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2024 Fellows & Studio Artists

Meet the 2024 Fellows & Studio Artists

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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Messiah Ahmed

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
23
Birthplace
Dallas, Texas
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Barbara and Albert Lindemann
Scholarship
Mercedes Millington and Jack Mithun Scholarship

Messiah is earning his master’s degree from The Juilliard School, where he studies with Laurie Smucker. He placed first in the Friedlander Concerto Competition and Fuchs Chamber Competition. Additionally, Messiah has performed with the Juilliard Orchestra in Carnegie Hall. and with the PUQI String Quartet at Array Juilliard Crossover.

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Natalie Boberg

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
24
Birthplace
Sierra Madre, California
School
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Compeers
Celeste Davis
Scholarship
Jeanne C. Thayer Endowed Scholarship

Natalie is earning her master’s degree from San Francisco Conservatory, where she studies with Simon James. She won the grand prize at the Utah Symphony Salute to Youth Competition. She is the founder and CEO of the Magari Ensemble and has performed alongside the Utah Symphony.

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Vincent Cart-Sanders

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
21
Birthplace
Sài Gòn, Vietnam
School
Park University International Center for Music
Compeers
Maribeth and Scott Claassen
Scholarship
John Percival and Mary C. Jefferson Endowed Scholarship

Vincent is earning his bachelor’s degree from Park University as a student of Ben Sayevich. Additional instructors have included Shmuel Ashkenasi and Rudolf Koelman. Vincent earned the first-place prize at the 2019 Bryn Athyn Young Artist Competition. He has performed with the Münchner Philharmoniker and ZHdK Strings. In 2021, he attended the Verbier Festival in Switzerland.

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Anthony Chan

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
25
Birthplace
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Maribeth and Scott Claassen
Scholarship
Miriam E. Schwab Memorial Scholarship

Anthony is currently earning his master’s degree from the Juilliard School, where he studies with Daniel Phillips and Kenneth Renshaw and is a recipient of the of the Morse Teaching Fellowship. He is the winner of the Barbara Robinson Prize in the 2016 New South Wales Secondary Schools Concerto Competition, and the 3rd place winner in the 2014 Wenkart Foundation Violin Competition. He has performed with the Korngold Violin Concerto and the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra. Anthony is a founding member of the Prometheus Quartet, with whom he has performed in Juilliard’s ChamberFest.

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Qian Chang

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
23
Birthplace
Yiyang, Hunan, China
School
Rice University
Compeers
Beth Sullivan; Leasha Barry
Scholarship
Zvi Zeitlin Endowed Scholarship

Qian Chang 21, born in Yiyang, Hunan, China, is earning her master’s degree from Rice University Shepherd School of Music in the studio of Cho-Liang Lin. In 2023, she participated in the International Violin Competition. She also placed second in the 2020 Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Concerto Competition.

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Cameron Chase

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
24
Birthplace
Stratford, Connecticut
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Byron Wu; Martha Fling
Scholarship
Mercedes Millington and Jack Mithun Scholarship

Cameron recently completed his degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Joseph Lin and Areta Zhulla. He is the winner of the 2017 Norwalk Symphony Concerto Competition and the 2019 Bridgeport Symphony Concerto Competition. He has made appearances with the Princeton Orchestra and is a member of the the Greenwich Choral Society Orchestra. He has also performed with the String Orchestra of New York City.

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Sumin Cho

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
24
Birthplace
Seoul, South Korea
School
Korea National University of Arts
Compeers
Rad Schreiber
Scholarship
Elenore and Thomas Hugunin Endowed Scholarship

Sumin is earning her master’s degree from the Korea National University of Arts in the studio of Hyunmi Kim. She has performed as first violinist with the Orchester der Deutsche Oper Berlin and with the Korea National University of Arts Symphony Orchestra as part of the Warsawa Beethoven Easter Festival Opening Concert. In 2018, she won the Espoir Prize at the Osaka International Music Competition. Sumin is a member of the Luce Piano Quartet.

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Chieh-Yu Jessica Chung

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
19
Birthplace
Taoyuan, Taiwan
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Wendi Hunter
Scholarship
Patricia Latham Endowed Scholarship

Chieh-Yu is earning a bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School as a student of Masao Kawasaki. Awards include a gold medal from the 2021 Singapore Raffles International Music Festival and third prize at the Shu-De Li International Violin Competition. As winner of the Bratsche International Music Competition, she was featured in the competition’s winner’s concert. Chieh-Yu has participated in programs such as the Heifetz Virtual Institute, Bard College Summer Music Academy, Aspen Music Festival, and Summa Cum Laude Youth Music Festival.

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Angelina Dong

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
21
Birthplace
Macon, Illinois
School
Cleveland Institute of Music
Compeers
Byron Wu; Martha Fling
Scholarship
Miriam E. Schwab Memorial Scholarship

Angelina is currently earning her bachelor’s degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music, studying with Jaime Laredo and Jessica Lee. She won the first prize in the 2019 New Jersey Music Teacher’s Association. Angelina was a principal in the Cleveland Institute of Music’s orchestra, and has performed with the Akron Symphony and the Elysian Quartet.

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Rinat Erlichman

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
28
Birthplace
Be’er Sheva, Negev desert, Israel
School
University of Colorado, Boulder
Compeers
Kathleen and Jerry Eberhardt
Scholarship
Kathleen and Jerry Eberhardt Scholarship

Rinat is earning her artist diploma from the University of Colorado, Boulder in the studio of Harumi Rhodes. In 2024, she won the 2024 Bruce Ekstrand Memorial Graduate Competition and the Boulder School of Music Concerto Competition. She was a first violinist with the Boulder Philharmonic in the 2023-2024 season and performed in the 2022-2023 season of the Sarasota Orchestra.

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Miyabi Henriksen

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
20
Birthplace
Baltimore, Maryland
School
Rice University
Compeers
Rad Schreiber
Scholarship
Mercedes Millington and Jack Mithun Scholarship

Miyabi is earning her bachelor’s degree from Rice University Shepherd School of Music in the studio of Paul Kantor. She has placed first in the 2019 Londontowne Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition, the 2019 Peabody Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition and the 2020 Columbia Orchestra Young Artist Competition. Additionally, Miyabi has performed as assistant principal second violin with the Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra. In the summer of 2023, she was a fellow and violin teacher with the Aspen Music Festival.

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Miles Huang

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
22
Birthplace
San Jose, California
School
Cleveland Institute of Music
Compeers
Teri and Pat Guillies; Holden and Hannah Guillies
Scholarship
Miriam E. Schwab Memorial Scholarship

Miles is earning a master’s degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music as a student of Jaime Laredo and Malcolm Lowe. He is the current Assistant Concertmaster of the Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra and former member of the Monterey Symphony and Modesto Symphony. In 2023, he placed third in the Lewisville Lake International Competition for Strings and Harp and Participated in the New York String Institute Seminar. Miles also performed as principal second violin with the 2022 Roundtop Festival Institute.

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Harin Kang

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2018, 2023, 2024
Age
27
Birthplace
Suwon, South Korea
School
New England Conservatory
Compeers
Margaret Rose
Scholarship
John and Linda Seiter Scholarship

Harin earned her master’s degree from the New England Conservatory and studies with Kristopher Tong, Duekwoo Kim, and Choonsoo Chung. Awards for the multi-year Music Academy alum include 1st Prize in the 2019 Hwasung National Music Competition and 2nd place in the 2014 Sung Jung Competition.

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Clara Kim

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
20
Birthplace
Grand Rapids, Michigan
School
Cleveland Institute of Music
Compeers
Marina Gutierrez
Scholarship
John Percival and Mary C. Jefferson Endowed Scholarship

Clara is currently earning her bachelor’s degree at The Cleveland Institute of Music, studying with Jaime Laredo and Malcolm Lowe. She was a competitor at the 2022 Louis Spohr International Violin Competition, and a laureate of the 2021 Chicago International Violin Competition. She has performed under the baton of Leonard Slatkin, JoAnn Falletta, and Anthony Parnther during the 2022-2023 season with the CIM Orchestra. She is a member of the Trio Ecclesia, a piano trio.

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Joshua Kim

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
23
Birthplace
College Station, Texas
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Clay Tedeschi
Scholarship
William Hymanson Endowed Concertmaster Scholarship

Joshua is currently earning his degree from The Juilliard School, studying with Li Lin. In 2020, he was the recipient of a YoungArts Foundation honorable mention. He has performed at Julliard’s graduation recital and Colorado College’s Summer Music Festival.

