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2023 Fellows

Meet the 2023 Fellows

Learn more about each of our brilliant fellows and Lehrer Vocal Institute studio artists below!

Click a category below to expand and view each group.

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Isabella Brown

Violin fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
20
Birthplace
Sterling, Virginia
Current School
Colburn Conservatory
Compeers
Sarah Corliss; Leila Drake and Chris Fossek
Scholarship Donor
Peggy and John Maximus Endowed Scholarship in Violin

Isabella is earning a bachelor’s degree at the Colburn Conservatory, studying with Martin Beaver. Awards include first prize at the 2020 Crain-Mailing CSO Young Artists Competition, and third prize at the Cooper International Violin Competition. Isabelle has appeared as a soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

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Hajung Cho

Violin fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
26
Birthplace
Seoul, Korea
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Tom and Ellen Orlando; Dorian and Peter Hirth
Scholarship Donor
Peter and Dorian Hirth Scholarship in Violin

Hajung is currently earning a master’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Joseph Lin. In 2010, she was awarded first prize in both The Korea Herald Competition and the Yewon Music Competition. Hajung has performed with the Seocho Philharmonia Orchestra and the Ditto Orchestra.

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John Fawcett

Violin fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
22
Birthplace
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
School
Cleveland Institute of Music
Compeer
David Herrera
Scholarship Donor
Elenore and Thomas Hugunin Endowed Scholarship in Violin

John is earning a master’s degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music, studying with Jaime Laredo. John was a finalist of the 2022 Music International Grand Prix, and was a returning member of the 2022 New York String Orchestra Seminar. He has performed with the American Youth Symphony, Akron Symphony, and the Oregon Mozart Players.

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Beau Henson

Violin fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
22
Birthplace
Des Moines, Iowa
School
University of Michigan
Compeers
Mark Osiel; Mary McMaster
Scholarship Donor
John Percival and Mary C. Jefferson Endowed Scholarship in Violin

Beau recently earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, studying with David Halen. In 2019, Beau received first prize in both the Des Moines Youth Symphony Concerto Competition, and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Youth Chamber Music Competition. He has performed as concertmaster of the University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra, and as a member of the Volta String Quartet.

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Alena Hove

Violin fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
24
Birthplace
Seattle, Washington
School
Colburn Conservatory of Music
Compeers
Eileen Sheridan and Roger Wilde
Scholarship Donor
Eileen Sheridan and Roger Wilde Endowed Scholarship in Violin

Alena received her master’s degree from the Colburn Conservatory, studying with Robert Lipsett. Alena was the winner of the 2021 Burbank Philharmonic Hennings-Fischer Competition, and has performed as a soloist with the Pacific Symphony, the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra, the Burbank Philharmonic, and the Colburn Orchestra at Disney Hall.

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Danny Yehun Jin

violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Age
23
Birthplace
Gunsan, South Korea
Position
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Compeers
Heejung Kim and David Sherman; Mimi Do & Heidi Do
Scholarship Donor
William Hymanson Endowed Concertmaster Scholarship in Violin provided by Irene Hymanson
Music Academy Award
2023 Duo Competition winner

  • Danny is earning a bachelor's degree at Curtis Institute of Music, studying with Ida Kavafian;
  • He joins the violin section of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in fall 2023;
  • He has also performed with the Royal Symphony, Seoul Philharmonic, Suwon Philharmonic, and Charleston Symphony orchestras.

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Harin Kang

violin

ABOUT
Pronouns
she/her
Fellow
2018, 2023
Age
26
Birthplace
Suwon, South Korea
School
New England Conservatory
Compeers
Eileen Sheridan and Roger Wilde
Scholarship Donor
William Hymanson Endowed Concertmaster Scholarship in Violin provided by Irene Hymanson

Harin is earning a master’s degree at New England Conservatory, studying with Kristopher Tong. Harin won first prize in the 2019 Hwasung National Music Competition and has performed as Concertmaster of the NEC Chamber Orchestra. She has made solo appearances with the Sejong Soloists and the LG Philharmonic Orchestra.

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Chaewon Kim

violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2022, 2023
Pronouns
she/her
Age
27
Birthplace
Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
School
Yale School of Music
Compeer
Tisha Weber Ford
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Violin, anonymous donor

Chaewon is a graduate student at Yale School of Music where she studies with Tai Murray. and earned her master’s degree at The Juilliard School. Recent awards include Semi-Finalist in the 2021 Prague Spring International Competition (String Quartet Division), and First Prize in the 2021 International Artist Award Scholarship Competition. Other awards include the 2020 Kumho Young Chamber Concert Audition (String quartet section), second prize in the 2017 Busan MBC Music Competition in 2017, and first prizes in the Strad Competition, Korea Herald Competition, Sung-Jung Music Competition, and Music Journal Competition. Chaewon was a full scholarship fellow oat Taipei Music Academy & Festival (2021) and the Blanc String Quartet (since 2019).

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Yunjung Ko

Violin fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
27
Birthplace
Seoul, Korea
School
Manhattan School of Music
Compeer
Candice Frankel
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Violin, anonymous donor

Yunjung received a professional studies certificate from the Manhattan School of Music, studying with Lisa Kim and David Chan. She was awarded second prize in the 2009 Young Tchaikovsky String Competition, and was the first prize winner of the 2010 KCO Competition. She was a member of the Symphony S.O.N.G from 2021-2022.

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Na Hyun Della Kyun

Violin fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
18
Birthplace
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Current School
Curtis Institute of Music
Compeer
Valerie Burns
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Violin, anonymous donor

Na Hyun is currently earning a bachelor’s degree at the Curtis Institute of Music, studying with Shmuel Askenasi and Benjamin Beilman. She earned second place at the 2021 Sungjong Concours and was a competitor in the 2021 Menuhin Competition in Richmond, Virginia.

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Eunice Lee

Violin fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
19
Birthplace
Los Angeles, California
School
Colburn Conservatory of Music
Compeer
Michele Brustin
Scholarship Donor
Colburn Foundation Scholarship in Violin

Eunice is earning a bachelor’s degree at the Colburn Conservatory, studying with Robert Lipsett. She was the winner of the 2019 Young Stars of the Future Competition and the 2018 Classics Alive National Auditions. Eunice is a recipient of the Colburn Music Academy Greendale Scholarship.

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PoYu Lee

Violin fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
22
Birthplace
Taoyuan, Taiwan, R.O.C
School
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Compeers
Candice Frankel
Scholarship Donor
Sandra Karol Seymour and Phillips Seymour Endowed Scholarship in Violin

PoYu most recently earned his bachelor’s degree at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, studying with Simon James. He won the 2022 Telegraph Quartet Competition and has appeared as a soloist with the San Francisco Conservatory Orchestra. Poyu is a substitute musician with the Evergreen Orchestra.

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Oliver Leitner

violin

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
23
Birthplace
San Diego, California
Current School
Yale School of Music
Compeers
Shirley and Ken Waxman
Scholarship Donor
Linda and John Seiter Scholarship in Violin
Music Academy Award
2023 MAX Fellow

  • Born in San Diego, California, earned a bachelor’s degree from Yale University in Chemistry, recently began a master’s degree at Yale School of Music
  • He was a recipient of the 2022 Yale Music Department Selden Memorial Award, was one of three finalists in the 2021 Yale William Waite Concerto Competition, and received Yale's 2023 Wrexham Prize;
  • He is a member of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra.

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Zeyu Li

violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2014, 2022, 2023
Age
26
Birthplace
HuaiNan, AnHui, China
Position
Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Compeers
Patrick and Erin Spence
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Violin, anonymous donor

Returning fellow Zeyu joined the Toronto Symphony Orchestra as Associate Concertmaster in 2019. Previously, he was a member of the New York Philharmonic, which he joined at the age of 21. Zeyu served as Associate Concertmaster of both the Curtis Symphony Orchestra and New York String Seminar Orchestra, appearing at Carnegie Hall.

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Aaron You-Xin Li

violin

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
24
Birthplace
Tainan, Taiwan
Current Position
New World Symphony
Compeers
Beth Gates Warren and Robert Boghosian
Scholarship Donor
Zvi Zeitlin Endowed Scholarship in Violin
Music Academy Award
2023 MAX Fellow

  • Born in Tainan, Taiwan, Aaron earned a master’s degree at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
  • A first-year Fellow at New World Symphony, he has played with the Evansville Philharmonic, Owensboro Symphony, and Terre Haute Symphony
  • He was awarded first prize at the 2023 Indianapolis Matinee Musicale Collegiate Competition

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Julie JuRee Lin

Violin fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
24
Birthplace
Chuncheon, South Korea
Current School
Rice University Shepherd School of Music
Compeers
Alan and Fiona Harden
Scholarship Donor
William Hymanson Endowed Concertmaster Scholarship in Violin provided by Irene Hymanson

Julie is earning a master’s degree at Rice University Shepherd School of Music, studying with Paul Kantor. She has received first prize in the American Protege Competition and the Canadian Music Competition, and has performed as a soloist with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, the Surrey Symphony Orchestra, and the PRISMA Festival Orchestra.

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Freya Liu

Violin fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
24
Birthplace
San Jose, California
Current School
Yale School of Music
Compeer
Celeste Davis
Scholarship Donor
Ellen and Peter Johnson Scholarship in Violin

Freya earned her master’s degree at the Yale School of Music, studying with Tai Murray. She won the Boston University Concerto Competition in 2021, and was concertmaster of the Lucerne Festival Contemporary Orchestra in 2022. She has performed with the Phoenix Orchestra of Boston, and the Cape Cod Chamber Orchestra.

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Veronika Manchur

Violin fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
23
Birthplace
Lviv, Ukraine
School
University of Southern California Thornton School of Music
Compeers
Shirley and Ken Waxman
Scholarship Donor
William Hymanson Endowed Concertmaster Scholarship in Violin provided by Irene Hymanson

Veronika is earning a master’s degree at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, studying with Glenn Dicterow. In 2022, she received second prize at the USC Ofiesh Honors Chamber Music Competition. Veronika has performed as Associate Concertmaster of the American Youth Symphony and has been under the mentorship of LA Chamber Orchestra CEO Ben Cadwallader.

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Jason Moon

Violin fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
23
Birthplace
Los Angeles, California
School
Colburn Conservatory of Music
Compeers
Jadzia and Emmett McDonough
Scholarship Donor
Colburn Foundation Scholarship in Violin

Jason is earning a master’s degree at the Colburn Conservatory, studying with Martin Beaver. He won first prize in the 2021 Ronald Sachs International Music Competition and the 2022 Colburn Conservatory Concerto Competition. Jason has performed as a soloist with the San Francisco Symphony, and completed a residency at the Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival.

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Ariana O'Connell

Violin fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
21
Birthplace
Bartlett, Illinois
School
University of Southern California Thornton School of Music
Compeers
Kathleen and Jerry Eberhardt
Scholarship Donor
Kathleen and Jerry Eberhardt Scholarship in Violin

Ariana is earning a bachelor’s degree at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, studying with Glenn Dicterow. She earned second place in the 2019 Chicago Violin Competition and first prize in the 2019 Midwest Conservatory Concerto Competition. Ariana has performed as associate concertmaster and fellow of the Chicago Youth Artists Symphony and is a Cadet teacher at the Betty Haag Academy of Music.

