Category). In 2021, she  won 1st prize in the Charleston International Romantic Music Competition  and the OPUS Music State Competition . She also was placed Honorable  Mention in the Florida MTNA Competition (Senior Category) and 2nd in the  FSMTA Concerto Competition (Intermediate Category). In 2020, she placed  2nd in the Florida’s MTNA State Junior String Competition. In 2021 and  2022, she was selected for the Florida All-State Orchestra. Before  moving to Florida, Lauren lived in Japan where she studied for four  years under Atsushi Shimizu. In 2019, she was a finalist in the Japan  Classic Music Association Competition and she won third place at the  Japan Junior Violin Competition. 

 Dedicated to her passion for music, Chloe has been playing viola since  the second grade. She has placed in competitions such as the Charleston  International Music Competition, the American Fine Arts Festival, and  GLORY International Baroque Music Competition. Besides solo playing, she  also enjoys playing in ensembles, being in the Maryland Classic Youth  Orchestra since 2015, and performing at Carnegie Hall with the Honors  Performance Series in 202. Beyond classical music, Chloe has also played  with the Young Artists of America, as featured on Maryland Public  Television, and with her school's pit orchestra for its musical  productions 

 Arthur Scott (7) studies violin with Lucinda Marvin, piano with Irina  Elkina, and composition with Sarah Miller at MacPhail Center for Music.  Arthur also participates in Minnesota Youth Symphonies and House of Hope  Choir School. In 2022, Arthur was awarded the Gary Sipes merit  scholarship (piano) at MacPhail. Arthur won first prizes in the  international Great Composers Competition: Art of Strings (violin), and  Best of Kabalevsky (piano). He also won the Mary West Solo Competition  (violin), and received the merit prize in the Opus state competition  (violin). In 2023 Arthur won first prize in the Glory International  Piano Competition. In addition to music, Arthur loves reading, making  movies, and classic muscle cars.  

 My name is Yucong Luo. I’m 8 years old from Shen Zhen, China. I have  been playing the violin under Ms. Tingting Wang’s online instruction for  37 hours within 18 months. This’s my first official recording. My other  pastimes include swimming and gaming. 

 Cason Tam is a 7-year-old boy from Hong Kong. He started learning cello when he was 5 years old, under the tutelage of Judy Lui, one of the most popular cellists and sought-after cello tutors in Hong Kong. Thanks to Miss Lui’s teaching, Cason has achieved multiple prizes in local and international competitions. Some of his many recent awards include: 1st Prize in France OPUS ARTIS PARIS “Music Competition Online 2022”; 1st Place in Tokyo International Youth Music Competition 2022; 1st Prize in International Youth Music Competitions 2022, Atlanta USA (Cello Duo); 1st Place in the 10th Hong Kong International Youth Performance Arts Festival Macau District (Cello Grade 6); Gold Prize and Excellent Stage Presentation Special Prize in UK Global Genius Music Competition 2021-22 winter; 1st Prize in USA Charleston International Music Competition “2022 Classical Music Competition”; Gold Award in the 5th Italy-Hong Kong International Music Competition 2022; 1st Place in Rococo International Music Festival 2022 (HK School Music Festival Cello Junior); Gold Prize in London Young Musician 2021-22 season 3; 1st Prize in The Art of Strings, 6th Edition 2021; 1st Prize in Rome “Grand Prize Virtuoso” 2021 and was invited to perform at the Parco della Musica (Italy); 1st Place in Red Maple Music Competition 2021 fall, Toronto, and was invited to perform at the Tribute Communities Recital Hall, York University (Canada); 1st Prize in Canada 21st Century Talents Music Competition 2021 summer; 1st Prize in King's Peak International Music Competition 2021 spring; 1st Prize Debut in International Arts Festival “Magic Sounds of Romania” 2021; Grand Prize (100% perfect score) in Classical Music International Competition 2021, Atlanta USA; Gold Medal in Canada Quebec Music Competition 2021; Gold Prize in Hong Kong-Macau Youth Music Competition 2021; 1st Prize in London “Grand Prize Virtuoso” 2021 and was invited to perform at the Royal Albert Hall. 

 Myla Larmond, 10, has been playing violin for seven years and currently  studies with Dr. Alex Shiozaki in Juilliard’s Preparatory Division,  where she is a member of the Music Advancement Program Orchestra  (principal second violin) and String Ensemble.  Previously, Myla studied  with Carolyn Bever in Vermont and Elizabeth Faidley in New York.  She  has played in various ensembles within the Vermont Youth Orchestra  Association and was a soloist with Vermont Youth Strings in December  2021, performing at the Flynn Theater in Burlington, Vermont.  The past  two summers, she received merit scholarships to Interlochen’s Junior  Advanced Strings Program and was winner of Interlochen’s 2021 Junior  Honors Recital.  Most recently, Myla was awarded Grand Prize/Jury’s Pick  in the 2022 East Coast International Competition, the Toby Ann Stavisky  NY State Senator Award, and First Prize in the Elite International  Concerto Competition.  2023 will bring a masterclass performance with  Stefan Jackiw, a solo recital at Carnegie Hall, and a solo performance  with the American Sinfionetta. 