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Freya Liu

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2023, 2024
Age
25
Birthplace
San Jose, California
Position
Civic Orchestra of Chicago
Compeers
Teri and Pat Guillies; Holden and Hannah Guillies
Scholarship
Pamela and Russ Strobel Scholarship

Freya is a violin fellow with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. She was the winner of Boston University’s 2021 Concerto Competition and was a violin finalist for the Lyric Opera of Chicago. She is a returning Music Academy alum.

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Maya Masaoka

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
21
Birthplace
Torrance, California
School
University of Southern California
Compeers
Valerie Burns; Heejung Kim and David Sherman
Scholarship
Miriam E. Schwab Memorial Scholarship

Maya is earning her bachelor’s degree from University of Southern California Thornton School of Music in the studio of Lina Bahn. In 2018, she won the Callie D. McGrath Competition. Maya recently attended the 2023 Aspen Music Festival as fellow.

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Julie Minn

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
20
Birthplace
Aurora, Colorado
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Beth Sullivan; Leasha Barry
Scholarship
Sandra Karol Seymour and Philip Seymour Endowed Scholarship

Julie is currently earning her bachelor’s degree at the Juilliard School, where she studies with Daniel Phillips and is a Pre-College Orchestra Mentor. She is the winner of the Lakewood Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition, and the Broomfield Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition. She performed as the first chair in the New York String Orchestra Seminar under conducter Jaime Laredo, and is associate concertmaster in the Julliard Chamber Orchestra. Julie is a member of the European American Musical Alliance.

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Ilkhom Mukhiddinov

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
22
Birthplace
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
School
Park University International Center for Music
Compeers
Barbara and Albert Lindemann
Scholarship
William Hymanson Endowed Concertmaster Scholarship

Ilkhom is earning a graduate certificate at Park University in the studio of Ben Sayevich. He is the current concertmaster of the ICM Chamber Orchestra, first violinist of the Park Quintet, and former member of the Heifetz Chamber Seminar Quartet. As a soloist, Ilkhom has been featured alongside the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, ICM Chamber Orchestra, and Mozart Sinfornia Concertante. In 2022, he placed first at the Hellam Young Artist Competition.

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Ruoying Pan

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
27
Birthplace
Ürümqi, Xinjiang, China
School
Stony Brook University
Compeers
Irene Stone
Scholarship
William Hymanson Endowed Concertmaster Scholarship

Ruoying is currently earning her doctorate at Stony Brook University, studying with Hagai Shaham and Arnaud Sussmann. In 2020 she won first place in the Marbury Violin Competition. She is a member of the Proust String Quartet and has performed with the Emerson Quartet. She has also taught violin at the Long Island Conservatory.

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Abigail Park

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
20
Birthplace
Chicago, Illinois
School
University of Southern California
Compeers
Marina Gutierrez
Scholarship
John and Peggy Maximus Endowed Scholarship

Abigail is earning her bachelor’s degree at USC Thornton School of Music where she studies with Lina Bahn and teaches community music classes. Awards include semifinalist in the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition (2022-22) and Silver Medalist in the 2022 Saint Paul National String Quartet Competition.

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Daniel Park

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
21
Birthplace
Tampa, Florida
School
Indiana University
Compeers
Thiep Cung; Chris Fredericks
Scholarship
Miriam E. Schwab Memorial Scholarship

Daniel is currently earning his bachelor’s degree at Indiana University, studying with Kevork Mardirossian and Cyrus Forough. In 2024, he won first prize at the Indianapolis Matinee Musicale Competition. He is the associate concertmaster of Indiana University’s Chamber Orchestra.

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Emily Shehi

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
25
Birthplace
Olathe, Kansas
School
The Colburn School
Compeers
Colleen and Aron Stein
Scholarship
William Hymanson Endowed Concertmaster Scholarship

Emily is currently earning her artist’s diploma at The Colburn School, studying with Martin Beaver. She was a semi-finalist in the 2023 Angel Munetsugu Violin Competition, and a semi-finalist and commissioned work prize winner in the Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition.

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Hanchi Shi

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
21
Birthplace
Jingjiang, Jiangsu, China
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Jadzia and Emmett McDonough
Scholarship
Stephanie and Fred Shuman Scholarship

Hanchi is earning her bachelor’s degree from The Juilliard School, where she studies with Masao Kawasaki. She performed as concertmaster in The Juilliard School’s Pre-College Orchestra. In 2018, she participated in the Menuhin Competition.

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Steven Song

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2023, 2024
Age
25
Birthplace
Naperville, Illinois
School
Yale University
Compeers
Thiep Cung; Chris Fredericks
Scholarship
William Hymanson Endowed Concertmaster Scholarship

Returning fellow Steven Song is earning his master’s degree at Yale School of Music where he studies with Tai Murray. 2023 awards include semifinalist in the Lipinski International Violin Competition, and quarterfinalist in the Shanghai Isaac Stern Competition. He appeared as soloist with the Colburn Orchestra.

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Leyang Tang

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
23
Birthplace
Quanzhou, Fujian, China
School
Universitat der Kunste
Compeers
Irene Stone
Scholarship
Eileen Sheridan and Roger Wilde Endowed Scholarship

Leyang is earning her master’s degree at the University of Arts Berlin, where she studies with Latika Honda Rosenburg and Erika Geldetzer. She placed first in the 2023 Vienna International Music Competition. She also was a semifinalist in the 2024 ARSCLASSICA International Competition, the 2023 Henri Marteau International Competition, and 2023 Mirecourt International Violin Competition. Leyang performed as principal second violinist in the Santander Music Festival Orchestra and has performed in a number of piano quintets, trios, and string quartets.

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Muyan Yang

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
23
Birthplace
Lanzhou, Gansu, China
School
The Colburn School
Compeers
Colleen and Aron Stein
Scholarship
Colburn Foundation Scholarship

Muyan is is currently earning her master’s degree from The Colburn School., studying with Martin Beaver. She was the third prize winner in the 2023 Ysaye International Music Competition, and has also won first prize in the 2022 International Mozart Competition in Vienna. In 2022 she performed at the Keshet Eilon Gala Concert in New York City. She is a Jumpstart Teaching fellow at the Colburn School.

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Jisu Youn

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
24
Birthplace
Seoul, South Korea
School
Indiana University
Compeers
Clay Tedeschi
Scholarship
William Hymanson Endowed Concertmaster Scholarship

Jisu recently earned her master’s degree from Indiana University, where she studied with Alexander Kerr. She has performed in the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra as principal second violin, Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, and New World Symphony Orchestra. In South Korea, she placed first in the 2019 Korea Brahms Competition and second in the 2020 Korea Chamber Orchestra Competition.

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Ellen Zhou

Violin

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
19
Birthplace
Sugar Land, Texas
School
The Colburn School
Compeers
Wendi Hunter
Scholarship
Ellen and Peter Johnson Scholarship

Ellen is earning her bachelor’s degree from the Colburn Conservatory in the studio of Music Academy teaching artist Martin Beaver. She has been featured alongside the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Madison Symphony Orchestra. In 2023, she earned the junior division silver medal at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and the gold medal at the St. Paul String Quartet Competition.

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Amelia Branch

Viola

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
20
Birthplace
Guangzhou, China
School
Cleveland Institute of Music
Compeers
Sandra Svoboda; Lylie Francis
Scholarship
Ingrid Olsson and Charles Schweppe Scholarship

Amelia is earning her bachelor’s degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music as a student of Dana Meyer and Jeffrey Irvine. Orchestra positions include principal violist at the Interlochen Arts Academy, where she worked with Renee Skerik and Leslie Dunner, and substitute violist with The Chattanooga Symphony and the Traverse City Orchestra. She also has performed as principal violist at the Sewanee Summer Music Festival.

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Kenneth Fujii

Viola

ABOUT
Fellow
2023, 2024
Age
22
Birthplace
Las Vegas, Nevada
School
Peabody Conservatory of Music
Compeers
Mally Chakola and Dean Jackson
Scholarship
Donald Harger Endowed Scholarship

Kenneth is earning his master’s degree from the Peabody Institute of John Hopkins University in the studio of Victoria Chang. A 2023 Music Academy alum, he was the principal violist of the Canton Symphony for their 2022 season. He also performed as substitute violist with the World Symphony and Madison Symphony. In 2022, he was a finalist in the Cleveland Institute of Music Concerto Competition. While in residence at Arcadia University, he was a member of HEXTET. Kenneth is a SphinxConnect fellow.