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Sarah Beth Overcash

violin

ABOUT
Pronouns
she/they
Fellow
2022, 2023
Age
24
Birthplace
Memphis, Tennessee
School
University of Southern California Thornton School of Music
Compeers
Tom and Ellen Orlando; Dorian and Peter Hirth
Scholarship Donor
Ellen and Tom Orlando Scholarship in Violin

Sarah is earning a master’s degree at the University of Southern California, studying with Glenn Dicterow. Awards include first prize in the Memphis Beethoven Club Young Artist Competition. Sarah Beth has performed with California Young Artists Symphony, American Youth Symphony, and Downey Symphony.

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Justin Saulnier

Violin fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
18
Birthplace
Ottawa, ON, Canada
School
McGill University
Compeer
Alison Brysk
Scholarship Donor
William Hymanson Endowed Concertmaster Scholarship in Violin provided by Irene Hymanson

Justin is earning a bachelor’s degree at McGill University, studying with Andrew Wan. He was the prize winner of the 2023 McGill Romantic Concerto Competition, and the OMFA Provincial Competition. Justin has appeared as a soloist with the Pembroke Symphony Orchestra, and maintains a position as a private teacher.

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Suet Yin Athena Shiu

Violin

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
20
Birthplace
Hong Kong, China
Current School
Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
Compeer
Michele Brustin
Scholarship Donor
Stephanie and Fred Shuman Scholarship in Violin

Suet Yin is earning a bachelor’s degree at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, studying with Michael Ma. She was awarded the Grand Prize in the 2021 Chamber Music Division of the HKGNA International Music Competition, and was a prize winner of the HKAPA Concerto Competition in 2022. Solo appearances include the HKAPA Academy Symphony Orchestra.

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Steven Song

Violin fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
24
Birthplace
Naperville, Illinois
School
Cleveland Institute of Music,
Compeer
Siran and Emmanuel Maldjian
Scholarship Donor
The William Hymanson Endowed Concertmaster Scholarship in Violin provided by Irene Hymanson

Steven received a master’s degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music, studying with Jaime Laredo. Steven was a quarterfinalist of the 2023 Elmar Oliveira International Violin Competition, and the first place recipient of the 2019 SCP Concerto Competition. He has appeared as a soloist with the Colburn Orchestra and the Southern California Philharmonic.

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Amelia Sze

violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2022, 2023
Age
22
Birthplace
San Luis Obispo , California
School
The Juilliard School
Compeer
Celeste Davis
Scholarship Donor
Hiroko and Michael Bekins Scholarship in Violin

Amelia earned a bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School studying with Li Lin. Awards include semifinalist in the Stradivarius International Violin Competition and First Prize in the Classics Alive National Young Artists Competition. Amelia played in Tom Cipullo's Bonfire Opera at the Music Academy in 2022.

 

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Whitney Takata

violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2022, 2023
Age
21
Birthplace
Tokyo, Japan
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Beth Gates Warren and Robert Boghosian
Scholarship Donor
Beth Gates Warren and Bob Boghosian Scholarship in Violin

Whitney earned a bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School studying with Joseph Lin. She took the Gold Medal in the 2019 Japan Wind, Strings, and Percussion Solo Contest, and earned Second Place in the 2019 Junior Classical Music Competition in Japan. In 2022, she led the Music Academy Festival Orchestra as part of the String Leadership Program.

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Li-Che Wang

Violin fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
23
Birthplace
Puli, Nantou, Taiwan
School
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music,
Compeers
Mark Osiel; Mary McMaster
Scholarship Donor
Patricia Latham Endowed Scholarship in Violin

Li-Che is earning a graduate diploma at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, studying with Mark Kaplan. He placed in the 2019 Shu-De Li International Violin Competition and the Chamber Music Division of the 2021 Hong Kong Generation Next Arts International Competition. Li-Che is a teaching assistant in Taiwan Puli's El Sistema Music Camp.

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Qiyan Xing

Violin fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
23
Birthplace
Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
School
New England Conservatory of Music
Compeers
Alan and Fiona Harden
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Violin, anonymous donor

Qiyan is earning a master’s degree at the New England Conservatory of Music, studying with Soovin Kim. She has performed as assistant concertmaster of the NEC Philharmonia and is a chamber musician at the Music for Food organization of Boston.

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Brian Zhan

Violin fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
21
Birthplace
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
School
Northwestern University

Brian is earning a bachelor’s degree at Northwestern University, studying with Gerardo Ribeiro. Brian was a finalist of the 2023 Saint Paul String Quartet Competition, and was a Merit Scholar Recipient of Northwestern University. He was a member of the 2022 New York String Orchestra Seminar at Carnegie Hall.

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Vincenzo Keawe Calcagno

viola

ABOUT
Fellow
2022, 2023
Age
20
Birthplace
Greenbrae, California
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Mally Chakola and Dean Jackson
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Viola, anonymous donor

Vincenzo is a bachelor’s degree student at The Juilliard School studying with Heidi Castleman and Misha Amory. He won major prizes in both the 2021 International Grande Music and 2020 Northern California Viola Society Young Violists competitions. Vincenzo is a Gluck Fellow at Juilliard.

 

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Sumin Cheong

Viola

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
23
Birthplace
Seoul, South Korea
Current School
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music,
Compeers
Dawn Seymour; Kirsten Dibenedetto
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Viola, anonymous donor

Sumin is earning a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, studying with Stephen Wyrczynski. Sumin received second prize in the 2023 Indianapolis Matinee Musicale Competition and Grand Prize in the 2021 New York International Classical Music Competition.

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Kenneth Fujii

Viola

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
21
Birthplace
Las Vegas, Nevada
Current School
Cleveland Institute of Music
Compeer
Nadia Skidanov
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Alumni-Funded Scholarship in Viola

Kenneth received his bachelor’s degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music, studying with Lynne Ramsey. He has performed as acting principal violist of the Canton Symphony, and was a finalist in the 2022 Cleveland Institute of Music Concerto Competition. Kenneth is a SphinxConnect Fellow.

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Joshua Kail

Viola

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
23
Birthplace
Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Current School
Norwegian Academy of Music
Compeers
Dean Carter and Mark Stori
Scholarship Donor
Christopher Toomey Scholarship in Viola

Joshua recently earned a master’s degree at the Norwegian Academy of Music, studying with Lars Anders Tomter. He was a semi-finalist at the 2018 Stulberg International String Competition, and has performed with the Oslo Philharmonic, Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, and the Bergen Philharmonic.

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Zitian Lyu

Viola

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
24
Birthplace
Harbin, China
School
The Juilliard School
Compeer
Marina Gutierrez
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Viola, anonymous donor

Zitian is earning a master’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Hsin-Yun Huang and Misha Amory. Zitian has performed in Juilliard ChamberFest, and was recognized as Outstanding Member of Viva La Viola Ensemble. She is a teaching assistant at Julliard.

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Daniel Miles

Viola

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
25
Birthplace
Detroit, Michigan
School
University of Southern California Thornton School of Music
Compeers
Ellen Barger and Tony Helf; Clive Chang and Chad Tendler
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Viola, anonymous donor

Daniel received a master’s degree from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, studying with Karen Dreyfus. He has performed with the Pacific Symphony, Downey Symphony, and has acted as assistant principal of the USC Symphony Orchestra. Daniel is a Graduate Instructor at USC and a Teaching Artist at the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles.

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Torron Pfeffer

Viola

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
21
Birthplace
Long Branch, New Jersey
Current School
The Juilliard School
Compeer
Nadia Skidanov
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Viola, anonymous donor

Torron is currently earning a bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Heidi Castleman and Hsin-Yun Huang. He is a recipient of the Jerome L. Greene Fellowship at Juilliard and the Embrella Foundation Scholarship. He has recorded soundtracks for movies such as Don’t Worry Darling, and Till.

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Madeleine Pintoff

Viola

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
21
Birthplace
Hunan, China
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Andrea and Ron Hein; Kia McInerny and Gary Kuist
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Viola, anonymous donor

Madeleine is earning a bachelor’s degree from The Juilliard School, studying with Paul Neubauer. In 2018, she was the winner of the Young Soloists of New England Competition, and the Camerata Artists International Competition, Solo Division. Recent performances include Juilliard's Pianoscope and cross-disciplinary program New Dances.

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Molly Prow

viola

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
21
Birthplace
Toubei, Jiangxi, China
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Andrea & Ron Hein; Kia McInerny & Gary Kuist
Scholarship Donor
Ingrid Olssen and Charles Schweppe Scholarship in Viola
Music Academy Award
2023 MAX Fellow

  • Molly is earning a bachelor’s degree from The Juilliard School;
  • She studies with Misha Amory;
  • In 2019, she was a silver medalist and winner of the Joseph Haydn Prize at the St. Paul String Quartet Competition, and a semifinalist at the Fischoff Chamber Competition Junior Division.

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Nicolas Valencia

Viola

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
23
Birthplace
Houston, Texas
Current School
University of Southern California Thornton School of Music,
Compeers
Ellen Barger and Tony Helf; Clive Chang and Chad Tendler
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Viola, anonymous donor

Nicolas is currently earning a master’s degree at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, studying with Yura Lee. Nicolas is principal viola of the Fantasmi Chamber Ensemble. He was a finalist in the UNT Concerto Competition (‘19, ‘20, ‘21) and participated in the 2022 American Viola Society Masterclass Series.

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Deng Zhang

Viola

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
25
Birthplace
Hangzhou, China
Current School
Boston University
Compeers
Marina Gutierrez
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Viola, anonymous donor

Deng is a doctoral candidate at Boston University, studying with Michelle LaCourse. She is the recipient of the Stephen Hendel Scholarship and Fellowship, and has served as principal of Boston University Symphony Orchestra. Recently, Deng performed in Boston University’s Gabriela Lena Frank Residency workshop and concert.

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Patrick Baek

cello

ABOUT
Pronouns
he/him
Fellow
2022, 2023
Age
24
Birthplace
Seoul, South Korea
School
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Compeers
Clay Tedeschi; Junie and Eddie Jinkins
Scholarship Donor
Clay Tedeschi Family Endowed Scholarship in Cello
Music Academy Award
2023 MAX Fellow

  • Patrick is currently earning a Doctoral Music degree at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where he is studying under Eric Kim;
  • He was awarded third prize at the 2022 MTNA National Finals in the Young Artist category;
  • A graduate of Eastman, he has served as principal for the Eastman Philharmonia and Eastman School Symphony Orchestra, and has been selected to perform in the Eastman School of Music’s Honors and Intensive Chamber program.

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Sarah Chong

Cello

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
21
Birthplace
Cupertino, California
School
Northwestern University
Compeers
Alison and Lance Kronberg and Byron Wu
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Cello, anonymous donor

Sarah is earning her bachelor’s degree at Northwestern University, studying with Hans Jensen. She was a finalist in the 2023 Saint Paul String Quartet Competition and a semifinalist in the 2022 Klein International String Competition. Sarah appeared as soloist with the Prometheus Symphony Orchestra as a Felix Khuner Concerto Competition winner.