 Jonna is a 9 year old girl who loves music and sports. She has been  learning the violin online since she was 7.5 in August 2020 with her  amazing violin online instructor Ms. Tingting Wang. After one year study  online, Joanna got the Honorary Mention in 2021 MEDICI competition, the  Distinction score in ABRSM grade 2 exam. In July 2022, Joanna got  admitted in San Diego Youth Symphony-Debut Strings. Other than music,  Joanna enjoys playing games and gardening with her family.   

 Gianna has been learning violin since she was 8 years old in July 2020  with her great violin instructor Ms. Tingting Wang. After nearly 2 years  of study, Gianna and her friend Sophie got the First Place in Spring  2022 KPIMC ensemble B group. Also, she got admitted in San Diego Youth  Symphony- Symphonic String. She enjoys violin lessons and loves dogs and  drawing.  

 My name is Ting En Lin. I’m 10 years old from Chile and I have been playing violin under Ms.Tingting Wang’s online instruction for 10 months. I have passed the ASTACAP violin grade 3 exam. I love having violin lesson online with Ms. Wang. My other pastimes include swimming and math. 

 Julia has been learning violin since she was 6 years old in July 2020  with her great violin instructor Ms. Tingting Wang. Julia won the Third  Place in both March 2021 KPIMC and August 2021 KPIMC violin group A. She  enjoys her violin lessons and loves dogs and drawing.  

 My name is Tsum Hei Lu. I’m 10 years old from China and I have been  playing violin under Ms.Tingting Wang’s online instruction for 18  months. I have passed the ASTACAP violin grade 3 exam. I love having  violin lesson online with Ms. Tingting Wang who totally changed my music  study. My other pastimes include sports, games, English speaking. 

 Parson Tam is a 10-year-old boy from Hong Kong. He began playing the cello when he was 6 years old. He currently studies with Judy Lui, one of the most popular and sought-other cello teachers in Hong Kong. Parson has achieved multiple awards in local and international competitions including: 1st Prize in Vivaldi International Music Competition 2022 season 4 (Concerto Category); 1st Place in the 10th Hong Kong International Youth Performance Arts Festival Macau District (Diploma Cello Class); 1st Prize in 2022 International Youth Music Competitions, Atlanta USA (Cello Duo); 1st Prize with Honorable Mention in France OPUS ARTIS PARIS “Music Competition Online 2022”; Prize of Director of the Mahler Institute Prague and 2nd Prize in 2022 Gustav Mahler Prize Cello Competition, Prague Czech Republic; 1st Prize and a full scholarship to the Casalmaggiore International Festival in Italy in the 5th Italy-Hong Kong International Music Competition 2022; Gold Award in Singapore Raffles International Music Festival 2022; 1st Place in Tokyo International Youth Music Competition 2022; 1st Place in the IV International Liszt Ferenc Competition, Hungary-Budapest Final; 1st Prize in Bach International Music Competition 2022; 1st Prize in 2021 France Music Competition 3° by LMDC; 1st Prize in New York “Golden Classical Music Awards” International Competition 2021 and was invited to perform at the Carnegie Hall; 1st Place in Red Maple Music Competition 2021 fall, Toronto, and was invited to perform at the Tribute Communities Recital Hall, York University (Canada); 1st Prize in Rome “Grand Prize Virtuoso” 2021 and was invited to perform at the Parco della Musica (Italy); 1st Prize in London “Grand Prize Virtuoso” 2021 and was invited to perform at the Royal Albert Hall; 1st Place and a cash prize of CNY 2000 in the 7th Hong Kong International Music Festival Final Round; 1st Prize in Salzburg “Grand Prize Virtuoso” 2020 and was invited to perform at the Wiener Saal, Mozarteum (Austria). In summer 2022, Parson also had his orchestral debut as a soloist with the Hong Kong Young Soloist Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Kelvin Ngai performing Saint-Saëns Allegro appassionato opus 43. It was an astonishing experience for Parson. 

 Mia Gao is a 7th grader. Mia plays as first violin in The NEC Youth Symphony (YS), which is composed of advanced young musicians, most between the ages of 13 and 18. Members are selected from hundreds of applicants through annual auditions. Mia ranked 2nd place in the all-district orchestra. Mia served as Concertmaster of American Youth Debut Orchestra and Second Violin Principle of American Youth String Ensemble. Mia has won 2nd place of American Youth String Ensemble competition. 