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Jason Lan

Viola

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
26
Birthplace
Taipei, Taiwan
School
University of Texas, Austin
Compeers
Patricia and Jerry Hauptman; Sandy and Sabrina Toye
Scholarship
Miriam E. Schwab Memorial Scholarship

Jason is earning his doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin. There, he studied with the late Roger Myers and is a teaching assistant in viola. He has also studied wiht Honggang Li and Manchin Zhang. Jason performed with the Austin Civic Orchestra at the 2023 Rising Star Competition and performs freelance for the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.

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Breanna Lang

Viola

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
23
Birthplace
Jacksonville, Florida
School
Cleveland Institute of Music
Compeers
Ellen and Tom Orlando; Dorian and Peter Hirth
Scholarship
Ellen and Tom Orlando Scholarship

Breanna is earning her graduate diploma from the Cleveland Institute of Music as a student of Mark Jackobs and Lynne Ramsey. There, she has performed at the Advanced String Quartet Seminar Gala as a member of the Canore Quartet. She has also performed with Akron Symphony Orchestra as assistant principal violist. In 2018, Breanna placed second in the Florida State Music Teachers Association State Concerto Competition.

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William Mathangani

Viola

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
20
Birthplace
Tampa, Florida
School
Oberlin College Conservatory of Music
Compeers
Dean Carter and Mark Stori
Scholarship
Miriam E. Schwab Memorial Scholarship

William is earning his bachelor’s degree from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he studies with Peter Slowik. He has performed as violist in the Syracuse Orchestra, conducted by Lawrence Loh.

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Cecile McNeill

Viola

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
23
Birthplace
Whangārei, Northland, New Zealand
School
University of Southern California
Compeers
Ellen and Tom Orlando; Dorian and Peter Hirth
Scholarship
Dorian and Peter Hirth Scholarship

Cecile is currently earning her master’s degree at University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, studying with Yura Lee. She was a finalist in the 2024 USC Thornton Bach Solo Competition, and a semi-finalist in New Zealand’s National String Competition. She has performed at the Whakatipu Music Festival and as an orchestral fellow with the Auckland Philharmonia. She is currently a member of the USC Thornton Chamber Virtuosi.

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Clara Prinston

Viola

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
25
Birthplace
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
School
McGill Universtiy
Compeers
Andrea and Ron Hein; Kia McInerny and Gary Kuist
Scholarship
Christopher Toomey Scholarship

Clara recently completed her master’s degree at McGill University, studying with André Roy. She has performed with the Pronto Musica Chamber Orchestra and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra as a section soloist. She has formerly worked as a classical programmer and announcer for public radio and has served on the Board of Directors for the Big Ears Festival and Organization. Clara is honored to play on a 2016 Grubaugh and Seifert viola, on generous loan by the Virtu Foundation.

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William Sotiriou

Viola

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
20
Birthplace
Boston, Massachusetts
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Dean Carter and Mark Stori
Scholarship
Miriam E. Schwab Memorial Scholarship

William is currently earning his bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Carol Rodland. He has performed as a soloist with the Manchester Symphony Orchestra, and as a principal violinist with the Orchestra Without Borders at Juilliard’s Chamberfest.

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Nico Valencia

Viola

ABOUT
Fellow
2023, 2024
Age
24
Birthplace
Houston, Texas
School
University of Southern California
Compeers
Ellen Barger and Tony Helf; Clive Chang and Chad Tendler
Scholarship
Sima Mannick Endowed Scholarship

Nicolas recently earned his master’s degree from University of Southern California Thornton School of Music in the studio of Yura Lee. A 2023 alum of the Music Academy, he has since performed as inaugural violist with the Thornton Virtuosi Quintet and substituted in the New World Symphony. In 2023, he was a finalist in the Thornton Concerto Competition, received a fellowship from the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and was invited to teach a masterclass at the National University of Columbia. An avid Baroque musician, he has performed with the Fantasmi Baroque Ensemble and the Musica Angelica Baroque Orchestra.

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Jiaming Wang

Viola

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
25
Birthplace
Qingdao, Shandong, China
School
Boston University
Compeers
Patricia and Jerry Hauptman; Sandy and Sabrina Toye
Scholarship
Miriam E. Schwab Memorial Scholarship

Jiaming is currently earning his doctorate at Boston University, studying with Michelle LaCourse. He was a 2022 competition winner at Boston University’s Bach Competition. He has performed as principal viola with the Boston University Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra.

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Yihan Xue

Viola

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
22
Birthplace
Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Andrea and Ron Hein; Kia McInerny and Gary Kuist
Scholarship
Miriam E. Schwab Memorial Scholarship

Yihan recently earned her bachelor’s degree from The Juilliard School under the tutelage of Masao Kawasaki and Carol Rodland. There, she worked as a teaching assistant. In 2022, she attended the Aspen Music Festival, where she performed as assistant principal violist.

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Naomi Aires

Cello

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
22
Birthplace
Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
School
Northwestern University
Compeers
Betsy Wise
Scholarship
Ann and Dick Zylstra Scholarship, in memory of Henk Schraagen

Naomi is earning her bachelor’s degree at Northwestern University as a student of Hans Jørgen Jensen and Wei Yu. She has performed with Danish Royal Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra, Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Sinfonia and the female-powered Midtown Strings. At Northwestern University, she has a second major in cognitive science and received an undergraduate research grant in 2023.

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Tim Beccue

Cello

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
28
Birthplace
Santa Clara, California
School
Peabody Conservatory of Music
Compeers
Todd Yancey and David Denniston
Scholarship
Todd Yancey and David Denniston Scholarship

Tim recently completed his master’s degree at The Peabody Institute, studying with Amit Peled and Michael Kannen. He won first place in the 2018 Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, and has performed with the West Coast Symphony and with Mount Vernon Virtuosi. He is a founding member of HEXTET, an ensemble in residence at Arcadia University.

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Amanda Chi

Cello

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
25
Birthplace
Taipei, Taiwan
School
Yale University
Compeers
Paula Steinmetz and Allan Morton
Scholarship
Jill Brandin and Durian Pingree Scholarship

Amanda recently earned her master’s degree from Yale University where she studied with Paul Watkins. There, she was the principal cello of the Yale Philharmonia. In 2013, she was a winner of the 8th Toronto Sinfonietta Concerto Competition. Amanda also performed with Music Academy alums Frank Huang and Cynthia Phelps at the Taipei Music Academy Festival.

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Reina Sophia Cho

Cello

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
23
Birthplace
Irvine, California
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Susan and Adam Berger; Mary Lane
Scholarship
Susan and Adam Berger Scholarship

Reina recently completed her bachelor’s degree at the Juilliard School studying with Darret Adkins. She was a 2018 Youngarts finalist and the winner of the 2017 Spotlight Promise award. She has performed as the principal cellist in Colorado College’s Summer Music Festival orchestra and in Juilliard’s recent performances of Stravinsky’s Firebird at Carnegie Hall and Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastique conducted by Bertrand de Billy.

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Stacey Chung

Cello

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
21
Birthplace
Lafayette, Indiana
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Susan and Adam Berger; Mary Lane
Scholarship
Beth Gates Warren and Robert Boghosian Scholarship

Stacey is earning her bachelor’s degree from The Juilliard School in the studio of Astrid Schween. There, she is a member of The Juilliard Orchestra. Stacey has also been featured with the Seocho Philharmonic in Carnegie Hall as well as the Seoul Academy Ensemble and Seoul National Orchestra. In 2020, she performed a student solo recital at Colburn Academy She has also won prizes at the Osaka International Music Competition, 2020 YoungArts National Arts Competition, and 2018 Korea Chunchoo Magazine Competition.

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Emma Fisher

Cello

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
26
Birthplace
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
School
McGill Universtiy
Compeers
Susan Lichtenstein and John Rokacz; Pam and Russ Strobel
Scholarship
Susan Lichtenstein and John Rokacz Scholarship

Emma is earning her Graduate Artist Diploma from McGill University, where she studies with Brian Manker. Emma has served as a substitute musician with the L’Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal. Past teachers include Paul Katz and Hans Jørgen Jensen.