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Miles Tatsuo Goosby

Cello

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
22
Birthplace
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
School
Manhattan School of Music
Compeers
Alison and Lance Kronberg and Byron Wu
Scholarship Donor
Dan Dokos and Bryan Graybill Scholarship in Cello

Miles recently completed a bachelor’s degree at the Manhattan School of Music, studying with Julia Lichten. Miles received first place in the 2019 Thomas M. Osborne Concerto Competition, and has performed as principal cello for the Manhattan School of Music Symphony Orchestra.

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Simon Housner

Cello

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
23
Birthplace
Voorhees, New Jersey
School
Rice University Shepherd School of Music
Compeers
Susan Lichtenstein and John Rokacz
Scholarship Donor
Susan Lichtenstein and John Rokacz Scholarship in Cello

Simon is earning a master’s degree from Rice University Shepherd School of Music, studying with Desmond Hoebig. Simon received honorable mention in the 2017 National YoungArts Foundation Competition, and regularly performs as a substitute member of the Houston Grand Opera and Houston Ballet.

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Osheen Manukyan

Cello

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
23
Birthplace
Glendale, California
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Patty Jacquemin
Scholarship Donor
Susie and Ted Cronin Scholarship in Cello

Osheen is earning a master’s degree from The Juilliard School, studying with Timothy Eddy. Osheen is a three-time recipient of Performing Arts Scholarship from Armenian General Benevolent Union. He has appeared as soloist with the Kontrapunktus Baroque Ensemble, where he also serves as Artistic Director.

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Joseph Mostwin

Cello

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
19
Birthplace
Baltimore, Maryland
Current School
Northwestern University
Compeers
Paula Steinmetz and Allan Morton
Scholarship Donor
Susie and Ted Cronin Scholarship in Cello

Joseph is earning a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University, studying with Hans Jensen. He competed in the 2020 U.S. Army Orchestra Young Artist Competition, where he was awarded second prize. Joseph was the first prize winner of the 2020 Londontowne Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition.

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Claire Park

Cello

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
22
Birthplace
Los Angeles, California
Current School
New England Conservatory
Compeers
Dawn Seymour; Kirsten Dibenedetto
Scholarship Donor
Katharine Mallin Scholarship in Cello in memory of Richard C. Stein

Claire earned a bachelor’s degree from the New England Conservatory, studying with Laurence Lesser. She was a finalist for the 2018 Mondavi Center Young Artists National Competition, earning the Bernstein Prize. Recently, Claire has performed with A Far Cry Chamber Ensemble, and at the NEC Honors String Quartet Recital.

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Jiho Seo

cello

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
24
Birthplace
Seoul, South Korea
School
New England Conservatory of Music
Compeers
Betsy Wise
Scholarship Donor
Gabor Rejto Endowed Scholarship in Cello
Music Academy Award
2023 MAX Fellow

  • Jiho recently received a master’s degree from the New England Conservatory, studying with Lluís Claret;
  • In 2022, she earned first prize in the NEC Tecchler-Forster Cello Competition;
  • She has performed with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, served as principal cello for the New England Conservatory Philharmonic Orchestra, and appeared with Busan Philharmonic Orchestra as soloist.

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Matthew Wiest

Cello

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
22
Birthplace
Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin
Current School
University of Colorado, Boulder
Compeers
Susan and Adam Berger
Scholarship Donor
Susan and Adam Berger Scholarship in Cello

Matthew recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree from University of Colorado, Boulder, studying with David Requiro. In 2022, He was awarded second place in the University of Colorado Concerto Competition. Matthew is an Elan Artists Performer, and is a member of the Boulder Philharmonic.

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Alexander Wu

Cello

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
23
Birthplace
Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
School
Peabody Conservatory of Music
Compeers
Marnie and Steve Pinsker
Scholarship Donor
Stephen Schaible and Daron Builta Scholarship in Cello

Alexander is earning his master’s degree from the Peabody Conservatory of Music, studying with Alan Stepansky. He was the Recipient of the Penn State University Brewster Music Endowment in 2022, and semi-finalist at the IXth "Annarosa Taddei" International Competition in Rome. Alex is the cellist of the Rosen String Quartet.

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Hamzah Zaidi

cello

ABOUT
Fellow
2022, 2023
Age
24
Birthplace
New York, New York
School
Eastman School of Music
Compeers
Marnie and Steve Pinsker
Scholarship Donor
Stephen Schaible and Daron Builta Scholarship in Cello

Hamzah earned a master’s degree at Eastman School of Music in cello performance and literature, studying with Steven Doane and Rosemary Elliot. Hamzah has performed with the English National Opera and was a fellow at the Virtuoso e Belcanto Festival in Lucca, Italy. He has played for BBC Radio 3 and as an extra for Rocketman.

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Ruth Christopher

Double Bass

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
20
Birthplace
Saint Louis, Missouri
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Nancy and Stillman Chase
Scholarship Donor
Patricia and Brian Herman Scholarship in Double Bass

Ruth is earning a bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Rex Surany. She has performed as the principal bass of the Juilliard Orchestra, and is a teaching fellow with the Juilliard Music Advancement Program. Ruth is a substitute musician with the City Lyric Opera, and performs with the Isosceles Trio.

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LonFon Law

Double Bass

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
23
Birthplace
Hong Kong
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Dinah and Ricardo Calderon
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Double Bass, anonymous donor

LonFon is currently earning a master’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Harold Robinson. In 2022, Lonfon was the winner of the Royal Academy of Music Double Bass Prize. He has performed with the English National Opera and the Asaka Octet.

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Zachary Marzulli

Double Bass

ABOUT
Fellow
2022, 2023
Age
24
Birthplace
New York, New York
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Barbara and Jon Greenleaf
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Double Bass, anonymous donor

Zachary recently graduated with a master’s degree from The Juilliard School, studying with Timothy Cobb. Zachary has served as a substitute musician with the New World Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, and New York Philharmonic. He has performed with the Lucerne Festival Academy and at the Spoleto Festival.

 

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Rauno Meneses-Halmari

Double Bass

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
18
Birthplace
Gainesville, Florida
Current School
Baylor University
Compeers
Dinah and Ricardo Calderon
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Double Bass, anonymous donor

Rauno is earning a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, studying with Sandor Ostlund. Rauno has served as principal bass of the Baylor Symphony Orchestra and the 2022 UNT ISMI Orchestra. He is a TMEA Music Scholar.

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Tim Rinehart

double bass

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
21
Birthplace
Boston, Massachusetts
School
Rice University Shepherd School of Music
Compeers
Nancy and Stillman Chase
Scholarship Donor
Mary Lynn and Warren Staley Endowed Scholarship in Double Bass
Music Academy Award
2023 MAX Fellow

  • Tim is earning his bachelor’s degree at Rice University Shepherd School of Music, studying with Paul Ellison;
  • He was the winner of the 2023 Les Violons du Roy Chamber Orchestra Concerto Competition 2023;
  • He has performed as a substitute musician with the Houston Symphony and the North Carolina Symphony.

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Tyler Vittoria

Double Bass

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
22
Birthplace
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Current School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Bill Vollero
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Double Bass, anonymous donor

Tyler is earning a master’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Tim Cobb. Tyler has performed with the Juilliard Orchestra and the BlackBox Ensemble. He participated in DC Bass in 2020 and 2021.

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Chingju Chloe Yu

Double Bass

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
23
Birthplace
Taoyuan, Taiwan
School
Colburn Conservatory of Music
Compeers
Nancy and Stillman Chase
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Double Bass, anonymous donor

Chingju is earning her bachelor’s degree at the Colburn Conservatory, studying with Peter Lloyd. She was a member of the 2022 New York String Orchestra Seminar, and has acted as principal bass for the Colburn Orchestra.

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Alejandro Lombo

flute

ABOUT
Pronouns
he/him
Fellow
2019, 2023
Age
25
Birthplace
Miramar, Florida
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Patricia Quealy Moore and Walter Moore; Susan and Peter Tortorici
Scholarship Donor
Sima Mannick Endowed Scholarship in Flute / Jill Brandin and Durian Pingree Scholarship in Flute
Music Academy Award
2023 MAX Fellow

  • Alejandro graduated with his master’s degree from The Juilliard School, where he studied with Jeffrey Khaner;
  • He was named winner of the Sphinx Orchestral Partners Audition in 2023;
  • He was the winner of the Yamaha Young Performing Artist Competition in 2019.

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Jarrett May

Flute

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
24
Birthplace
Fort Worth, Texas
Current School
Yale School of Music
Compeers
Patricia Quealy Moore and Walter Moore; Susan and Peter Tortorici
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Flute, anonymous donor

Jarret is currently earning his master’s degree at the Yale School of Music, studying with Ransom Wilson. He is an associate member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Jarrett has also competed in Eastman’s Annual Tal Perkes Young Artist Competition, where he took home first prize in 2022.

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Arin Sarkissian

flute

ABOUT
Fellow
2020, 2021, 2023
Age
23
Birthplace
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Position
Victoria Symphony
Compeers
Patricia Quealy Moore and Walter Moore; Susan and Peter Tortorici
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Flute, anonymous donor

Arin is a returning Music Academy alum who currently serves as Principal Flutist of the Victoria Symphony. In 2022, the Toronto-born artist made guest appearances at Orchestre symphonique de Montréal’s La Virée Classique, as the recipient of 1st Prize and Stingray Audience Choice at the 2020 OSM Competition. Recent orchestral appearances include concerts as Guest Principal Flute with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and substitute invitations with the National Arts Centre Orchestra and Vancouver Symphony. Most recently, Arin was awarded the 2022 Michael Measures 2nd Prize by the Canada Council for the Arts. That same year, Arin was also named a Yamaha Young Artist Performance Competition Winner and won 1st Place at the Nancy Clew Eller, Music Teachers National Association, San Diego Flute Guild, and Naftzger Young Artist competitions. Although new to the professional sphere, he has performed under the baton of Michael Tilson Thomas, Marin Alsop, Jamie Martín, Larry Rachleff, James Conlon, Carlos Miguel Prieto, Sir Andrew Davis, Christian Kluxen, Tania Miller, and Otto Tausk, alongside others.

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Tessa Vermeulen

Flute

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
23
Birthplace
Chicago, Illinois
Current School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Patricia Quealy Moore and Walter Moore; Susan and Peter Tortorici
Scholarship Donor
Dick and Ann Zylstra Scholarship in Flute in Memory of Dr. Meta Schraagen

Tessa is earning her master’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Robert Langevin. She was awarded first place in the 2022 Kansas Flute Society Collegiate Competition, as well as the 2019 South Carolina Flute Society Collegiate Competition. She is a member of the Essengi Wind Quintet.

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Haley Hoffman

oboe

ABOUT
Fellow
2022, 2023
Age
26
Birthplace
Fort Worth, Texas
School
San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Haley is earning an Advanced Certificate at San Francisco Conservatory, and received her master’s degree at Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM). At CIM, Haley served as Principal Oboe under the batons of Harry Davidson and JoAnn Falletta. She was named a finalist in the 2019 Moores School of Music Concerto Competition.

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Kara Poling

Oboe fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Area of Study
Oboe
Age
21
Birthplace
Towson, Maryland
YouTube Handle
@karapoling2912
Compeer
Bobby Tahouri
Scholarship Donor
William H. Kearns Foundation Scholarship in Oboe

Kara is currently earning her bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Elaine Douvas. She was named the winner of the 2022 International Double Reed Society Norma Hooks Young Artists International Competition. Kara is also a member of the Amity Winds Quintet.