 My name is Giulia Restivo, I was born in Verona, Italy, in 2009. I  started studying violin at the age of three and now I’m attending my  city’s Conservatory. I like all classical music but I especially love  Bach’s masterpieces and the history of music. I won prizes in national  and international competitions. 

 Kexin Li is 11 years old and a 6th grader in Queensland, Australia. She  commenced violin studies at the age of 6, and is currently studying with  Alan Smith, Associate Concertmaster of Queensland Symphony Orchestra.  At the age of 10, she was awarded a High Distinction in AMEB violin  comprehensive Grade 8 exam. In 2022, she became the youngest violinist  in the Queensland Youth Orchestra 2 when she was 10. Since 2020, she has  performed a wide range of repertoire with Queensland Youth Orchestra in  their concert performances. In 2022, she entered the solo music  competition for the first time and won the Platinum Award in the 13  years and under strings session for the Southside String Festival. As a  young talent, she was invited to perform as the youngest musician at QYO  Chamber Ensemble Concert in August 2022. She is currently a First  Violin in the Queensland Youth Orchestra 2 and Concertmaster of Ironside  Chamber Strings.  

 James Post (11) asked for a violin when he was 3 years old and has played ever since. He began playing piano when he was 8, and also pursues musical composition. He has studied violin under the direction of Ronda Cole, David  Strom and Chris Sanchez. He attended the Heifetz International Music  Institute in 2022. He plays first violin in the American Youth  Philharmonic Orchestra’s (AYPO) string ensemble. He won the New Talent  Award in the Washington Performing Arts Feder Strings Competition, first  place in the NVMTA Strings Concerto Competition in both Elementary and Intermediate divisions, second place in the American Youth Musician Union Competition, second place in the AYPO Solo Competition, and  honorable mention in the Misbin Family Memorial Chamber Music  Competition.   

 I am Ahmet Cemal, I was born on 09.09.2009. I am an 8th grade viola  student at Bilkent Music and Performing Arts Preparatory Secondary  School.  I have been playing the viola for 4 years. I get very successful  trainings with Doç.Dr.Sema Hakioğlu. This was my first competition  experience, winning the pre-selection is incredibly exciting.  Last August, I attended the master class program with Tatyana Masurenko.  I am interested in the history of music, every sound I hear excites me,  there is a magnificent harmony of nature.  I am engaged in equestrian sports, I love swimming and Kendo sports. 

 Rachelle Amelia Tan, from Singapore, has been learning music since 5  years old. Rachelle enjoys writing classical music and loves taking part  in music competitions. In the recent years, she has won multiple top  awards for performing on the violin and the viola.  A seasoned performer, Rachelle has been invited to play on multiple  occasions at various prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall (New  York), the Royal Albert Hall (London), Beethoven House (Bonn) and  Solitär, Mozarteum (Salzburg). Music is a great part of Rachelle’s life and through her performances,  she looks forward to sharing her music with you.                  

 Natalyn enjoys music and has keen interest in Chinese Orchestra  instruments such as the Guzheng. She is currently a member of her  school’s co-curricular activity (CCA) Guzheng Ensemble Team and has  represented her school in the Singapore Youth Festival Art Presentation  for Instrumental Ensemble (Guzheng).   With her short span of Guzheng study, Natalyn has clinched numerous Top  Prizes in the International Music Competitions – Grand Maestro  International Music Competition, Trinity International Music  Competition, Global Genius Music Competition, Universal Star Music  Competition, World Grand Prix International Music Contest, and the  International Youth Music Competition etc. She is also honoured to be  invited to the 2023 Annual IYMC New York Prize Winners’ Recital.   With her strong passion in music, Natalyn hopes to further pursue music  in the future. 

 Sofie has been studying guitar from the age of 5 and is currently at  Levine School of Music with master teacher Franco Platino. She has  played in multiple recitals, juries, and competitions, winning awards in  the King’s Peak International Music Competition, the Elite  International Music competition, the American Classical Musician Youth  Award, the Canadian International Music Competition, the Nouvelles  Etoiles International Online Music Competition, the International Youth  Musical Talent Contest, and the prestigious Myrna Sislen Youth Guitar  Competition. She plays cello in her Middle School orchestra as well.  When not playing her guitar, Sofie loves playing soccer, running,  writing poetry, reading, and studying math and physics.  

 Elena Kobayashi, 16, is currently a junior at Henry M. Gunn High School  in Palo Alto. She began violin at age 7, studied with Hiroko Suzuki  Hagman in Sweden and currently studies violin with Yi Zhou, the  principal viola at the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra. She was a first-place winner at Crescendo International Music  Competition, earning her performances at Carnegie Hall and second-place  winner at San Francisco Innovative International Competition, Junior  Violin Division 2020 season. She has attended the Wells Music Summer  School International Strings Week 2018. She was also a member of Golden  State Youth Orchestra in 2019-20 season. 