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Shijie Ma

Cello

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
23
Birthplace
Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
School
New England Conservatory
Compeers
Josh and Collette Ramirez; Kelly Teich
Scholarship
The Tedeschi Family Endowed Scholarship

Shijie is currently earning his master’s degree at the New England Conservatory, studying with Blaise Dejardin. In 2021 he won third prize in the Primuz International Strings Competition, and he was the first prize winner in the 2017 Vienna International Music Competition for chamber music. He has performed as the principal cellist with the New England Conservatory’s New Music Ensemble, and as a guest chamber performer with the Jiangsu Grand Theatre.

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Shengyu Meng

Cello

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
21
Birthplace
Shanghai, China
School
The Colburn School
Compeers
Patty Jacquemin
Scholarship
Stephen Schaible and Daron Builta Scholarship

Shengyu is earning her bachelor’s degree at the Colburn Conservatory of Music, where she studies with Clive Greensmith. The former principal cellist of the California Young Artist Symphony, she has been featured with the Colburn Orchestra, Württembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen and Burbank Philharmonic. She placed first in The Burbank Philharmonic’s 2023 Hennings-Fischer Young Artist Competition, was a semifinalist in the 2022 Stulberg International String Competition, and earned honorable mentioned in the 2022 Ronald Sachs International Music Competition.

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Reena Oh

Cello

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
25
Birthplace
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
School
Hochschule für Musik Freiburg
Compeers
Marnie and Steve Pinsker
Scholarship
Susie and Ted Cronin Endowed Scholarship

Reena is earning her master’s degree from Hochschule für Musik Freiburg in the studio of Elena Cheah. She has performed as principal cellist with the Australian Youth Orchestra and as casual cellist with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Opera Australia Orchestra.

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Belle Ra

Cello

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
25
Birthplace
Columbia, Missouri
School
Eastman School of Music
Scholarship
Dan Dokos and Bryan Graybill Scholarship

Belle recently completed her advanced diploma from the Eastman School of Music and received the Celentano award, studying with Steven Doane and Rosemary Elliott. She will now begin her doctorate studies at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music studying with Eric Kim as a recipient of the Performance Fellowship. In 2018 she was the winner of the Young Professional Division of the Tennessee Cello Workshop Competition, and was a finalist in the 2023 Music Teacher’s National Association Chamber competition. She has performed as a soloist with the Texas Christian University Orchestra and the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra.

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Matthew Wiest

Cello

ABOUT
Fellow
2023, 2024
Age
23
Birthplace
Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin
School
Eastman School of Music
Compeers
Marnie and Steve Pinsker
Scholarship
Stephen Schaible and Daron Builta Scholarship

Matthew Wiest is earning his master’s degree at Eastman School of Music, studying with Steven Doane and Rosemary Elliott. The multi-year MAW alum was a member of the Boulder Philharmonic and was a finalist in both the 2023 Eastman School of Music and 2022 University of Colorado Boulder Concerto competitions.

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Philippe Chaput

Double Bass

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
25
Birthplace
Châteauguay, Quebec, Canada
School
Conservatoire de Musique de Montréal
Compeers
Ricardo and Dinah Calderon
Scholarship
John Durand Endowed Scholarship

Phillippe recently completed his master’s degree at the Montreal Conservatory of Music, studying with Joel Quarrington. He is a recipient of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada’s 2020 Award of Excellence. He has performed with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and the National Arts Center Orchestra.

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Min Kyung Cho

Double Bass

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
27
Birthplace
Bupyeong, Incheon, South Korea
School
Yale University
Compeers
Heidi August and NancyBell Coe
Scholarship
Reginald Faletti Endowed Scholarship

Min Kyung is currently earning her master’s degree at Yale School of Music, studying with Donald Palma. She won first prize in both the 2017 Korea Music Journal Competition and the 2016 Korea Music Association Competition. She has performed with the Yale Philharmonic and was a soloist in the Seongnam Philharmonic.

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Kevin Fink

Double Bass

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
23
Birthplace
Yorktown Heights, New York
School
Rice University
Compeers
Bill Vollero
Scholarship
Patricia and Brian Herman Scholarship

Kevin is currently earning his master’s degree at Rice University, studying with Timothy Pitts. He has performed with the New York String Orchestra Seminar, and has been a Teaching Artist with the Houston Youth Symphony.

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Rémy Howard

Double Bass

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
22
Birthplace
Westport, Connecticut
School
Cleveland Institute of Music
Compeers
Ricardo and Dinah Calderon
Scholarship
Fenton Davison Endowed Scholarship

Rémy is earning his bachelor’s degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music as a student of Scott Dixon. He is acting principal bassist of the Akron Symphony Orchestra. Other orchestral positions include section bass for the New York String Orchestra Seminar, assistant principal bass for the Akron Symphony Orchestra, and subsitute for the Canton Symphony Orchestra.He placed first in the 2023 Lousiana Bassfest Orchestra Competition and second in the Louisiana Bassfest Young Artists Solo Competition.

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Wynter G. McCray

Double Bass

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
22
Birthplace
Columbia, South Carolina
School
Eastman School of Music
Compeers
Heidi August and NancyBell Coe
Scholarship
Donald Harger Endowed Scholarship

Wynter recently completed her degree at the Eastman School of Music, studying with James VanDemark. She was awarded the 2023-24 Eastman School of Music Performance Certificate. She has performed as Principal Bass with the Eastman Orchestra and the Eastman Philharmonia, and as Section Bass with the Orchestra of Northern New York.

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Grant Thomas

Double Bass

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
20
Birthplace
Renton, Washington
School
Indiana University
Compeers
Jordan Killebrew
Scholarship
Mary Lynn and Warren Staley Endowed Scholarship

Grant is earning his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University- Jacobs School of Music where he studies with Kurt Muroki. There, he took first place in the 2022 Bottesini Competition and served as assistant principal with the IU Philharmonic. He has also appeared with the Mostly Modern Festival Orchestra and National Youth Orchestra.

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Jamie Kim

Flute

ABOUT
Fellow
2022, 2024
Age
24
Birthplace
Los Angeles, California
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Leslie and Mac Bains
Scholarship
John Durand Endowed Scholarship

Jamie is a returning 2022 Music Academy fellow. She recently earned her master’s degree from The Juilliard School as a student of Carol Wincenc and Jim Walker. In 2023, she was a semifinalist in the Susan Wadsworth International competition and the National Flute Association Young Artist Competition. That same year, she placed second in the New York Flute Club Competition. Jamie has performed in the New World Symphony and as principal flute in The Juilliard Orchestra.

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Ann Kuo

Flute

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
22
Birthplace
Taipei, Taiwan
School
The Colburn School
Compeers
Susan and Peter Tortorici; Patricia Queaky and Walter Moore; Arlene Sommer and Dan Kolodziejski
Scholarship
Colburn Foundation Scholarship

Ann is earning her master’s degree from Colburn Conservatory of Music, where she studies with Jim Walker and Sabina Chiang. She earned first place in both the 2024 Jefferson Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition, and the 2023 Naftzger Young Artists Auditions and Music Awards. She was a fellow in the Sarasota Music Festival.

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Joanna Lau

Flute

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
23
Birthplace
Roslyn Heights, New York
School
Carnegie Mellon University
Compeers
Susan and Peter Tortorici; Patricia Queaky and Walter Moore; Arlene Sommer and Dan Kolodziejski
Scholarship
Jane and Dick Stebbins Scholarship

Joanna is earning her master’s degree from the Carnegie Mellon School of Music, where she studies with Lorna McGhee. She placed second in the 2020 Flute Center of New York Emerging Artist Competition. Since 2023, she has been an on-trial flutist with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra and substitute flutist with the Canton Symphony Orchestra and New World Symphony.