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Eder Rivera

Oboe fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Area of Study
Oboe
Age
27
Birthplace
San Pedro Sula, Cortes, Honduras
Current School
Colburn Conservatory
Compeers
Pam and John Johnston
Scholarship Donor
David Weiss Memorial Scholarship in Oboe
Compeers
Pam and John Johnston
Scholarship Donor
David Weiss Memorial Scholarship in Oboe

Eder is currently earning his artist diploma from The Colburn School, studying with Eugene Izotov. He has competed in the Yamaha Young Performing Artist where he was named the oboe winner in 2018. He also received a bronze medal in the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition in 2022.

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Evan Yonce

Oboe fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Area of Study
Oboe
Age
20
Birthplace
Missoula, Montana
Compeers
Bobby Tahouri
Scholarship Donors
Menk Family Trust Endowed Scholarship in Oboe

Evan is currently earning his bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Nathan Hughes. Previously, he has attended the Berlin Opera Academy, Domaine Forget, and Hidden Valley Music Seminars. Evan is also a recipient of the Juilliard Kovner Fellowship.

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Besnik Abrashi

Clarinet fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Area of Study
Clarinet
Age
23
Birthplace
Chicago, Illinois
Compeers
Pat Yzurdiaga, Robin Rickershauser, and Ann Edmonston
Scholarship Donors
Emily Bernstein Memorial Scholarship in Clarinet

Besnik is currently earning his master’s degree at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, studying with Yehuda Gilad. He won first prize in the 2019 International Clarinet Association Young Artist Competition, and honorable mention for 2022 Coeur d’Alene Young Artist Competition. Besnik is a substitute musician for the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, Downey Symphony Orchestra, and American Youth Symphony.

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Max Arakaki

Clarinet fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Area of Study
Clarinet
Age
24
Birthplace
Kailua, Hawaii
YouTube Handle
https://www.youtube.com/@maxarakaki8943/featured
Compeers
Laurence Fechter and Thomas Stansbury; Myra and Spencer Nadler
Scholarship Donor
Jean Ogle Scholarship in Clarinet

Max earned his master’s degree from Rice University Shepherd School of Music, where he studied with Richie Hawley. Recently, he received honorable mention in the Shepherd School of Music 2022 Concerto Competition. Max has performed as principal clarinet with the Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra.

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Juliyan Martinez

Clarinet fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Area of Study
Clarinet
Age
20
Birthplace
Tampa, Florida
Current School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Laurence Fechter and Thomas Stansbury; Myra and Spencer Nadler
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Clarinet, anonymous donor

Juliyan is currently earning his bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Jon Manasse. He has performed with the Westcheter Symphony Orchestra, Symphony in C, and New World Symphony as a substitute musician. In addition, Juliyan received honorable mention at the Vandoren Emerging Artist Competition. He is a recipient of the Kovner Fellowship at Juilliard.

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Triniti Rives

Clarinet fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Area of Study
Clarinet
Age
22
Birthplace
Smyrna, Georgia
Current School
University of Michigan
Facebook Handle
Triniti Rives
Compeers
Pat Yzurdiaga, Robin Rickershauser, and Ann Edmonston
Scholarship Donor
Lorna Hedges Scholarship in Clarinet

Triniti recently earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan, studying with Daniel Gilbert. She was a semi-finalist in the 2022 Coltman Chamber Music Competition, and received honorable mention in the 2022 Briggs Chamber Music Competition. Triniti is a member of the Novus Reed Quintet.

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Sarah Bobrow

bassoon

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Fellow
2023
Age
24
Birthplace
New Hartford, New York
Current School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Lois Phillips
Scholarship Donor
Jeanne C. Thayer Endowed Scholarship in Bassoon
Music Academy Award
2023 MAX Fellow

  • Sarah earned a master’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Kim Laskowski;
  • She was a finalist in the 2021 Meg Quigley Vivaldi Competition;
  • She has performed with the New York Philharmonic and as principal with the Juilliard Orchestra in Carnegie Hall under David Robertson.

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Xavion Patterson

bassoon

ABOUT
Fellow
2022, 2023
Age
20
Birthplace
Smyrna, Tennessee
School
Colburn Conservatory
Compeers
Edith Clark; Sima Morrison
Scholarship Donor
Colburn Foundation Scholarship in Bassoon

Xavion is currently earning his bachelor’s degree at Colburn Conservatory where he studies with Richard Beene. He is a returning Academy fellow, having previously attended in 2022.

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Samuel Watson

bassoon

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
20
Birthplace
Irving, Texas
Position
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Compeers
Edith Clark; Sima Morrison
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Bassoon, anonymous donor

Sam will join the Boston Symphony Orchestra in the fall of 2023 as contrabassoonist. Prior to joining the Boston Symphony Orchestra, he held similar positions with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and the Toledo Symphony Orchestra. His principal teachers were Barrick Stees and Jonathan Sherwin.

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Kahlan Yenney

bassoon

ABOUT
Pronouns
she/her
Fellow
2023
Age
21
Birthplace
Ashburn, Virginia
School
Curtis Institute of Music
Compeer
Suzan Garner
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Bassoon, anonymous donor

Kahlan is earning her bachelor’s degree from Curtis Institute of Music, studying with Daniel Matsukawa. Kahlan was a semi-finalist in the 2023 Meg Quigley Competition and has appeared with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra and Symphony in C.

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Alessandra Marie Liebmann

horn

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
21
Birthplace
Buffalo, New York
School
Northwestern University
Compeers
Judy and Paul Astbury, Evie and Steve Vesper, Margi Mainquist, and Maxine Makover
Scholarship Donor
Coeta and Donald Barker Foundation Scholarship in Horn

Alessandra is earning her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University, where she studies with Gail Williams and majors in both Horn Performance and Sociology. At University, she has received a SigP merit grant. Alessandra served as a substitute musician with the Buffalo Philharmonic, was a member of the National Youth Orchestra, and was a 2022 Sarasota Music Festival Fellow.

 

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Blake Moreland

horn

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
21
Birthplace
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
School
Baylor University
Compeers
Judy and Paul Astbury, Eveie and Steve Vesper, Margi Mainquist, and Maxine Makover
Scholarship Donor
Marcia and Jamie Constance Scholarship in Horn

Blake is earning his bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, where he studies with Kristy Morrell. Blake performs with the Lux Brass Quintet and served as first chair in the 2020 Texas All-State Band. At Baylor, he has been a finalist in its Concerto Competition three times, and received honorable mention in 2023. He was an Aspen Music Festival 2022 Fellow.

 

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Drew Morgan

horn

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Fellow
2023
Age
24
Birthplace
Cincinnati, Ohio
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Judy and Paul Astbury, Evie and Steve Vesper, Margi Mainquist, and Maxine Makover
Scholarship Donor
Maureen and Les Shapiro Scholarship in Horn

Drew is currently earning his master’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Jennifer Montone. He won second prize in the Andrew Howell Memorial Horn Competition. Drew has also recently performed with the New World Symphony.

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Micah Northam

horn

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
21
Birthplace
Fort Worth, Texas
School
Cleveland Institute of Music
Compeers
Judy and Paul Astbury, Evie and Steve Vesper, Margi Mainquist, and Maxine Makover
Scholarship Donors
Elizabeth Edwards Scholarship in Horn

Micah is earning his bachelor’s degree from Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studies with Richard King and Nathaniel Silberschlag. Micah serves as Principal Horn of Canton Symphony Orchestra, has performed with The Cleveland and Akron Symphony orchestras, and won the 2019 Fort Worth Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition. Other awards include finalist in the 2019 Texas Association of Symphony Orchestras Juanita Miller Concerto Competition and finalist in the 2019 Curtis Young Artist Summer Program Solo Competition. Micah previously participated in the Round Top Festival Institute.

 

 

 

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Carys Sutherland

horn

ABOUT
Fellow
2022, 2023
Age
21
Birthplace
Needham, Massachusetts
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Judy and Paul Astbury, Eveie and Steve Vesper, Margi Mainquist, and Maxine Makover
Scholarship Donor
Meg Di Napoli Scholarship in Horn

Carys is earning a bachelor's degree at The Juilliard School where she is a student of Julie Landsman as a recipient of a Kovner Fellowship. Carys was named winner of the 2020 U.S. Navy Band Young Artist Solo Competition. Carys serves as Principal Horn of Symphony in C and has recently performed with the New World Symphony and Princeton Symphony Orchestra. She was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America from 2019-2020. At Juilliard, Carys is also a Teaching Fellow in the Music Advancement Program and a Gluck Community Engagement Fellow.

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Amber Wang

horn

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
23
Birthplace
Taipei, Taiwan
School
Yale School of Music
Compeers
Judy and Paul Astbury, Evie and Steve Vesper, Margi Mainquist, and Maxine Makover
Scholarship Donor
Karl Kramer Foundation Scholarship in Horn

Amber is earning her master’s degree from Yale School of Music, where she studies with William Purvis. Amber received First Place in Horn in the 2015 National Taiwan Music Competition. 2022 performances include appearing with the Taiwan National Philharmonic Orchestra as Assistant Horn.

 

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Paul Armitage

Trumpet fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
22
Birthplace
Riverdale, Georgia
School
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Compeers
Heather and Sese Ntem
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Trumpet, anonymous donor

Paul recently graduated from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, studying with John Rommel. They received the IU Jacobs Premier Young Artist Award and Academic Excellence Award. Paul has also performed with Aspen’s “Limestone Brass” fellow brass quintet. They are a section member of Richmond Symphony Orchestra in Richmond, Indiana.

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Joshua Harris

Trumpet fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Area of Study
Trumpet
Age
22
Birthplace
Fresno, California
Current School
Michigan State University
Facebook Handle
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100015029111138
Compeers
Karen Broumand and Tom Parker
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Trumpet, anonymous donor

Joshua recently earned his bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University, studying with Justin Emerich. He won second prize at the World Trumpet Society Orchestral Excerpt Competition. Joshua performs with the Lansing Symphony, and is a regular member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.

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Davan Sagara

Trumpet fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Area of Study
Trumpet
Age
22
Birthplace
San Diego
Compeers
Karen Broumand and Tom Parker
Scholarship Donor
Vos Family Foundation Scholarship in Trumpet

Davan earned his bachelor’s degree in applied music and music education at the Eastman School of Music, studying with James Thompson. He received the President’s Scholarship and Dean’s List award from the Eastman School of Music.

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Michail Thompson

trumpet

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Area of Study
Trumpet
Age
23
Birthplace
Portland OR
Current School
Rice University Shepherd School of Music
Compeer
Jack Funk
Scholarship Donor
Lea Kerchman Memorial Scholarship in Trumpet
Music Academy Award
2023 MAX Fellow

  • Born in Portland, Oregon, Michail graduated with a bachelor’s degree from San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) and is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Rice University Shepherd School of Music
  • He was a winner of the SFCM Concerto Competition and also a solo finalist in the National Trumpet Competition;
  • He is a substitute musician with Canadian Brass and the San Francisco Symphony, Opera and Ballet.

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Alex Ertl

Tenor Trombone fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Area of Study
Tenor Trombone
Age
23
Birthplace
Des Moines, Iowa
Current School
Northwestern University
Facebook Handle
https://www.facebook.com/alex.ertl.965/

Alex is earning his master’s degree at Northwestern University, studying with Michael Mulcahy, Doug Wright, Tim Higgins, and Randy Hawes. In 2022, he won the DePaul University Concerto Competition. Alex is a substitute musician with the Chicago Symphony, and is associate trombone with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.