 Swansea Siu has been studying violin since the age of 5. Immersed in  classical music from a young age, she enjoys spreading the art through  performing and charity work.  She is a first prize winner of Golden Classical Music Awards  International Competition, BTHVN Wien Competition, Trinity International  Music Competition, Global Genius Music Competition, Beethoven  International Music Competition, and Satori Summer Music Festival.  Swansea has performed in music halls such as Segerstrom Center for the  Arts of Orange County California, Weill Recital Hall of Carnegie Hall at  New York City, and the Amphithéâtre Cité de la Musique-Philharmonie de  Paris France.  Swansea is a current violin student at Orange County School of the Arts’  Strings and Orchestra Conservatory. She is based in Southern  California. In her free time, she enjoys dancing ballet and playing  piano.  

 Michelle Koo is a junior who has played the viola for six years and  studies with Adam Smyla. She has been invited to play at the Junior Bach  Festival for the past three years. In 2021, she won first place and  Best New Piece Prize in the Northern California Viola Society Young  Violists Competition. She has been awarded Merit in the 2023 YoungArts  National Competition. Since 2019, she has been a violist in the San  Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra (SFSYO) and is now co-principal. She  has participated in the National Youth Orchestra 2 (NYO2) program of  2021 and 2022 and was principal violist of NYO2 2022. Outside of music,  she loves to hang out with her family and dog. 

 Florence Wei, 14, is a freshman attending Saratoga High School.  She  began playing the cello since age eight and is currently studying under  Jihee Kim.  Florence has won various awards including the U.S. Open  Music Competition 2022, the United States International Music  Competition 2020 and 2021, American Protégé International Concerto  Competition 2021, and CAPMT Concerto competition 2020.  She was selected  to perform at the Junior Bach Festival in 2021 and 2022.    Florence is playing in the Golden State Youth Orchestra Senior Symphony  and she is also the principal cellist in her high school Freshman  Orchestra.  Florence is selected for 2023 California High School  All-State Orchestra.  Florence is an avid chamber player. She attended  Santa Clara Chamber Music Academy and Music at Tateuchi summer chamber  program.  Besides music, Florence enjoys various forms of writing,  science, and skiing. 

 Andrea was born in Australia in 2016. Growing up she enjoys singing,  dancing and playing musical instruments. She started her violin journey  at age of 4. She loves performing at concerts and also playing for her  friends at school. At home, she likes to teach daddy and younger sister  how to play violin.  

Christina Luo was born in Sydney Australia in Dec. 2014. She started learning violin when she was 5 years old and she just passed the AMEB Grade 2 exam earlier this year. Practicing violin every day is a hard job for her, but she really enjoys playing music to people, especially when the audience admires her performance.

 Lynn Song is a 7-years-old girl from Melbourne, Australia. She has been  taking violin lessons for 16 hours online (30 minutes/ week) with her  great violin instructor Tingting Wang who lives in California, USA. This  is Lynn’s first time attending international competition. Besides  violin, she also likes playing piano, traveling and walking her dog. 

 Evan was born in  Edmonton of Canada 2015. He started to play cello at  the age 4 with Mrs Diana since 2019. He is a member of the Edmonton  Endpin and often performs in the Edmonton area. Evan is studying with  the Baroque and contemporary Cellist-Josephine van Lier since 2022.  He  also has great potential in playing harp, drum and piano, and his  improvisations “Sound of the Island ”have also been successful in harp  concerts this summer. Beside music, Evan has a wide range of interests  and is enthusiastic about public welfare. He likes reading and singing  French song at his school ,He also likes horse riding, hockey, fencing  and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, etc. Evan loves music and believes that the  power of music can help more people. This summer Evan held a garage sale  with his cello solo at his community.The performance came to raise and  donate money for Ukrainian children, and also won praise and affirmation  from the Cellist-Ian Maksin.  

 Evan was born in Canada in April 2015.He interested in play Harp from  this year 2022. Evan has joined the 5 Days Summer camp and learn how to  play Harp with the Harpist-Jacquie McNulty at Winspear Centre in July  2022. Evan independently composed a harp piece “Sound of The Island ”and  performed it at a harp concert,and his first improvisation has also  been successful in harp concert.Evan also love to play cello. He is a  member of the Edmonton Endpin cello group and often performs in the  Edmonton area. Evan is currently studying with cellist Josephin van  liver.  He has great potential in playing musical instruments ，such as  Drums , Piano and rain stick,etc.In addition to music, Evan has a wide  range of interests and is also enthusiastic about public welfare. He  likes horse riding, ice hockey, fencing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, etc. He  loves music and believes that the power of music can help more people.  This summer Evan held a charity sale and cello solo. The performance  came to raise and donate money for Ukrainian children, and won praise  and affirmation from cellist Ian Maskin. 