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Anastasia Samsel

Flute

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
22
Birthplace
New Haven, Connecticut
School
Curtis Institute of Music
Compeers
Susan and Peter Tortorici; Patricia Queaky and Walter Moore; Arlene Sommer and Dan Kolodziejski
Scholarship
Reginald Faletti Endowed Scholarship

Anastasia is earning her bachelor’s degree at the Curtis Institute of Music, where she studies with Jeffrey Khaner. In 2023, she placed first in the Flute Society of Greater Philadelphia Young Artist Competition. Anastasia has performed as a substitute flutist with Symphony in C and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

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Izaiah Cheeran

Oboe

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
18
Birthplace
St Paul, Minnesota
School
Curtis Institute of Music
Compeers
Pamela and John Johnston
Scholarship
David Weiss Memorial Scholarship

Izaiah is earning his bachelor’s degree at Curtis Institute of Music in the studios of Katherine Needleman and Philippe Tondre. In October 2023, he performed Reena Esmail’s Pranayam on NPR’s “From the Top” with Peter Dugan. Competition victories include the 2022 Schubert Club Young Artist Competition and the 2023 Minnesota Orchestra Young People’s Symphony Concert Association Concerto Competition. The latter culminated in performances of the Martinu Oboe Concerto in January 2024. He also has performed with the National Youth Orchestra as co-principal oboist and English horn soloist.

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Elias Daniel Medina

Oboe

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
24
Birthplace
Miami, Florida
School
The Colburn School
Compeers
Pamela and John Johnston
Scholarship
Lea Kerchman Memorial Scholarship

Elias is earning his performance studies certificate from The Colburn School in the studio of Music Academy teaching artist Eugene Izotov. In 2022-2023, he attended the Tanglewood Music Center as oboe fellow. Elias was principal oboe in the New York String Orchestra Seminar and performed as substitute oboist in the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and New World Symphony.

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Evan Yonce

Oboe

ABOUT
Fellow
2023, 2024
Age
21
Birthplace
Missoula, Montana
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Holiday and Richard Vaill
Scholarship
Menk Family Trust Endowed Scholarship

Evan is currently earning his degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Nathan Hughes. He has performed as a principal with the Juilliard Orchestra, and as a substitute with the Richmond Symphony and Minnesota Orchestra.

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Yang Yu

Oboe

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
21
Birthplace
Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
School
Mannes College of Music
Compeers
Holiday and Richard Vaill
Scholarship
Mericos Foundation Endowed Scholarship

Yang is earning his bachelor’s degree from the Mannes School of Music, where he studies with Elaine Douvas. In 2023, he performed on the National Youth Orchestra of Canada’s Aurora Tour.

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Phoebe Kuan

Clarinet

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
25
Birthplace
New Taipei City, Taipei, Taiwan
School
New England Conservatory
Compeers
Pat Yzurdiaga, Robin Rickershauser, and Ann Edmonston
Scholarship
Lorna Hedges Scholarship

Phoebe is currently earning her master’s at the New England Conservatory, studying with Andrew Sandwick, Michael Wayne, and Jon Manasse. She was a 2024 runner-up in the New England Conservatory’s Chamber Orchestra Concerto Competition, and received a Certificate of Achievement in Chamber Music for the Eastman school of Music in 2021. She has performed with the Louisiana Philharmonic and with the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra.

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Michael Miller

Clarinet

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
24
Birthplace
Sarasota, Florida
School
Rice University
Compeers
Kate Winn-Rogers; Tom Stansbury and Larry Fechter
Scholarship
Jean Ogle Scholarship

Michael recently earned his master’s degree from Rice University Shepherd School of Music, where he studies with Richie Hawley and Michael Wayne. He won the grand prize at the 2022 Vandoren Emerging Artist Competition and has performed with the Sarasota Orchestra and Buffalo Philharmonic. In the fall of 2024, Michael plans to join the President’s Own Marine Band.

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Ben Quarles

Clarinet

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
29
Birthplace
Coral Springs, Florida
School
Southern Methodist University
Compeers
Kate Winn-Rogers; Tom Stansbury and Larry Fechter
Scholarship
Patricia Yzurdiaga Scholarship

Benjamin is a freelancer who has studied with Greg Raden, and Paul Garner. Residing in Richardson, Texas, he has performed as second clarinet in the East Texas Symphony Orchestra. He performs regularly as a substitute musician with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Opera Orchestra, Dallas Winds, and Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra. In 2022, he placed first in the International Clarinet Association Orchestra Audition Competition.

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Katia Sofia Waxman

Clarinet

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
25
Birthplace
Chicago, Illinois
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Pat Yzurdiaga, Robin Rickershauser, and Ann Edmonston
Scholarship
Emily Bernstein Memorial Scholarship

Katia recently earned her master’s degree from The Juilliard School, where she studied with Jon Manasse. In 2021, she was a grantee of the Oberlin Student Success Award. Notable performances include a One-to-One Micro Concert for The Newport String Concert in September 2023 and solo performance with Thresh, an Indian classical dance company, in November 2022. Amanda currently performs as the Sarasota Opera’s acting second clarinet for the 2024 season.

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Jackson Bernal

Bassoon

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
19
Birthplace
Silver Spring, Maryland
School
Rice University
Compeers
Sally Fouhse and Dan Kronstadt
Scholarship
Henry E. and Lola Monroe Endowed Scholarship

Jackson is earning his bachelor’s degree from Rice University Shepherd School of Music studying with Music Academy teaching artist Benjamin Kamins. He was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of the United States in 2023, and previously served as principal bassoon of the Capital Wind Symphony.

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Xayvion Davidson

Bassoon

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
20
Birthplace
Columbus, Ohio
School
Rice University
Compeers
Sally Fouhse and Dan Kronstadt
Scholarship
Eralda Kogan Endowed Scholarship

Xayvion is earning his bachelor’s degree at Rice University Shepherd School of Music in the studio of Benjamin Kamins. He placed first and was voted Audience Favorite at the 2023 Cynthia Woods Mitchell-Ima-Hogg Concerto Competition. As a result, he was featured as soloist with the Houston Symphony, conducted by Gonzalo Farias.

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Kenny Ford

Bassoon

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
21
Birthplace
Dearborn, Michigan
School
Eastman School of Music
Compeers
Anais Pellegrini and Rick Boller
Scholarship
Mercedes Millington and Jack Mithun Scholarship

Kenny is earning her bachelor’s degree at Eastman School of Music as a student of George Sakakeeny. She has performed as principal bassoonist with the National Symphony Summer Music Institute Orchestra, the Eastman Symphony Orchestra, and the Eastman Philharmonia. She is also a member of the Mousai Wind Quintet.

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Nathan Shepherd

Bassoon

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
19
Birthplace
Lanesville, Indiana
School
Cleveland Institute of Music
Compeers
David Herrera
Scholarship
The National Federation of Music Clubs Scholarship

Nathan is earning a bachelor’s degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music in the studio of Barrick Stees, and will be trasferring to The Juilliard School this fall (2024). They won the 2024 YoungArts National Arts Competition with distinction as well as the President’s Own Marine Band 2023 Concerto Competition. Outside of performance, Nathan works as a freelance audio engineer and logo and brand designer.

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Kristin Andlauer

Horn

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
24
Birthplace
Roxbury, New Jersey
School
Curtis Institute of Music
Compeers
Evie Vesper and Steve Powell; Margi Mainquist, Maxine Makover; Judy and Paul Astbury; Christina and Hubert Leveque, Lynette Ledbetter
Scholarship
Edward Noll Endowed Scholarship

Kristin is earning her master’s degree from Curtis Institute of Music as a student of Jeffrey Lang and Jennifer Montone. In 2022 and 2023, she was an Associate Member in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Festival fellowships include the Aspen Music Festival (2022, 2023) and the RoundTop Festival Institute (2019). She has also performed as substitute musician with the Reading Symphony Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia, Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, Symphony in C, and Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

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Layan Atieh

Horn

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
23
Birthplace
Portland, Oregon
School
Cleveland Institute of Music
Compeers
Evie Vesper and Steve Powell; Margi Mainquist, Maxine Makover; Judy and Paul Astbury; Christina and Hubert Leveque, Lynette Ledbetter
Scholarship
Suzanne Bock Endowed Scholarship

Layan recently completed her master’s degree at Cleveland Institute of Music, studying with Nathaniel Silberschlag and Richard King. She won second prize in the 2021 Northwest Horn Symposium Solo Competition. She has performed with the Cleveland Orchestra and has been a horn teacher for their Youth Orchestra. She has also performed as a guest artist with Seraph Brass.