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Derek Gullett

Tenor Trombone fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Area of Study
Tenor Trombone
Age
22
Birthplace
Canton, Ohio
Current School
Curtis Institute of Music
Compeers
Ed Potts and Judy Smith

Derek is earning a bachelor’s degree from the Curtis Institute of Music, studying with Nitzan Haroz. Derek is a substitute musician with the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the former principal trombone of the Breckenridge International Festival of the Arts Chamber Orchestra. He is a trombone instructor at Girard College.

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Luke Sieve

bass trombone

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/him/his
Fellow
2023
Age
23
Birthplace
Dallas, Texas
Music Academy Award
2023 MAX Fellow
Scholarship Recipient
Dietrich Emory Sauer Memorial Scholarship in Trombone

  • Luke earned his bachelor’s degree from the New England Conservatory, studying with James Markey;
  • He is an S.E. Shires Rising Artist, and performs with the Cincinnati Symphony and Boston Pops Orchestra as a substitute musician;
  • He was a member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for their 2021-2022 season.

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Andrew Zaharis

Tenor Trombone fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Area of Study
Tenor Trombone
Age
19
Birthplace
Boston, Massachusetts
YouTube Handle
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ4UDcGVwLnw_Gq8SZOO2HQ
Current School
The Juilliard School
Facebook Handle
https://www.facebook.com/andrew.zaharis?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Compeer
Debbie Goodwin
Scholarship Donor
Cheryl and Peter Ziegler Endowed Scholarship in Trombone

Andrew is earning a bachelor’s degree from The Juilliard School, studying with Joseph Alessi. Andrew was a finalist at the 2022 International Trombone Association Gilberto Gagliardi Trombone Competition, and is an S.E. Shires Rising Artist. He is a recipient of the Kovner Fellowship at Juilliard.

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Chandler Currier

tuba

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
19
Birthplace
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Ben and Justina Sarmiento; Kim Bantilan
Scholarship Donor
Scholarship in Tuba supported by Jim and Jamie Self in honor of Music Academy President Emeritus David L. Kuehn
Music Academy Award
2023 MAX Fellow

  • Chandler is earning a bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School studying with Alan Baer;
  • He won the 2019 Tennessee Music Education Association Solo Competition and has appeared with The Greenwich Village Orchestra;
  • He served as a teaching assistant at the 2022 Interlochen Arts Camp.

 

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Mary La Blanc

percussion / timpani

ABOUT
Fellow
2022, 2023
Age
23
Birthplace
Laguna Hills, California
School
The Juilliard School
Compeer
Carole MacElhenny
Scholarship Donor
Marilyn and Dick Mazess Scholarship in Percussion
Music Academy Award
2023 MAX Fellow

  • Mary is currently earning her master’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Daniel Druckman;
  • She competed in the 2021 International Artist Competition and won second prize in the Collegiate Solo Category for marimba;
  • She is a recipient of the Kovner Fellowship at Juilliard.

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Austin Cernosek

Percussion/Timpani fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Area of Study
Percussion/Timpani
Age
27
Birthplace
Scottsdale, Arizona
Current School
University of Southern California Thornton School of Music,
Compeers
Kate Winn-Rogers and Christine Hoehner
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Percussion, anonymous donor

Austin recently graduated with an advanced certificate from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, studying with Joseph Pereira. Austin was awarded third place in the 2022 Modern Snare Drum Competition, and was a 2022 Tanglewood Music Festival fellow.

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Dana Dominguez

Percussion/Timpani fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Area of Study
Percussion/Timpani
Age
24
Birthplace
San Antonio, Texas
YouTube Handle
@danadominguez577
Current School
Rice University Shepherd School of Music
Facebook Handle
Dana Dominguez
Compeer
Tisha Weber Ford
Scholarship Donor
Anne and Richard De Rosa Endowed Scholarship in Percussion

Dana recently graduated with a master’s degree from Rice University Shepherd School of Music, studying with Matthew Strauss. She is a substitute musician with the Houston Symphony and the Kansas City Symphony, and performs as Principal Percussionist of the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra.

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Paul Matthews

Percussion/Timpani fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Area of Study
Percussion/Timpani
Age
23
Birthplace
Omaha, Nebraska
Current School
Omaha Symphony
Compeer
Emily and Jerry Zacarias
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Percussion, anonymous donor

Paul is acting assistant principal percussion of the Omaha Symphony. In 2019, Paul was the Modern Snare Drum Competition winner. He is a substitute musician for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Santa Barbara Symphony, and Sioux City Symphony.

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Leigh Wilson

Percussion/Timpani fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Area of Study
Percussion/Timpani
Age
22
Birthplace
Ayer, Massachusetts
Current School
Harvard/New England Conservatory
Compeers
Kate Winn-Rogers and Christine Hoehner
Scholarship Donor
Manitou Fund Scholarship in Percussion

Leigh recently earned a master’s degree in performance and chemistry from the Harvard - New England Conservatory Dual Degree Program, studying with Matthew McKay. Leigh is a recipient of the 2022 Rachel Mellinger Memorial Award, and is a member of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra.

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Kaitlin Miller

harp

ABOUT
Fellow
2022, 2023
Age
22
Birthplace
Fort Collins, Colorado
School
University of Southern California Thornton School of Music
Compeers
Daryl West
Scholarship Donor
Dorris and Patrick Nielson Scholarship in Harp / Helen Sperry Lea Foundation Scholarship in Harp

Kaitlin is earning her master’s degree at University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, studying with JoAnn Turovsky and serving as a teaching assistant.  She won both the 2020 Anne Adams Award Harp and the 2019 American Harp Society in Dallas Scholarship competitions. Kaitlin has served as a substitute principal with the Pacific Symphony and as principal of the American Youth Symphony.

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Robert Brooks Carlson

Solo Piano fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Area of Study
Solo Piano
Age
24
Birthplace
Lynchburg, Virginia
YouTube Handle
@robertbrookscarlson
Current School
University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory
Compeers
Ashley and Kyle Hollister
Scholarship Donor
Karl Kramer Foundation Scholarship in Solo Piano

Robert is earning an artist diploma at the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory, studying with Soyeon Kate Lee. Robert received special prize in the 2022 Seattle International Piano Competition, and has performed solo recitals for E. Carl Freeman Concert Series and the Epiphany 2022-2023 Performing Arts Series. He is the Pianist of the Rhine Piano Trio.

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Wei-Yun Chang

Solo Piano fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Pronouns
she/her
Age
24
Birthplace
Taipei City, Taiwan
School
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Compeers
Dianne & Robert Duva; Debbie Tilley
Scholarship Donor
Hyon Chough and Maurice Singer Scholarship in Solo Piano

Wei-Yun is a recent graduate student at Indiana University and studies with Evelyne Brancart. She received the Special Prize for the Best Performance of a Chopin Etude at the 2016 San Jose International Piano Competition and recently appeared as a soloist with both the Indiana University AdHoc Orchestra and Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra as the winner of the Orchestra's 2022 National Young Artist's Competition.

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Cristian Makhuli

Solo Piano fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Area of Study
Solo Piano
Age
18
Birthplace
Charlotte, North Carolina
School
Curtis Institute of Music
Compeers
Adam Feild and Erik Torkells
Scholarship Donor
Ronit Amir Lowenthal Endowed Scholarship in Solo Piano

Cristian is a recent high school graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, studying with Dr. Dmitri Vorobiev. Cristian was the winner of the 2023 YoungArts Competition, and a 2023 MTNA Senior Piano Performance national finalist. He is a founding member of the Charlotte Piano Trio. Cristian will be attending Curtis Institute of Music as an undergraduate starting this fall.

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Priscila Navarro

Solo Piano fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Area of Study
Solo Piano
Birthplace
Huanuco, Peru
YouTube Handle
https://www.youtube.com/@PrisLN
Current School
University of Miami
Facebook Handle
https://www.facebook.com/priscilanavarropiano
Music Academy Award
2023 Fast Pitch Awardee

  • Born in Huanuco, Peru, Priscila earned her doctorate from the University of Miami
  • She was awarded the Christa Marschall-Bach Foundation Prize at the 2022 Bach Leipzig International Competition
  • Priscila is director of keyboard studies at Whitworth University, and artistic director of Parnassus Music Society in Peru

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Szuyu Su

Solo Piano

ABOUT
Pronouns
She/Her
Area of Study
Solo Piano
Age
25
Birthplace
Tainan, Taiwan
Compeers
Ellen Barger and Tony Helf; Clive Chang and Chad Tendler
Scholarship Donor
Clive Chang and Chad Tendler Scholarship in Solo Piano
Music Academy Award
2023 Solo Piano Competition winner

  • Szuyu graduated with a master’s degree from The Juilliard School, studying with Yoheved Kaplinsky and Hung-Kuan Chen;
  • She was the second prize winner of the 2022 Mieczyslaw Munz Piano Scholarship Competition, and placed in the second round of the 2021 Warsaw Chopin International Piano Competition;
  • She has appeared as soloist with the Taipei Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and as a recitalist in Taiwan.

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Paul Williamson

Solo Piano fellow

ABOUT
Pronouns
He/Him
Area of Study
Solo Piano
Age
27
Birthplace
Abbotsford, British Columbia
YouTube Handle
https://www.youtube.com/@paulwilliamson6216
Compeer
Teddy Muller
Scholarship Donor
Ann Jackson Family Foundation Scholarship in Solo Piano

Paul recently graduated with an artist diploma from the Colburn Conservatory, studying with Fabio Bidini. Paul was awarded first prize in the 2017 CFMTA National Piano Competition, and in 2022, he earned third place in the Shean Piano Competition. He is a sessional instructor at the University of Manitoba, and has performed with the Grand Piano Series.

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Forrest Howell

collaborative piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
31
Birthplace
Sokcho, South Korea
School
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Compeers
Dot and Rick Nelson
Scholarship Donor
Dodie Little Scholarship in Collaborative Piano

Forrest earned his doctorate from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor inPiano Performance and Pedagogy. Recent achievements include a Gilmore Piano Festival fellowship, appearing as a soloist with Ann Arbor Symphony, and a Round Top Festival Institute fellowship. Forrest is also a Resident Teaching Artist with ArtistYear and served as a 2021 Artist in Residence at the Porto PianoFest. Awards include winning the 2021 Round Top Festival Institute Chamber Music Competition and the 2016 MTNA National String Chamber Music Competition.

Others of note:

  • Rackham Research Award, 2021
  • Douglass Heiner Scholar, 2017-2018
  • ORCA Research Grantee, 2016
  • E. Mona Smith Scholar, 2015-2016

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Ji Youn Lee

collaborative piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
26
Birthplace
Seoul, Korea
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Marilyn Zellet and Linda and Robert Van Buren
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Collaborative Piano, anonymous donor
Music Academy Award
2023 Duo Competition winner

  • Ji Youn is earning her master’s degree from The Juilliard School, where she studies with Jonathan Feldman;
  • Awards include winning the 2019 New England Conservatory Concerto Competition, and Second Place in the 2022 Ke’alohi International Piano Competition;
  • She has performed with the New England Conservatory Symphony, Broad Street Orchestra, and on the Wednesday at One series at Alice Tully Hall;
  • She appeared in the Trio Muto chamber music recital in Korea.