 Scarlett is a 9 year old girl who loves music. She has been learning the  violin since she was 5. She feels strongly for her music and tries her  best to bring out her emotions. She has also attained distinction for  her ABRSM Grade 8 exam when she was 8. For the past few years, she has  participated and received numerous awards and trophies from various  competitions for both local and international for violin. She hopes that  her performances can bring joy to everyone. 

 8-year-old Isaac Yong has been playing the violin for slightly more than  2 years.  He started lessons when Australia went into a lockdown for  the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Isaac learns from his dad  (Chee Yong) who is a professional violinist/ teacher. Isaac has also started piano lessons since January 2022.  Other than  music, Isaac enjoys playing games on his Nintendo Switch and Roblox.   

 Eyan started learning violin at the age of 5+ at the Nanyang Academy of  Fine Art, School of the Young Talents, Singapore and also picked up 2nd  instrument, piano at the age of 6. He has since wanting to be a musician  one day, going around the world to perform. Hoping to use music to make  everyone around him happy.  

 My name is Katie Maben and I’m 10 years old from Texas. I’ve been  playing violin since I was 6 and piano since I was 5. My favorite  composer is Chopin and I especially enjoy his Etudes. I spent this  summer at the Colburn Academy's intensive piano program and have started  my 3rd season with the Youth Orchestra of San Antonio. My other  pastimes include writing, animation, reading, and spending time with my  friends and family.  

 My name is Konrad Martuszewski. I started learning to play the cello at  the age of 7. I attend the Zygmunt Noskowski Music School in Gdynia, I  am in the cello class of Mrs Jadwiga Rudka-Stefaniak. My public debut  took place in 2020 at the VI National Competition ,,Cello Miniature" in  Warsaw. It was a fantastic and successful experience for me, and after  this wonderful performance, playing the cello became an important part  of my everyday life.  I have participated in regional, national and international cello  competitions winning podium places including.  I took first place at the prestigious King's Peak International Music  Competition Summer 2021, the International Music Competition "Opus 2022"  - 1st place in Kraków, Europe Online Music Competition 2022- 1st place,  Geneva International Music Competition 2022 - 1st place, National Cello  Competition "Cellolove" in Kraków-I place, XXII Gdynia String Chamber  Music Competition I won the diploma of laureate of the Special Prize in  duo with violin, in June 2021, I won first place at the VII National  Competition ,,Cello Miniature" in Warsaw. I am a laureate of the 6th  National Presto Competition and was awarded the title of artistic  personality in 2022. I am a scholarship holder of the Mayor of the City  of Gdynia.  My passion is music and, of course, playing the cello. 

 My name is Eliza Chen. I am 10 years old, and I have been playing cello  for 3 and a half years. One of my interests other than cello is  badminton, and I also like reading science fiction books. My favorite  color is blue because my parakeet is blue. My favorite composer is Bach,  and my favorite piece is Suite No. 1, Gigue.  

 Shuyu Zhang. A junior in New Zealand primary school. Started playing  cello at age seven, passed ABRMS cello Grade 8 at this year. 

 Do Hoang Ngoc Yen is a 14-year-old violin student of Ho Chi Minh City's  Conservatory of Music under the guide of teacher Le Tri Toan and doctor  Chuong Vu. She was awarded Third prize in Virtual International Music  Competition ( VIMC ) and was a finalist of Chiang Mai Ginastera Music  Competition. She is also a brilliant student who has received  scholarships from the conservatory she is learning in.  

 Joel Sohn is 11 years old and a 6th grader in Virginia, USA. He started  his musical journey by learning piano at the age of five. He started  playing cello at the age of eight and has been studying with Sung-Hee  Choi since then. He is currently a cellist in the American Youth  Philharmonic Orchestras from 2021. He enjoys swimming, reading, and  practicing taekwondo during his free time and has recently found his  passion for yo-yoing. 

 Yuen-Chit, Chan is a twelve-year-old Cello virtuoso attending St.  Francis Xavier’s College in Hong Kong. He began by studying piano when  he was four and fell in love with the responsiveness of the strings,  then switched to cello at age of nine, started studying with his  teacher, Sit-Kan, Hui. Yuen Chit has proven his musical excellence throughout numerous  competitions including but not limited to, 2022-23 London Young Musician  S1 Silver Prize (Young Artist aged 12 & under), 2021 World  Classical Music Awards (Bronze Prize in Age 10-11), 3rd Place from  2021-2022 King’s Peak Music Competition (Winter season) among others. 