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Susannah Greenslit

Horn

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
25
Birthplace
Bethesda, Maryland
School
University of Colorado, Boulder
Compeers
Evie Vesper and Steve Powell; Margi Mainquist, Maxine Makover; Judy and Paul Astbury; Christina and Hubert Leveque, Lynette Ledbetter
Scholarship
Coeta and Donald Barker Foundation Scholarship

Susannah is earning her doctorate at University of Colorado, Boulder and studies with Michael Thornton. She has recently performed with the Colorado Symphony and Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. Susannah has held fellowships with the National Symphony Orchestra, where she won the 2017 Stephens Brewster Award, the American Youth Symphony, the Colorado College Summer Music Festival, the Bowdoin Music Festival, and the New York String Orchestra Seminar.

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Nicholas Ivy

Horn

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
20
Birthplace
Clearwater, Florida
School
Curtis Institute of Music
Compeers
Evie Vesper and Steve Powell; Margi Mainquist, Maxine Makover; Judy and Paul Astbury; Christina and Hubert Leveque, Lynette Ledbetter
Scholarship
Eralda Kogan Endowed Scholarship

Nicholas is earning his bachelor’s degree from Curtis Institute of Music under the tutelage of Jennifer Montone and Jeffrey Lang. In addition to his studies, he currently serves as third horn in Symphony in C.

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Paige McKenna Quillen

Horn

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
22
Birthplace
Norfolk, Virginia
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Evie Vesper and Steve Powell; Margi Mainquist, Maxine Makover; Judy and Paul Astbury; Christina and Hubert Leveque, Lynette Ledbetter
Scholarship
Elizabeth Marriot Endowed Scholarship

Paige recently completed her bachelor’s degree at the Juilliard School, studying with Erik Ralske. She was a 2023 Juilliard Concerto Competition Winner and has performed with the Juilliard Orchestra and the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.

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Aaron Sieve

Horn

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
21
Birthplace
Flower Mound, Texas
School
The Royal Conservatory of Music: Glenn Gould School
Scholarship
Maureen and Les Shapiro Scholarship
Compeer
Evie Vesper and Steve Powell; Margi Mainquist, Maxine Makover; Judy and Paul Astbury; Christina and Hubert Leveque, Lynette Ledbetter

Aaron is currently earning his bachelor’s degree from the Glenn Gould School at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, studying with Christopher Gongos, Gabriel Kovach, and Karen Houghton. He has performed with the New York String Orchestra and the Royal Conservatory Orchestra.

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Filip Czarkowski

Trumpet

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
23
Birthplace
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
School
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Compeers
Karen Broumand and Thomas Parker
Scholarship
Fenton Davison Endowed Scholarship

Filip is earning his master’s degree at San Francisco Conservatory of Music studying with Adam Luftman. He has performed with the San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Ballet, and the California Symphony. He served as second trumpet with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra (2022-2023 season).

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Zachary Hommel

Trumpet

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
21
Birthplace
Hagerstown, Maryland
School
Northwestern University
Compeers
Ben and Justina Sarmiento; Kim Bantilan
Scholarship
Mercedes Millington and Jack Mithun Scholarship

Zachary is earning his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University in the studio of David Bilger. He is principal trumpet of the Nortwestern University Symphonic Wind Ensemble and has performed with the Lake County Symphony Orchestra.

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Francisco Palomero

Trumpet

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
30
Birthplace
Don Benito, Extremadura, Spain
School
Real Conservatorio Superior de Música de Madrid
Compeers
Karen Broumand and Thomas Parker
Scholarship
Edward Noll Endowed Scholarship

Francisco is earning his master’s degree from the Real Conservatorio Superior de Música de Madrid in the studio of Javier Alcaraz Leon. After passing a public examination in 2019, he has performed in several military bands in Spain. He has been a member of the Music Unit of the Spanish Royal Guard since 2023.. He is a former member of the Young Orchestra of Extremadura brass section.

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Jesdelson Vasquez

Trumpet

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
22
Birthplace
Brooklyn, New York
School
Rice University
Compeers
Ben and Justina Sarmiento; Kim Bantilan
Scholarship
Henry Lilly Endowed Scholarship

Jesdelson is earning his master’s degree from Rice University Shepherd School of Music as a student of Barbara Butler. He is a member of Times Square Brass Quintet and has performed with the Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra and Louisville Orchestra. In 2022, he attended the Aspen Music Festival as a fellow. He has also served as Substitute Teaching Artist for the New York Pops.

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Alex Ertl

Tenor Trombone

ABOUT
Fellow
2023, 2024
Age
24
Birthplace
Des Moines, Iowa
School
Northwestern University
Compeers
Heather and Sese Ntem
Scholarship
Cheryl and Peter Ziegler Endowed Scholarship

Alex recently completed his master’s degree at Northwestern University, studying with Michael Mulcahy, R. Douglas Wright, and Randy Hawes. He is a 2022 DePaul University Concerto Competition winner. He is a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and has also performed with the Chicago Symphony and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. He also appears with the Talos Brass Quintet.

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Jonathan (Han Yun) Liang

Tenor Trombone

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
21
Birthplace
Taipei, Taiwan
School
The Colburn School
Compeers
Jennifer Yi Boyer
Scholarship
Colburn Foundation Scholarship

Jonathan is earning his bachelor’s degree at Colburn Conservatory of Music in the studio of David Rejano. With the Colburn Orchestra, he has performed in such places as the Walt Disney Concert Hall. He substituted with the Macao Orchestra and placed first in Category C of the 2020 Hungarian Trombone International Competition.

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Zachary Litty

Bass Trombone

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
26
Birthplace
Rochester, New York
School
Cleveland Institute of Music
Compeers
Karen Broumand and Thomas Parker
Scholarship
Stuart Atkins Endowed Scholarship

Zachary recently completed his degree at Cleveland Institute of Music, studying with Randall Hawes and Peter Sullivan. He currently performs with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra.

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Andrew Zaharis

Tenor Trombone

ABOUT
Fellow
2023, 2024
Age
20
Birthplace
Boston, Massachusetts
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Jennifer Yi Boyer
Scholarship
Dietrich Emory Sauer Memorial Scholarship

Andrew is currently earning his degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Joseph Alessi and Mark Scott. He has been a finalist in two International Trombone Association competitions: the Lewis Van Haney Competition in 2024 and the Gilberto Gagliardi Competition in 2022. He has performed with the Utah Symphony.

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Benjamin Liberti

Tuba

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
25
Birthplace
Orlando, Florida
School
University of Miami, Coral Gables
Compeers
Jack Funk
Scholarship
Fenton Davison Endowed Scholarship

Benjamin is currently earning his master’s degree from the University of Miami, studying with Aaron Tindall and Alan Baer. He was a semi-finalist in the Leonard Falcone solo competition. He has performed as principal tuba with the Florida Orchestra and the Naples Philharmonic.

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Jacob Hord

Percussion/Timpani

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
25
Birthplace
Dallas, Texas
School
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Compeers
Arthur Hoyle and Mimi Baer
Scholarship
Manitou Fund Scholarship

Jacob Hord recently earned his master’s degree at San Francisco Conservatory in the studio of Jacob Nissly. He also studied at the Southern Methodist University as a student of George Nickson and Brian Jones. Jacob regularly performs as principal timpanist with the Dallas Wind Symphony and Springfield Symphony and as organist for the Northridge Presbyterian Church. As timpanist, he has appeared with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and New Mexico Philharmonic. When not performing, he teaches at the Dallas Academy of Music and Performing Arts.

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Yoon Jun Kim

Percussion/Timpani

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
26
Birthplace
Seoul, South Korea
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Arthur Hoyle and Mimi Baer
Scholarship
Manitou Fund Scholarship

Yoon Jun is earning her master’s degree from The Juilliard School as a student of Dan Druckman, Greg Zuber, and Markus Rhoten. There, she performs in The Juilliard Orchestra, conducted by David Robertson. She attended the 2023 Pacific MusicFestival and Lucern Contemporary Orchestra Festival. Yoon Jun also performs as substitute percussionist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.

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Brandon Lim

Percussion/Timpani

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
26
Birthplace
Houston, Texas
School
University of Southern California
Compeers
Emily and Jerry Zacarias
Scholarship
Manitou Fund Scholarship

Brandon is earning his graduate certificate from University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, where he studies with Joseph Pereira and James Babor. He is the principal percussionist with the Boise Philharmonic. Brandon has also served as substitute percussionist for performances by the New World Symphony and Houston Symphony. In 2015, he was the runner-up in the Houston Symphony League Concerto Competition.