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Lu Niu

collaborative piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
24
Birthplace
Dalian, Liaoning, China
School
Cleveland Institute of Music
Compeer
Caryl Crahan
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Collaborative Piano, anonymous donor

Lu is earning a master's degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music where she studies with Anita Pontremoli and Kathryn Brown. Lu was the recipient of the 2014 YAMAHA Music Scholarship. Recent performances include a 2022 Chamber Music concert, an Intensive Duo Gala concert, and a young artist recital at the Beaver Island Music Festival.

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Jihyun Oh

collaborative piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
31
Birthplace
Seoul, Korea
School
University of Missouri, Kansas City

Jihyun is a doctoral candidate at the University of Missouri in Kansas City studying with Thomas Rosenkranz and serving in the collaborative piano graduate assistantship. 2022 awards include First Prize in the Los Angeles International Liszt Competition, First Prize in the Barum Music Competition, and Third Prize in the Puerto Rico Center for Collaborative Piano Competition.

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Shao-Chu Pan

collaborative piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
26
Birthplace
Pingtung County, Taiwan
School
Bard College Conservatory
Compeers
Letitia O'Connor
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Collaborative Piano, anonymous donor

Shao-Chu recently graduated from Bard College Conservatory studying with Frank Corliss. He received Second Prize in The Piano Concerto Competition in National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) in 2016, as well as the University's scholarship of Masterclass Programs with Outstanding Academic Performance. Shao-Chu served as a pianist in the Bard Contemporary Ensemble, performing "Messages of The Late Miss R.V. Troussova" by György Kurtág led by conductor Benjamin Hochman.

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Benjamin Pawlak

collaborative piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2020, 2021, 2023
Age
27
Birthplace
Horseheads, New York
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Kari Eiler and Elisabeth Soth
Scholarship Donor
Eiler Family Scholarship in Collaborative Piano

Returning fellow Benjamin recently earned a master’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Jonathan Feldman. Awards include 2020 Indie Film Music Contest Finalist and participation in the Brancaleoni International Music Festival (2018), Brevard Music Center (2017), and Credo Chamber Music (2009-2015). He has served as a substitute keyboardist with the New York Philharmonic, Buffalo Philharmonic, and Princeton Symphony, and performed with the Nashville Chamber Society.

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JaeKeun Jack Song

collaborative piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2022, 2023
Age
34
Birthplace
Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
School
Korea National University of Arts
Compeers
Linda and Kyle Butterwick
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Collaborative Piano, anonymous donor

Returning fellow Jaekeun earned his Artist Diploma at Korea National University of Arts, located in Seoul, South Korea, where he studied with JaeYoun Yoo. Jaekeun appeared with violinist SungJu Lee at the Seoul Arts Center in the IBK Chamber Hall in November of 2019.

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Jarod Yap

collaborative piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
23
Birthplace
Detroit, Michigan
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Kari Eiler and Elisabeth Soth
Scholarship Donor
Arboleda Family Scholarship in Collaborative Piano

Jarod is earning a master's degree at The Juilliard School studying with Lydia Brown. Awards include Second Prize in the 2023 J. Earl Lee Collaborative Piano Competition and the 2022 Frank Liu Jr. Prize for Creative Innovations at The H. Albert Napier Rice Launch Challenge. Jarod has participated in masterclasses with Dominik Wagner and Andrew Bain, and serves at Juilliard's Pre-College Division as a studio pianist and at The School for Strings as a staff pianist.

 

 

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Nicole Ying

collaborative piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
30
Birthplace
China
School
University of North Texas
Compeers
Robin Browne and Thomas Bortolazzo
Scholarship Donor
Mercedes H. Eichholz Endowed Scholarship in Collaborative Piano

Nicole is a doctoral candidate at the University of North Texas in Denton studying with Elvia Puccinelli and Steve Harlos and serving as a graduate teaching assistant. She also served as a guest clinician and coach at California State University, Los Angeles. Nicole has collaborated with the NOVA Ensemble and participated in several festivals including The Collaborative Piano Institute in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; the Borromeo Music Festival in Switzerland; SummerArts Festival in Fresno, California; the InterHarmony International Music Festival in Italy; and the Montecito International Music Festival in Thousand Oaks, California.

 

 

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Alissa Claire Goretsky

soprano

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
23
Birthplace
Los Angeles, California
School
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Compeers
Elisabeth and Gregory Fowler
Scholarship Donor
Leni Fé Bland Endowed Scholarship in Voice

Alissa Claire Goretsky has been recognized as a First-Place winner of the Palm Springs Opera Guild Competition, an Honorable Mention of the Spotlight Competition (2018), a finalist in the Burbank Philharmonic Young Artist Competition (2021), and a Semi-Finalist of the Orpheus Vocal Competition (2022). Alissa made her operatic debut in 2019 with the role of Gismonda in Handel's Ottone with the San Francisco Conservatory of Music's historical performance ensemble. She made her professional house debut as covers for the roles of Sister Alice and Sister Catherine in Dialogue des Carmelites with the San Francisco Opera. She has sung Countess Almaviva in Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro and Drusilla in Monteverdi's L'incoronazione di Poppea. Alissa is a graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM), earning her bachelor’s degree in vocal performance under the tutelage of Cesar Ulloa. She is currently pursuing her master of music degree at SFCM.

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Kylie Kreucher

soprano

ABOUT
Fellow
2022, 2023
Age
22
Birthplace
Novi, Michigan
School
Oberlin Conservatory
Compeers
Jill Taylor & Ray Link
Scholarship Donor
Michelle Joanou Scholarship in Voice

Kylie Kreucher is earning a bachelor’s degree at Oberlin Conservatory, where she studies with Katherine Jolly. She recently won an Encouragement Award at the 2022 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition in the Kentucky District. In 2022, Kylie received the Jessye Norman Award in the Great Lakes NATS Region for most promising singer. She was also named one of four winners in the Schmidt Undergraduate Vocal Competition. She made her professional debut with Soo Opera Theatre as Annina in La traviata and has recently performed with Oberlin Opera Theatre in multiple leading roles. Kylie also received the Theodore Presser Award from Oberlin Conservatory for outstanding musicianship, academics, and professional potential. Kylie attended the Music Academy in 2022. She’s most looking forward to another wonderful summer of learning and growth as a returning fellow and member of the Lehrer Vocal Institute, as well as playing Musetta in Music Academy’s production of La bohème!

 

 

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Angela Lamar

soprano

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
26
Birthplace
San Diego, California
School
Louisiana State University
Compeer
Bunny Freidus
Scholarship Donor
Phyllis Grace Mozilo Endowed Scholarship in Voice

Soprano Angela Lamar is passionate about exposing new audiences to opera and song, and challenging audience perceptions through her innovative artistry and versatile technical abilities. Angela recently completed her master’s degree at Louisiana State University under the tutelage of renowned tenors Robert Grayson and Paul Groves. During her time at LSU, she prepared the roles of Dorabella in Mozart’s Così fan tutte, Blanche in Dialogues des Carmelites, and La Ciesca in Gianni Schicchi. Angela completed her bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance at Colorado State University under the instruction of Dr. John Carlo Pierce. There, she performed the roles of L’enfant in L’enfant et les sortileges, Orfeo in Orfeo ed Euridice, and Amastre in Serse. Angela’s most recent engagements include premiering the role of Herstory in Hannah Rice's Seneca Falls, performing in an Operatizers concert with the Peach State Opera Company, and covering the role of Nicklausse in Opera Louisiane's production of Les Contes d'Hoffmann. She is excited to make her role debut as Mimi in the Music Academy’s production of La bohème. She’s also looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate with new partners in unique song projects and ensembles and learn from such esteemed industry professionals.

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Dalia Medovnikov

soprano

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Distinction
2022 studio artist
Age
22
Birthplace
New Haven, Connecticut
School
Curtis Institute of Music
Compeer
Heidi August
Scholarship Donor
Patricia Toppel Scholarship in Voice

Dalia is earning her bachelor's degree from Curtis Institute of Music studying with Emily Olin, where she participates in both the Curtis Opera Theatre and the Curtis Chamber Music Program. Awards include winning the 2022 Schmidt Competition and earning second place in the 2021 Hal Leonard Art Song Competition, and she is the recipient of a Gerda Lissner Foundation Competition grant. With Curtis Opera Theater, Dalia has performed the roles of Cecile de Volanges in Conrad Susa's Dangerous Liaisons, Giannetta in Gaetano Donizetti's Elisir d’amore, and Dalinda in G.F. Handel's Ariodante. Dalia attended the Music Academy in 2022 as a studio artist.

 

 

 

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Margaret Tigue

soprano

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
28
Birthplace
Wantagh, New York
School
Bard College Conservatory
Compeers
Ginger Beebe and Harriet Mosson
Scholarship Donor
Shirley and Seymour Lehrer Scholarship in Voice

Margaret earned her master’s degree at Bard College Conservatory studying with Lorraine Nubar. Recent awards include second prize in the 2022 MassOpera Vocal Competition and the Encouragement Award in the 2017 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions (Michigan District). She is a Tanglewood Music Center Alumna.

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Madelin Morales

mezzo-soprano

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
22
Birthplace
Fairfield, New Jersey
School
Eastman School of Music
Compeers
Danner Schefler, Priscilla Gaines, and Sheila Wald
Scholarship Donor
Gina Jannotta Endowed Scholarship in Voice in memory of Joe Jannotta

Madelin received her bachelor's degree at Eastman School of Music as a student of Kathryn Cowdrick, and was an Arts Leadership Certificate Candidate at Eastman's Institute for Music Leadership. Recent operatic roles include: Mercédès (Carmen), Taller Daughter (Proving Up), Oberto (Alcina), and Third Lady (Die Zauberflöte). This March, Madelin performed the role of Paula in Eastman Opera Theater's production of Daniel Catán's Florencia en el Amazonas. She is one of the 2022 Ornest Award recipients, awarded for excellence in academic and musical study at Eastman. She was also selected by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars as a 2019 U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts. An advocate for promoting music by underrepresented composers, Madelin has been an active member of Representation Matters (RM) since 2020. An outreach program created by Eastman alumnus, Travon Walker, RM educates primary and secondary school students about classical music through a POC and BIPOC lens, with the goal of raising awareness for the lack of representation in classical music.

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Marianne Ruel

mezzo-soprano

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
29
Birthplace
Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec
School
Conservatoire de musique de Montréal
Compeers
Christine Holland, Robert Howell & Erik Wilk
Scholarship Donor
Robert Howell and Erik Wilk Scholarship in Voice

Marianne Ruel earned a development certificate and a master’s degree from the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal under supervision of soprano Donna Brown and pianist Olivier Godin. In 2022, she won the first prize at the Pierre-De Saurel Classical Music Competition Festival. She also received her master’s degree with distinction and several excellence scholarships from the Foundation of the Conservatoire. Her appearances include La Ciesca in Gianni Schicchi with the Canadian Vocal Arts Institute, The Son/Juniper Bird in The Juniper Tree and Dorothée in Cendrillon with the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal. Marianne completed residencies at the Canadian Vocal Arts Institute (CVAI), Lachine International Vocal Academy, LIBERAinCANTO Stage Masterclass, and the Domaine Forget International Music Academy. She is grateful for this opportunity of training and growth at the Lehrer Vocal Institute of Music Academy. She believes that acquiring this precious knowledge will contribute to her journey of becoming a unique and more generous artist.