 Pakawat Poldetch was born in 2010 in Bangkok, Thailand, and is currently  a Grade 7 student at Ruamrudee International School. He studied the  classical guitar at age 9. He has won guitar competitions in Thailand  and abroad throughout the past two years. Including a Gold Prize in the  Thailand International Guitar Festival (2021), a Gold Prize winner in  the Global Genius Music Competition (2021), a Platinum Medalist in the  2022 Quebec Music Competition Online International, a First-Place winner  in the Red Maple Music Competition (2022), and a First Prize winner for  the International Music Competition (London Grand Prize Virtuoso). 

 Currently studying at Queen’s College, Carson started playing the violin  at the age of 5. Since 2017, he has joined a wide range of competitions  under the guidance of Prof Daria Kovtunova. In 2021, Carson won the  first-place violin (Age Group D) in the King’s Peak International Music  Competition judged by Professor Boris Kuschnir, and the third (junior  category) in Llanes International Violin Competition which is held in  Spain. In 2022, he is proud to have been awarded the second in American  Music Talent Competition. 

 I have been playing the violin for 9 years. I am learning to play the  violin in the class of professor Małgorzata Skorupa at the Secondary  Music School in Gdynia. I have participated in many violin masterclasses  with outstanding violinists of international renown: Prof. Janusz  Wawrowski (Poland), Prof. Piotr Tarcholik (Poland), Prof. Wiesław Kwaśny  (Poland), Prof. Marcin Baranowski. Since I debut on the big stage in  2018, I have performed regularly as a soloist, chamber musician and  orchestra member. I have collaborated with conductor, among others:  Monika Bachowska (Poland). I am a member of the Lusławice Orchestra of  Krzysztof Penderecki's Talents. I am a scholarship holder of the  President of the City of Gdynia. I am a laureate of many international  and national violin competitions. Recent competition prizes are: Laureate of the National Competition for Violinists, Violaists,  Celloists and Bassists in the framework of the 5th PRESTO Festival,  Poland § I Prize - International Tiziano Rosetti Music Competition, Switzerland § I Prize - International Music Competition, Vienna § I Prize - Muse International Music Competition, Athens. I love to play the violin. 

 I have been playing the violin for 9 years. I am learning to play the  violin in the class of professor Małgorzata Skorupa at the Secondary  Music School in Gdynia. I have participated in many violin masterclasses  with outstanding violinists of international renown: Prof. Janusz  Wawrowski (Poland), Prof. Piotr Tarcholik (Poland), Prof. Wiesław Kwaśny  (Poland), Prof. Marcin Baranowski. Since I debut on the big stage in  2018, I have performed regularly as a soloist, chamber musician and  orchestra member. I have collaborated with conductor, among others:  Monika Bachowska (Poland). I am a member of the Lusławice Orchestra of  Krzysztof Penderecki's Talents. I am a scholarship holder of the  President of the City of Gdynia. I am a laureate of many international  and national violin competitions. Recent competition prizes are: Laureate of the National Competition for Violinists, Violaists,  Celloists and Bassists in the framework of the 5th PRESTO Festival,  Poland § I Prize - International Tiziano Rosetti Music Competition, Switzerland § I Prize - International Music Competition, Vienna § I Prize - Muse International Music Competition, Athens. I love to play the violin. 

 My name is Mia Caroline Diaz Baez I am 16 years old and I live in  Havana, Cuba.I study at the "National School of Arts", doing my first  year of middle level.I started studying the Violin at the age of 8 doing  my elementary level at the Vocational School of Arts "Eduardo Abela" of  the province Artemisa.I develop in my instrument both at my school and  outside it participating in activities. I have received master classes  from Professor Irasema Jimenez. I am currently studying with my teacher  Verónica Reyes Toscaeva, a member of the National Symphony Orchestra. I  am part of the symphony orchestra of my school as first violin, directed  by Jorge Lopez Marín 

 Suvia Li is a 16-year-old violinist from San Jose, California. She began  playing violin at age 9 and has been a member of Palo Alto Chamber  Orchestra (PACO) since 2017. She was selected to solo with PACO this  year, playing Lalo's Symphonie Espagnole. Suvia has also won Second  Prize in the 2022 San Francisco International Innovative Music  Competition and was selected for the Junior Bach Festival in 2021. In  addition, she is a serves as a member in the San Jose region of the Back  to Bach Project. In her free time, she enjoys doing art, crocheting,  and watching TV shows.  

 Ava Park played the violin from age 6. Since then, she has won numerous  national and international awards. She has also been invited to perform  at many distinguished halls, including at the Seoul Arts Center and  Carnegie Hall. 

 Ryan started playing violin at the age of five, and has studied with  Kurt Sassmannshaus in Ohio and joined the Starling Project at the  Cincinnati Conservatory. He has performed at the Schuster Center as  concertmaster of the Dayton Youth Philharmonic Orchestra and has since  also performed at Carnegie Hall. After moving to LA, he began studying  with Joan Kwuon under Colburn Conservatory in 2022. He is now an 11th  grader at Harvard-Westlake and teaches music to younger kids frequently. 