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Paul Matthews

Percussion/Timpani

ABOUT
Fellow
2023, 2024
Age
24
Birthplace
Omaha, Nebraska
School
Rice University
Compeers
Emily and Jerry Zacarias
Scholarship
Manitou Fund Scholarship

Paul is a returning 2023 Music Academy fellow and has studied with Matthew Strauss. He is assistant principal percussion with the Omaha Symphony and has substituted in the Kansas City Symphony. In 2019, he placed first in the Modern Snare Drum Competition.

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Dominik McDonald

Percussion/Timpani

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
22
Birthplace
Ames, Iowa
School
Cleveland Institute of Music
Compeers
Steve and Dana Denton
Scholarship
The Marilyn and Dick Mazess Scholarship in Percussion

Dominik is earning his master’s degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studies with Marc Damoulakis and Paul Yancich. In 2022, he won first place prizes in the Aspen Music Festival Solo Percussion and Black Swamp Collegiate Snare Drum Competitions. He also placed first in the 2021 Modern Snare Drum Competition. Currently residing in Cleveland, Ohio, Dominik is a member of the Ashland Symphony.

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Chai Lee

Harp

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
27
Birthplace
Singapore
School
Yale University
Compeers
Christie Jenkins
Scholarship
Dorris and Patrick Nielson Scholarship

Chai recently earned his master’s degree at Yale School of Music studying with Nancy Allen and June Han. He has appeared with the Pittsburgh Symphony, Buffalo Symphony, and the United Nations Chamber Music Society. He also took first prize in the 26th Soka International Harp Competition in 2014.

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Po Han Chiu

Solo Piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
25
Birthplace
Pingtung, Taiwan
School
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Compeers
Adam Feild and Erik Torkells; Laurie Siegel and Joseph Nosofsky
Scholarship
Ann Jackson Family Foundation Scholarship

Po Han recently earned his master’s degree at the Yale School of Music, studying with Boris Slutsky, and will pursue an Artist Diploma starting in the fall at Indiana University Jacobs School of music. He was a semi-finalist in the 2022 International Paderewski Piano Competition in Los Angeles. He has performed solo recitals at Yale and teaches undergraduate lessons there.

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Henry From

Solo Piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
20
Birthplace
Portland, Oregon
School
The Royal Conservatory of Music: Glenn Gould School
Compeers
Danner Schefler and Sheila Wald
Scholarship
Karl Kramer Foundation Scholarship

Henry is earning his bachelor’s degree from The Royal Conservatory of Music as a student of John O’Conor. He won the Tabor Foundation Award at the Verbier Festival Academy and the Orford Music Award from Orford Musique. He has been featured alongside the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and Royal Conservatory Orchestra. Henry has also performed as member of the Morningside Trio and Savyon Trio.

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Iskandar Mamadaliev

Solo Piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
22
Birthplace
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
School
Oberlin College Conservatory of Music
Compeers
Maurice Singer and Hyon Chough
Scholarship
Ronit Amir Lowenthal Endowed Scholarship

Iskandar is currently earning his bachelor’s degree from Oberlin University, studying with Stanislav Ioudenitch. He is the winner of the 2023 Peter Takács Beethoven Prize in Piano, as well as the 2017 Ann & Charles Eisemann International Young Artists Competition. He has performed with the National Uzbek Symphony Orchestra.

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Sol Park

Solo Piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
24
Birthplace
Incheon, South Korea
School
Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana
Compeers
Adam Feild and Erik Torkells; Laurie Siegel and Joseph Nosofsky
Scholarship
Mary A. Kana Endowed Scholarship

Sol is earning her graduate diploma at Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana as a student of Alexander Kobrin. In 2022, she was a winner in the Young Artist Piano Performance Competition and placed second in the Stecher and Horowitz Two-Piano Competition, both held by the Music Teachers National Association. She placed first in the 2018 Topeka Symphony Young Artist Competition. Sol has attended Pianofest in the Hamptons and participated in several masterclass taught by renowned artists such as Music Academy Faculty Emeritus Jerome Lowenthal. Other notable performances have been with the TIMM Ensemble, Heritage Philharmonic and Busan Neo Philharmonic Orchestra (at eleven years old!).

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Kevin Takeda

Solo Piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
25
Birthplace
Tokyo, Japan
School
New England Conservatory
Compeers
Debra Puth
Scholarship
Helen Sperry Lea Foundation Scholarship

Kevin recently earned his master’s degree from the New England Conservatory in the studio of Wha Kyung Byun. He also studied with Matti Raekallio and Orli Shaham at The Juilliard School. In 2021, he was a finalist in the National Federation of Music Clubs Young Artists Audition.

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Alice Zhang

Solo Piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
20
Birthplace
Cleveland, Ohio
School
Cleveland Institute of Music
Compeers
Ellen Barger and Tony Helf; Clive Chang and Chad Tendler
Scholarship
Clive Chang and Chad Tendler Scholarship

Alice is currently earning her bachelor’s degree at The Cleveland Institute of Music, studying with Antonio Pompa-Baldi. She was a finalist in the 2023 Coltman Chamber Music Competition, and won 2nd prize in the 2021 Chopin Avenue International Piano Competition. She has performed as the principal keyboardist in the 2023 season at the Cleveland Institute of Music, and has also performed with the Schwob Philharmonic.

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Ming-Li Liu

Collaborative Piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
30
Birthplace
Keelung City, Taiwan
School
University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory
Compeers
Debbie Goodwin
Scholarship
Milo W. Bekins Foundation Scholarship

Ming-Li is currently earning her degree in piano performance at University of Cincinnatti’s Conservatory of Music, studying with Daniel Shapiro and Ran Dank. She won the 2019 Wideman International Piano Competition, as well as the Special Award at the 2023 CCM Concerto Competition. She has performed as a soloist in CCM’s Orchestra Series and is the Collaborative Piano Coordinator at Ascent Music Festival.

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Immanuel Mykyta-Chomsky

Collaborative Piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
23
Birthplace
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
School
Oberlin College Conservatory of Music
Compeers
Dawn and Brian Seymour
Scholarship
Christopher Carroll Endowed Scholarship

Immanuel completed his bachelor’s degree at Oberlin Conservatory studying with Peter Takacs. He has performed with the Oberlin Contemporary Ensemble, Bang on a Can Long Play Festival, the Oberlin Arts & Sciences Orchestra, and the Prague Summer Nights Festival.

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Itsuki Nagamine

Collaborative Piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
28
Birthplace
Tokyo, Japan
School
Indiana University
Compeers
Nadia Skidanov
Scholarship
Deanne Gillette Violich Endowed Scholarship

Itsuki is earning a doctorate from Indiana University in the studio of Futaba Niekawa. There, she is an Associate Instructor in the Chamber and Collaborative Music Department. She has participated in the Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival, Montecito International Music Festival, and Musicfest Perugia. She also studied in the 2022 Castleman Quartet Program.

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Noah Sonderling

Collaborative Piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
28
Birthplace
Panorama City, California
Position
New World Symphony
Compeers
Dot and Rick Nelson
Scholarship
Johanne de Castle Endowed Scholarship

Noah is a piano fellow with New World Symphony and studies with Anton Nel. Awards include second place in the 2022 Sidney Wright Accompanying Competition, and first place in the 2018 Indiana University Concerto Competition. He has also appeared with the National Repertory Orchestra.

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Yoshino Toi

Collaborative Piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
26
Birthplace
Tama City, Tokyo, Japan
School
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Compeers
Nadia Skidanov
Scholarship
Dodie Little Scholarship

Yoshino recently completed her Performer’s Diploma in Collaborative Piano as a Graduate Assistant at the Jacobs School of Music, studying with Dr. Futaba Niekawa, Dr. Charles Prestinari, and Anne Epperson. She has previously studied with Norman Krieger, Dr. David Westfall, and Malgosia Lis. She will begin her Doctoral studies at the New England Conservatory in the fall.

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Timothy Wong

Collaborative Piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2022, 2024
Age
26
Birthplace
Hong Kong
School
University of Southern California
Compeers
Marilyn Zellet; Linda and Bob Van Buren
Scholarship
Sima Mannick Endowed Scholarship

Timothy is currently earning his doctorate at the University of Southern California, studying with Margo Garrett, Jean Barr, and Alan Smith. He is the winner of both the 2018 Osaka International Music Competition and the 2017 Hong Kong Youth Music Open Competition. He has performed solo in concerts organized by the The University of Hong Kong and at Britain’s Loughborough Emmanuel Church.