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Nia Spaulding

mezzo-soprano

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
21
Birthplace
Oakland, California
School
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
Compeer
Colleen Koch
Scholarship Donor
Cheryl and Michael Goldberg Scholarship in Voice

Nia Spaulding attends the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) working toward her bachelor’s degree of music in voice performance. She currently resides in Columbus, Ohio. She is a third year undergraduate studying with Dr. Gwendolyn Coleman. At CCM she sings in the Chorale Choir, directed by Dr. Brett Scott, and in Opera d’arte, the undergraduate opera ensemble. Her roles at CCM have includes Public Opinion in Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld, Dritte Dame cover in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, and she is expected to sing Zita in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi and 2nd Witch in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas. In the summer of 2022, she performed the role of La Zia Principessa in Suor Angelica (Purcell) with the International Summer Opera Festival of Morelia (Mexico) and extended her Italian studies as part of Academia Vocale Lorenzo Malfatti, in Lucca, Italy. Nia concluded 2022 singing in the chorus of the CCM graduate opera, Dialogue of Des Carmelites (Poulenc). Nia is excited to be a 2023 summer fellow and member of the Lehrer Vocal Institute this summer at the Music Academy. The generosity of the academy allows her to indulge in the numerous learning opportunities with teachers and artists she admires, as well as performance opportunities that will continue to impact her as a young artist. In such a beautiful part of the country, Nia looks forward to making musical connections with others who share the same passion.

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Tivoli Treloar

mezzo-soprano

ABOUT
Fellow
2022, 2023
Age
22
Birthplace
Mission Viejo, California
School
UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music
Compeer
Jill Taylor and Ray Link
Scholarship Donor
Jill Taylor and Ray Link Scholarship in Voice

Tivoli is earning her bachelor’s degree at UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, studying with Juliana Gondek. This year, Tivoli made her professional debut with Long Beach Opera as The Lover in the world premiere of Kate Soper's The Romance of the Rose. Other roles performed include Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro (Opera UCLA), Flora in La traviata (La musica lirica), and Echo in the world premiere of Kay Rhie’s opera Quake (Opera UCLA). Awards include the C.S. Music Vocal Competition - Classical University Division Finalist (2021), Recipient of the Elaine Krown Klein Fine Arts Scholarship and the Mimi Alpert Feldman Fine Arts Scholarship (2021). Tivoli is also a soloist with the UCLA Gluck Vocal Ensemble, an outreach organization that brings free, high-quality musical entertainment to underserved audiences. Tivoli is a skilled dancer and choreographer with many years of experience, most recently choreographing a production of La traviata. 

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Cameron Weger

mezzo-soprano

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
22
Birthplace
Kansas City, Missouri
School
University of Texas at Austin
Compeers
Bridget Foreman & Crystal Knepler
Scholarship Donor
Diane Sullivan Scholarship in Voice

Cameron Weger is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in vocal performance at the University of Texas at Austin studying with Cynthia Morrow. She is an active member of the Butler Opera Center’s undergraduate ensemble, performing in both main stage productions and numerous scenes. Recent scene performances include Olga in Eugene Onegin, and Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro. She has extensive experience of placing at the National Association of Teachers Singing (NATS) competition. Cameron is a proud alumna of the Houston Grand Opera’s Young Artist Vocal Academy, and she is thrilled to be attending the Music Academy’s Lehrer Vocal Institute this summer! She greatly looks forward to the experience, professional growth, and mentorship she will receive from the world-renowned teaching artists.

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Xiaojie Ji

tenor

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
27
Birthplace
Meizhou, Guangdong, China
School
Michigan State University
Compeers
Ginger Beebe and Harriet Mosson
Scholarship Donor
Ceil and Michael Pulitzer Scholarship in Voice

Xiaojie is earning a DMA at Michigan State University where he studies with Richard Fracker and serves as a teaching assistant. While at University, he has performed the role of Fenton in Verdi's Falstaff. Previous performances with Manhattan School of Music include Basilio in Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro and Mercury in Offenbach's Orpheus in the Underworld. He was a Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition Michigan district encouragement winner in 2022, and Washington district encouragement winner in 2021.

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Cole McIlquham

tenor

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
24
Birthplace
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
School
Wichita State University
Compeer
Linda Seltzer Yawitz
Scholarship Donor
Paul Guido and Stephen Blain Scholarship in Voice

Cole McIlquham is earning a master’s degree in Opera Performance at Wichita State University where he studies with Alan Held. While at Wichita, Cole has performed the roles of Podestà in Mozart’s La finta giardiniera and Arthur Dimmesdale in Lori Laitman’s The Scarlet Letter. In 2022 after being a finalist in the Washington, DC chapter of the National Society of Arts and Letters, he received outstanding recognition at the national level of the Wiston Classical Voice Competition. Recently, he made his professional debut with Wichita Grand Opera as Sam Polk in Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah, in honor of Sam Ramey’s 80th birthday.

"As a Music Academy fellow at the Lehrer Vocal Institute, I am looking forward to working with the teaching artists and being surrounded by like-minded musicians as myself. I think this is going to be a very formative summer in my vocal and artistic journey, and I can’t wait to spend it in Santa Barbara, California with the other fellows!”

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Luke Norvell

tenor

ABOUT
Fellow
2022, 2023
Age
24
Birthplace
Tacoma, Washington
School
Academy of Vocal Arts
Compeers
Christine Holland, Robert Howell & Erik Wilk
Scholarship Donor
Charles Weis Scholarship in Voice

Luke Norvell studies with Music Academy teaching artist Bill Schuman at the Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) in Philadelphia. He took first place in the 2021 NATS LA Collegiate Auditions. He has performed Lensky in Eugene Onegin at AVA and at the Music Academy last summer, Duca in Rigoletto and Alfredo in La Traviata, also at the Academy of Vocal Arts; Uriel in The Creation (Part 1) with Philadelphia Sinfonia, and Antol (cover) in Vanessa with the Spoleto Festival. In 2023 he received the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition Encouragement Award for the Southeast Region and was winner of the South Carolina District. This year, he will sing the leading role of Rodolfo in La bohème in the Music Academy Summer Festival.

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Peter Barber

bass-baritone

ABOUT
Fellow
2019, 2023
Birthplace
Charlottesville, Virginia
School
Academy of Vocal Arts
Age
29
Compeers
Ginger Beebe & Harriet Mosson
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Voice, anonymous donor

Peter Barber is in his third year as a Resident Artist at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. He received the Honors Graduate Award in 2020 from the University of Southern California, where he completed his master’s degree. He was also the Encouragement Award Winner in the Mentoris Voice Competition and a finalist in the Robert DeSimone Memorial Voice Competition. His signature roles are Figaro in Le nozze di Figaro, Bottom in Midsummer Night’s Dream, Prince Gremin in Eugene Onegin, Sarastro in The Magic Flute, and Schaunard in La bohème. He is looking forward to spending another summer in Santa Barbara – he was a fellow at the Music Academy Summer Festival in 2019. Peter will sing the role of Colline in La bohème during the 2023 Summer Festival.

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Colum Donovan-Paterson

baritone

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
25
Birthplace
Glasgow, Scotland
School
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Compeer
Bunny Freidus
Scholarship Donor
Margo and Robert Feinberg Scholarship in Voice

Colum Donovan-Paterson is an alumnus of The Sixteen’s flagship training program, Genesis Sixteen, and of the Dunedin Consort’s inaugural young artist program. He earned his master’s degree from Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and studies with Andrew Owens. He was highly commended at the Leonie Kayser Prize for Singing, 2020, and won Third Place in the Hugh S Roberton Prize for Scottish Singing in 2019. He performed the role of The Boy in Kurt Weill’s Der Jasager with Scottish Opera Connect. Colum has performed alongside The Sixteen in the world premiere of Sir James MacMillan’s Fifth Symphony, Le Grand Inconnu, at The Usher Hall and with The Dunedin Consort on their Golden Age tour and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Colum appears in the Netflix Originals feature film Outlaw King and the official live recording of Le Grand Inconnu at the Barbican Centre in London.

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Robert Frazier

bass-baritone

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Distinction
2022 studio artist
Age
25
Birthplace
Stuart, Florida
School
Purchase College Conservatory of Music
Compeer
Tim Taylor
Scholarship Donor
Lotte Lehmann Endowed Scholarship in Voice

Robert Frazier is currently earning his master’s degree at Purchase Conservatory, where he studies with Jacque Trussel. His recent engagements include Sarastro in Die Zäuberflöte, the title role in Le Nozze di Figaro, Guglielmo in Così fan tutte, and covering the role of Prince Gremin in the Music Academy’s Eugene Onegin last summer. Other roles include Pandolfe in Cendrillon, King Balthazar in Amahl and the Night Visitors and Marquis de la force in Dialogues of the Carmelites. This past year he premiered a new micro-opera Troubleshooting composed by John Carroll. In 2021, he premiered Brett Wery’s song cycle for change Quarry Songs. 

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Alex Granito

baritone

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
25
Birthplace
Newport Beach, California
School
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Compeer
Tim Taylor
Scholarship Donor
Jean Rogers Scholarship in Voice

Alex Granito most recently earned his master’s degree in vocal performance from San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he studied with his voice teacher Cesar Ulloa. Roles performed include Dr. Eisenstein and Dr. Falke in Johann Strauss’ Die Fledermaus and Valcour in Joseph Bologne’s L’Amant Anonyme. Alex is honored to be a Music Academy fellow and is looking forward to working with the incredible faculty of the Lehrer Vocal Institute and participating in their production of La bohème in the role of Chaunard.

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Hans Grunwald

baritone

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
21
Birthplace
Santa Cruz, California
School
University of British Columbia
Compeers
Todd Yancey and David Denniston
Scholarship Donor
Todd Yancey and David Denniston Scholarship in Voice

Hans Grunwald studies with J. Patrick Raftery at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Born and raised in Santa Cruz in northern California, Hans has performed solo recitals, musical theater, and opera. In 2022, Hans was a national finalist in the Schmidt Vocal Arts Undergraduate Competition. Later that year, he was awarded a Schubert Fellowship to attend Songfest at the San Francisco Conservatory.  Hans’ performance experience includes roles in Rossini’s Il Viaggio a Reims, Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, Giuseppe in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers, as well as a full season with the Santa Cruz Chorale led by renowned conductor Christian Grube. Hans previously studied with Wendy Hillhouse of Stanford University. At the Lehrer Vocal Institute, Hans is looking forward to furthering his training as a recitalist as well as taking on the role of Schaunard in Puccini’s La bohème. In his free time, Hans enjoys cooking, surfing, and hiking in beautiful Northern California.