 My name is Atena Buranicz. I was born in 2007 in Wrocław, Poland. I am  in the first grade in Karol Szymanowski Secondary School in Wroclaw in  the violin class of Mr. Tomasz Stocki. I have received several awards in  the following competitions: the 1st prize in the category “Music of the  20th Century” of the “Great Composer Competition”, the second prize in  the category “Artist of the Year”, the first prize in the ‘IMKA Music  Competition’, the first prize in MEDICI International Music Competition.  In the future, I would like to play the violin all around the world. 

 She was born in İzmir, 2006. She began her violin education between  2014-2016 at Dokuz Eylül University State Conservatory. At 2017, she  continued her education with the lecturer Zeynep Simge Acunaz Eytemiz.  She trained at the class of Prof. Ildiko Zsuzsanna Moog for two years.  She attended the masterclass of Prof. Ildiko Zsuzsanna Moog, Prof. Cihat  Aşkın, Prof. Sevil Ulucan Weinstein, Prof. Çiğdem İyicil, Prof. Ahmet  Hamdi Zafer, Muhammedjan Turdiev and Anatoliy Bazhenov.  She won prizes at International Music Competitions. Currently, she continues her education with the lecturer Zeynep Simge  Acunaz Eytemiz as a 10th grade student at Dokuz Eylül University State  Conservatory. 

 I have started violin at 6 years old with my dad as my teacher, who is  also the Concertmaster of HCMC Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera, and a  teacher at HCMC's Conservatory. Recently, Dr.Chuong Vu, Concertmaster  of the San Angelo Symphony Orchestra in USA, has taken me in as his  student. Right now, I am a year 6 student at HCMC's Conservatory. I have  a big passion for performing in front of live crowds and I enjoy every  moment being a musician. 

 Elena Kobayashi, 16, is currently a junior at Henry M. Gunn High School  in Palo Alto. She began violin at age 7, studied with Hiroko Suzuki  Hagman in Sweden and currently studies violin with Yi Zhou, the  principal viola at the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra. She was a first-place winner at Crescendo International Music  Competition, earning her performances at Carnegie Hall and second-place  winner at San Francisco Innovative International Competition, Junior  Violin Division in 2020 season. She has attended the Wells Music Summer  School International Strings Week 2018. She was also a member of Golden  State Youth Orchestra in 2019-20. 

 Julianne Ma is a junior at The King’s Academy and has been playing the  cello for eight years. She currently studies with Vicky Wang. At the age  of twelve, she made her solo debut at Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie  Hall, performing the third movement of the Haydn Cello Concerto as a  Gold winner in the International Young Artists Competition. In the last  few years, Julianne has won numerous prizes from competitions including  MTAC VOCE Solo, United States International Music Competition, ENKOR  International Music Competition, United States Open Music Competition,  KAMSA competition, CAPMT competition, International Young Artists  Competition, and Great Composers Competition. She has been invited to  perform for Junior Bach Festivals in the last two years, and in 2021 and  2022, she was awarded with Certificate of Merit Panel Master Class by  MTAC. Julianne is also part of the San Francisco Symphony Youth  orchestra. As an avid chamber musician, she has participated in C'est  Bon Chamber Music Academy and was invited to perform at its 10th  Anniversary concert. She is a member of the Juventus Piano Trio, which  has been coached by Rose Chen and Vicky Wang. Her chamber group has  received awards from 2019 and 2020 MTAC VOCE Chamber Music competition  and 2019 and 2020 United States Open Music Competition Ensemble  competition. In addition to her music studies, Julianne also enjoys  reading, writing, and copy editing. 

 Ocean Xie is a 17 year old from Corinth, TX. He has studied violin under  Dr. Chuong Vu since the age of 6. He has been a member of the Greater  Dallas Youth Orchestra for 6 years. He is the gold prize winner of the  London Young Musician International Competition (2022) and World  Classical Music Awards International Competition (2022), and he has won  the Outstanding Performer Award in the Texas All-State Solo and Ensemble  Contest (2021) 

 Zhao Junjie, a famous violinist, educator, Professor Tong Weidong, and  violinist, Professor Yue Lin. In 2013, he was admitted to the fourth  grade of the Affiliated Primary School of the Central Conservatory of  Music with excellent results, and in 2016, he was admitted to the  Affiliated High School of the Central Conservatory of Music,  participated in international and domestic master classes and  competitions for many times, and won prizes. 2018 Chief of China Youth  Symphony Orchestra 

 Jimin Koo, 17, is a senior at Cupertino High School. She currently  studies with Davis Law at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music  Pre-College Division, and serves as Assistant Concertmaster the  California Youth Symphony Senior Orchestra and as concertmaster of her  school’s Chamber Orchestra. She participated in the 2021 and 2022  California All State Symphony Orchestra. She also performed as a soloist  with the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra in 2016 as a winner of the annual  concerto competition, and won awards in the Korea Times Music  Competition, KAMSA Competition, AFAF Romantic Music Competition, and  Silicon Valley Music Competition. 