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Navasard Hakobyan

baritone

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
25
Birthplace
Voronej, Gribanovsky, Russia
School/Position
Houston Grand Opera
Compeers
Siran and Emmanuel Maldjian
Scholarship Donor
Elizabeth Mosher Endowed Scholarship in Voice
Music Academy Award
2023 Marilyn Horne Song Competition winner

  • Armenian baritone Navasard Hakobyan is a second year Butler Studio Artist with Houston Grand Opera, where he has performed the roles of Second Nazarene in R. Strauss' Salome, Antonio in Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro, and Douphol in Verdi's La Traviata;
  • Navasard received several awards in 2022, including the Sullivan Award, First Place in the Eleanor McCollum Competition, and First Prize in the Premiere Opera Foundation International Vocal Competition;
  • He studies with Stephen King.

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Jared Werlein

baritone

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
22
Birthplace
San Francisco, California
School
The Juilliard School
Compeer
Mikki Andina
Scholarship Donor
The Henry E. and Lola Monroe Scholarship in Voice

Jared Werlein is earning a master’s degree at The Juilliard School where he studies with Betsy Bishop. Roles performed there include Sodbuster (cover) in Proving Up by Missy Mazzoli, and Mercurio in Handel's Atalanta. He attended the Chautauqua Opera Conservatory in 2018, 2019, and 2022, and there performed the role of Leporello in Mozart's Don Giovanni.

"The Music Academy has so many opportunities to better my craft and perform onstage. While most programs only focus on opera, I'm very excited that this program focuses on song as well. I believe that this experience will help me focus on my interpretation of character and how to become the characters I'm playing on-stage.”

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Beatriz Batista

vocal piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
31
Birthplace
La Habana, Cuba
School
Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá
Compeers
Danner Schefler, Priscilla Gaines, and Sheila Wald
Scholarship Donor
Shirley and Seymour Lehrer Scholarship in Vocal Piano

Beatriz is earning a Graduate Diploma from Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Columbia. Awards include Best Collaborative Pianist in both the 2011 UNEAC Sing Competition and the 2020 and 2022 Bogotá Sing Competitions. In Bogotá, she serves as a colaborative pianist at her University as well as Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. In 2022, Beatriz was the collaborative pianist for Mozart's Die Zauberflöte at Teatro Colón and Kitambo, Bogotá. She has also appeared in recital with tenor David Munderloh and soprano Karen Slack.

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Brian Cho

vocal piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
29
Birthplace
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
School
University of Western Ontario
Compeers
Danner Schefler, Priscilla Gaines, and Sheila Wald
Scholarship Donor
Patricia and Nicholas Weber Scholarship in Vocal Piano
Music Academy Award
2023 Marilyn Horne Song Competition winner

  • Brian received his master's degree from the University of Western Ontario, and studies with Liz Upchurch;
  • He has served as both a collaborative pianist and an intern repetiteur with the Canadian Opera Company in several productions and also works with the Magisterra Soloists and Can of Soup Collective;
  • Brian was a finalist in the Classical Musician category for Forest City London Musician of the Year;
  • Other training programs include Orford Musique and Accademia Europea Dell'Opera.

 

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Sujin Choi

vocal piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
32
Birthplace
Seoul, South Korea
School
New England Conservatory of Music
Compeer
Colleen Koch
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Scholarship in Vocal Piano, anonymous donor

Sujin is earning a Graduate Diploma in Collaborative Piano from the New England Conservatory of Music studying with Cameron Stowe, Jonathan Feldman, and Joel Ayau on the Dean's Scholarship. Sujin has served as pianist in Martín y Soler's  L'arbore di Diana with New England Conservatory, Puccini's La bohème at Yonsei University, and at Aspen Music Festival as an opera coach fellow in Mozart's Don Giovanni. 

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Julian Garvue

vocal piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
29
Birthplace
Redmond, Washington
School
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Compeer
Linda Seltzer Yawitz
Scholarship Donor
Walter O. and Holly J Thomson Foundation Scholarship in Vocal Piano

Julian is earning a Performance Diploma from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, studying with Kevin Murphy. Julian took third place in the 2018 Spheres of a Genius Composition Competition and has served as a pianist and coach with organizations including the Continuo IU Opera Theater, SongFest, and Highbridge Voices. He has received notable scholarships including the IU Jacobs School of Music - Mark Sudeith Collaborative Piano Scholarship, SongFest 2019 - Colburn Foundation full scholarship, and Eastman School of Music 2012-2016 Lois Rogers Scholarship.

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Meghan Rhoades

vocal piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
23
Birthplace
Rochester Hills, Michigan
School
Louisiana State University
Compeer
Linda Seltzer Yawitz
Scholarship Donor
Linda Seltzer Yawitz Scholarship in Vocal Piano

Meghan is earning a master's degree from Louisiana State University studying with Ana Maria Otamendi. Meghan has served as a pianist and coach while at University, in addition to collaborations with Music On Site Inc. and the Trentino Music Festival. While participating in the Collaborative Piano Institute Meghan also served as their Assistant Artistic Administrator, and attended the Young Artists' Vocal Academy in 2021.

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Yihao Zhou

vocal piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
28
Birthplace
Beijing, China
School
Manhattan School of Music
Compeers
Mally Chakola and Dean Jackson
Scholarship Donor
Music Academy Auxiliary Scholarship in Vocal Piano

Yihao is earning a Performance Diploma from Manhattan School of Music, studying with Thomas Muraco, where he also serves as staff pianist. He has participated in the 2022 SongFest, the 2018 Castleman Quartet Program, and the 2015 Round Top Festival Institute. Yihao was the winner of the 2016 Macalester College Concerto Competition and has received both the Freundlich Memorial Scholarship and P. & A. Shaffer Scholarship from The Juilliard School, as well as an Artistic Excellence Fellowship  from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.

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Elio Bucky

directing fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2023
Age
25
Birthplace
San Francisco, California
School
University of Texas at Austin
Compeers
Mally Chakola and Dean Jackson

Elio is earning a master’s degree in Opera Directing at University of Texas at Austin, studying with Garnett Bruce. In 2021 and 2022 he served as assistant director of the Miami Music Festival and at the Savannah VOICE Festival in 2022. He has also assistant directed at Butler Opera Center  for Missy Mazzoli's Proving Up and at Northwestern University for David T. Little's Dog Days. Elio is also a singer with both bachelor's and master's degrees from Northwestern University, and attended Chautauqua Opera Conservatory from 2017-2019.

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Ethan Burck

tenor

ABOUT
Distinction
2023 studio artist
Age
25
Birthplace
Kenosha, Wisconsin
School
Yale School of Music

Ethan is earning a master’s degree at Yale School of Music studying with Gerald Martin Moore. He was a Santa Fe Opera Apprentice Artist in 2021 and received the Encouragement Award at the 2018 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions (Ohio District). Ethan also maintains a private voice studio at Yale. Roles performed include Male Chorus in The Rape of Lucretia at Yale School of Music, Ferrando in Cosi fan tutte at Curtis Institute of Music, and The Shepard in Oedipus Rex with Opera Philadelphia.

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Katherine Dobbs

mezzo-soprano

ABOUT
Distinction
2023 studio artist
Age
22
Birthplace
Houston, Texas
School
Rice University Shepherd School of Music

Katherine is earning a master’s degree at Rice University Shepherd School of Music studying with Robin Rice. Roles include Mrs. Jones in Kurt Weill's Street Scene, Orfeo in Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice, and Ms. Todd in Menotti's The Old Maid and the Thief. She has attended the Dolora Zajick’s Institute for Young Dramatic Voices for three summers and is the recipient of the 2022 G. Hans Grueninger German Award. Other awards include:

  • The GCC Series – The Art of Art Song, 1st place; 2020
  • The GCC Series – The Art of Opera, 2nd place; 2020
  • Meghan Parker Award For the most Outstanding 1st Year Vocalist at the DePauw SoM; 2019

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Morena Galan

mezzo-soprano

ABOUT
Distinction
2023 studio artist
Age
22
Birthplace
Buenos Aires, Argentina
School
Mannes College of Music

Morena is earning a bachelor’s degree at Mannes College of Music. There, she has performed the role of La Natura in Cavalli's La Calisto. Other roles include Candelas in de Falla's El Amore Brujo with Opera Hispanica and Teatro Grattacielo, Shepherd in Puccini's Tosca with Teatro Colón, and the title role in Webber's Evita with The Woodstock Playhouse. Recent awards include first place (professional category) in the 2022 American Protégé International Voice Competition at Carnegie Hall, and the 2022 National Round winner of the Concorso Lírico Internazionale Italiano Competition.

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Wesley Kelley

bass

ABOUT
Distinction
2023 studio artist
Pronouns
he/him
Age
21
Birthplace
Kansas City, Missouri
School
Wichita State University

Wesley is earning a bachelor’s degree at Wichita State University studying with Alan Held. There, Wesley has performed roles in Laitman’s The Scarlet Letter, Floyd’s Susanna, and Handel’s Acis and Galatea.

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Parker Konkle

vocal piano

ABOUT
Distinction
2023 studio artist
Age
22
Birthplace
Montoursville, Pennsylvania
School
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music

Parker is earning a master’s degree at University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music studying collaborative piano with Kenneth Griffiths. He received the 2021 Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award, won the 2019 Steinway and Sons Junior Piano Competition, and attended the Houston Grand Opera Young Artist’s Vocal Academy.

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Fiorela Miria

soprano

ABOUT
Distinction
2023 studio artist
Age
18
Birthplace
Bronx, New York
School
Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

Fiorela attends Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts studying with Catherine Mazzone, where she has appeared as Sonia in Lehár’s The Merry Widow. Fiorela is a member of The National Children’s Chorus and performed the role of Giuseppina in Verdi’s La Traviata with New York City Opera. Awards include Winner of the 2023 Youngarts Gold Prize and First Place in the 2022 New York Young Virtuoso Competition (voice).

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Kyubin Moon

baritone

ABOUT
Distinction
2023 studio artist
Pronouns
he/him
Age
19
Birthplace
Skokie, Illinois
School
Rice University Shepherd School of Music

Kyubin is earning a bachelor’s degree at Rice University Shepherd School of Music studying with Robin Rice. Awards include First Place, Lower Highschool TBB Chicago Chapter of NATS in 2020, and Second Place in the 2021 American Protégé International Classic Music Voice Competition.

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Ian Pathak

tenor

ABOUT
Distinction
2023 studio artist
Age
21
Birthplace
Pune, India
School
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Ian is a bachelor’s degree student at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor studying with Scott Piper. There, he performed the roles of Rechtor and Komár in The Cunning Little Vixen. He recently appeared with Toledo Opera as Bogdanovitch in The Merry Widow and was an Aspen Music Festival 2022 Studio Artist. Recent awards include:

  • Director’s Award - James Toland Vocal Arts Competition (Tier II) 2022
  • 1st Place- National Society of Arts and Letters DC Chapter 2022
  • 2nd Place - Southern Illinois Young Artist Voice Competition 2022
  • Finalist -American Pops Orchestra NexGen National Competition 2022
  • Finalist - Undergraduate Schmidt Vocal Arts Competition 2022
  • Winner - Opera MODO Detroit Aria Competition-Rising star 2021

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Jillian Tate

soprano

ABOUT
Distinction
2023 studio artist
Age
24
Birthplace
Fairfax, Virginia
School
Yale School of Music

Jillian is earning a master’s degree at Yale University studying with Gerald Martin Moore. There, she has performed the roles of Lucia in Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia, and Alice in Rossini’s La Comte Ory. She received both Third Place and the Women Composers Prize in the 2021 George Shirley Competition.

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