 My name is Ernesto Guevara Cordova. I started studying violin at the age  of 8 at the Eduardo Abela elementary school in San Antonio de los Baños  Cuba, my first presentation was at the age of 9 at the Lyric Theater in  Havana where I played for the first time as a soloist, then I performed  at festivals such as the Festival de la Buena Honda Biennale and the  Music Arte school festival I am currently a student of the National  School of Art (ENA) and I am playing in the charanga orchestra of the  school and in the Esteban Salas Baroque Orchestra, together with her I  have performed at the Sauto theater in the city of Matanzas and the Casa  del Alba in the city of Havana. 

 Skylar started playing the violin at age 6. She has studied at the Korea  National Institute for the Gifted in Arts. She has received the judges'  distinction award at the American Protege International Competition,  the first prize at the Rudolf Barshai International Compet-ition, and  numerous presti-gious awards at many international and national  competitions. Recently, she has been named a 2022 National YoungArts  Foundation honorable mentions winner. She has performed at several  distinguished music halls, such as Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall  and the Berlin Philharmonic Chamber Hall. She has performed with the  Cheongju Philharmonic Orchestra, the Seoul Academy Ensemble, and the  Asan Philharmon-ic Orchestra.  

 Born in Taiwan, Murphy Chuang has been studying the cello since the age  of seven and is currently studying in Massachusetts, USA.   Murphy has participated and won in numerous international competitions  including First Prize in “2022 Golden Classical Music Awards”; First  Prize in “The 9th HKYPAF Hong Kong International Youth Performance Arts  Festival” Final Round; Gold Award in "2020 Japan Osaka International  Music Competition” Junior Course; 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.  

 My name is Teresa. I am 20 years old and I attend the Academy of Music  in Cracow, Poland. I have made numerous concert tours and, together with  other musicians, have executed in Poland and represented my country all  over Europe. I performed, among others, at the European Parliament in  Brussels, Belgium; at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Vienna  and several times in the Netherlands, as well as in Germany, Norway and  Ukraine. I have been playing the violin for 13 years and music is my  greatest passion. 

 Anna Bodziak was born in December 1999, she is from Poland. She started  playing the violin at the age of 7. She graduated from the Secondary  Music School in Przemyśl. Currently, she is studying at the G. and K.  Bacewicz Academy of Music  in Łódź, in the violin class of Dominika  Przech, DA. She has taken part in master classes and in chamber and solo  competitions. She won 1st place in the 12th edition of the World Open  Online Music Competition in Belgrade (2021) and 1st place in the 3rd  International Online Instrumental Performance Competiotion in Vienna  (2022). 

 I've been playing the violin since I was four. I graduated from the Royal Danish Academy of Music this year 

 Wei Lu is a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate and Graduation Assistant at  College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati, where she  studies with Kurt Sassmannshaus. She received an Artist Diploma  Certification in Violin Performance from the Colburn School, Master of  Music Degree in Violin Performance from Juilliard, and a Bachelor of  Music Degree in Violin Performance from the Manhattan School of Music,  where she received a commencement award for outstanding violinist. Ms.  Lu was a top prize winner in major solo music competitions, including  the Serge & Olga Koussevitzky Young Artist Awards, New York  International Music Competition, and the Schadt String Competition. Her  performance experiences include solo with the Starling Chamber Orchestra  in Cincinnati, the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra and Qingdao Symphony  Orchestra in China. She has participated in music festivals such as  Tanglewood Music Center, Bowdoin International Music Festival, Music  Academy of the West, Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival, and the Annual  National Arts Centre Summer Music Institute for Young Artists Program  in Ottawa. Ms. Lu has performed in such venues as Carnegie Hall, Wall  Disney Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and Scandinavia House.  

 My studies and experiences align well as a cellist starting with my  middle school life by attending the ‘Sunhwa art school’ and ‘Sunhwa art  high school’ by learning professionally and performing regular various  performance. Starting in 2015 autumn, I have started my bachelor's  degree program at the ‘Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre' and  graduated the Academy in June, 2018 and continued Master program 1st  year in 2018 autumn to June 2019. From September 2019, I started  studying cello at the Royal Conservatorie Antwerp (Koninklijk  Conservatorium Antwerpen) and graduated Master course as cum laude in  September, 2021 and graduated Postgtaduate instrumental concert soloist  course in June 2022.