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Yifang Xu

Collaborative Piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
24
Birthplace
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
School
Cleveland Institute of Music
Compeers
Margaret Briggs
Scholarship
Karl Kramer Foundation Scholarship

Yifang is earning her graduate diploma from the Cleveland Institute of Music as a student of Anita Pontremoli. She was collaborative pianist for the 2022 Art Song Festival. Other performances include the 2023 Intensive Duo Concert and Cleveland Cello Society Scholarship Winner’s Recital. She currently collaborates with the Beaumont School Chorus.

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Ya-Ting Yang

Collaborative Piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
32
Birthplace
Tainan, Taiwan
School
University of Colorado, Boulder
Compeers
Caryl Crahan
Scholarship
Peter Simeth Endowed Scholarship

Ya-Ting is currently earning her doctorate at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she is also a teaching assistant. She studies with Margaret McDonald and Alexandra Nguyen. Some of her recent performances include Brahms “Sonata for cello and piano no.1 in F major,” and Clarke’s “Sonata for viola and piano.”

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Jiwoo Yun

Collaborative Piano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
27
Birthplace
Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Marilyn Zellet; Linda and Bob Van Buren
Scholarship
Mercedes H. Eichholz Endowed Scholarship

Jiwoo is currently earning her degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Jonathan Feldman. She won 1st prize in the chamber music category in the 2020 online edition of the International Music Competition, as well as Best Duo Ensemble and Audience Favorite at the 1st Vietnam International Music Competition for Violin and Chamber Music in 2019. She has performed as part of a duo at Juilliard and is a member of the piano duo “Comme Toi.”

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Julia Ernst

Soprano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
22
Birthplace
Covington, Louisiana
School
Loyola University
Compeers
Danner Schefler and Sheila Wald
Scholarship
Elizabeth Mosher Endowed Scholarship

Julia earned her bachelor’s degree from Loyola University as a student of Irini Kyriakidou-Hymel. She has continued to reside and work in New Orleans, Louisiana since graduating. There, she has served as cantor for the St. Francis of Assisi Church since 2020. In 2024, she won the New Orleans District Winner at the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition and the second-place prize at the FAVA Grand Concours French Opera and Art Song Competition. Julia has appeared with the Lousiana Philharmonic and performed as Lia in Debussy’s L’enfant prodigue, Pamina in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, and Countess Almaviva in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro.

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Alexandra Rose Hotz

Soprano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
27
Birthplace
Toledo, Ohio
School
Eastman School of Music
Compeers
Bunny Freidus
Scholarship
Beth and George Wood Scholarship

Alexandra recently earned her doctorate at the Eastman School of Music in the studio of Anthony Dean Griffey. In 2024, she won third place in the National Opera Association Competition and Carolyn Baily Argento Vocal Competition. At Eastman, she performed the titular role in Handel’s Alcina. She has also participated as Voice Fellow with the Mostly Modern Festival and the Cincinnati Song Initiative’s Fellowship of the Song. Alexandra currently resides in Irvine, California.

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Emily Margevich

Soprano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
28
Birthplace
Chicago, Illinois
School
Academy of Vocal Arts
Compeers
Linda Seltzer Yawitz
Scholarship
Gina Jannotta Endowed Scholarship

Emily recently earned her Artist Diploma from the Academy of Vocal Arts, where she studied with Sally Wolf and Nicole Cabell. She won District Winner in the 2024 Met Opera Laffont Competition and placed second at the 2021 Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition. Notable roles include Tatyana in Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, whom she has played for both Opera Baltimore and Heartbeat Opera, and Donna Elvira in Mozart’s Don Giovanni.

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Ruoxi Peng

Soprano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
24
Birthplace
Beijing, China
School
New England Conservatory
Compeers
Robert Howell and Erik Wilk
Scholarship
Michelle Joanou Scholarship

Ruoxi recently earned her Graduate Diploma from the New England Conservatory in the studio of MaryAnn McCormick. In 2024, she won District Winner and Encouragement awards at the Laffont Competition. Recent roles include Diana in Cavalli’s La Calisto, and Pamina in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte.

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Kayla Rae Stein

Soprano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
23
Birthplace
Skokie, Illinois
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Bridget Foreman; Crystal Knepler
Scholarship
Shirley and Seymour Lehrer Scholarship

Kayla is earning her master’s degree at The Juilliard School, where she studies with Darrell Babidge. She was a finalist in the 22nd Friends of Eastman Opera Competition. She has performed as Dr. Nora Lear, Anthony Davis’s titular character in his opera, Lear on the 2nd Floor. Along with the AXIOM Ensemble, she sang as the soprano soloist in Knussen’s Requiem: Songs for Sue.

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Meg Brilleslyper

Mezzo-Soprano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
22
Birthplace
Colorado Springs, Colorado
School
Rice University
Compeers
Ashley and Kyle Hollister
Scholarship
Thomas Perakos Scholarship

Meg is earning her master’s degree from Rice University Shepherd School of Music in the studio of Robin Rice. She placed first in the 2023 Jessie Kneisler Lieder Competition and earned the Houston District Encouragement Award at the 2024 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. Recently, Meg sang Bianca and Lucretia (cover) in the Rape of Lucretia, Filipyevna (cover) in Eugene Onegin, and Ruggerio in Handel’s Alcina. In Houston, she also sings with St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.

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Lydia Rae Brown

Mezzo-Soprano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
22
Birthplace
Upland, California
School
University of Southern California
Compeers
Meaghan Yolles
Scholarship
Phyllis Grace Mozilo Endowed Scholarship

Lydia earned her bachelor’s degree at University of Southern California Thornton School of Music in the studio of Rod Gilfry. She also has studied with Melena Kitíc. Lydia won the 2019 grand prize in The Music Center’s Spotlight Awards and was a finalist in the 2021 Opera Viva! Roberto de Simone Memorial Aria Competition. She has recently performed in Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance as a cover for Ruth, as the Stewardess in Jonathan Dove’s Flight, and as Dorabella in Mozart’s Cosí fan tutte. Residing in Los Angeles, she has also sung with the Pacific Opera Project and with workshops for Beth Morrison Projects.

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Mariam Mouawad

Mezzo-Soprano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
26
Birthplace
Zahlé, Lebanon
Position
Shreveport Opera
Compeers
Bridget Foreman; Crystal Knepler
Scholarship
Jill Taylor and Ray Link Scholarship

Mariam is a recent Resident Artist of the Shreveport Opera. She studied with Melanie Sonnenburg at the University of Houston. She placed first at the 2023 Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Young Artist Competition and the 2022 La Jolla Symphony and Chorus Young Artist Competition. Notable roles with the Shreveport Opera include Dorabella in Mozart’s Cosí fan tutte and Musetta in Puccini’s La bohème. With the Moores Opera Center, Mariam has performed as Federico García Lorca in Golijov’s Ainadamar.

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Hope Nelson

Mezzo-Soprano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
26
Birthplace
San Francisco, California
School
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Compeers
Debbie and Larry Rehr; Gil and Belle Michael
Scholarship
Barbara Smith-Sherrill and Marshall Sherrill Endowed Scholarship

Hope recently earned her Artist’s Diploma from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in the studio of Roslyn Jones. She was the San Francisco district winner in the 2023 Metropolitan Opera Louffant Competition. Notable roles include Fox in Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen, Liza Elliot in Kurt Weill’s Lady in the Dark, and Sesto in Mozart’s La clemenza di Tito.

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Maggie Reneé

Mezzo-Soprano

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
25
Birthplace
Los Angeles, California
School
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Mally Chakola and Dean Jackson
Scholarship
Jean Rogers Scholarship

Maggie is earning her Artist’s Diploma at The Juilliard School, where she studies with Elizabeth Bishop, Stephen Wadsworth, and Adam Nielsen. She has performed as Baba the Turk Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress, Venus in Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld, and Olga in Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin. Recent awards include the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition Grand Finalist Award and the Igor Gorin Memorial Award. She has also collaborated with the Santa Fe and Des Moines Metro Operas.

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Jackson Allen

Tenor

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
23
Birthplace
Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada
School
Curtis Institute of Music
Compeers
Debbie and Larry Rehr; Gil and Belle Michael
Scholarship
Patricia and Nick Weber Scholarship

Jackson is earning his professional studies certificate from Curtis Institute of Music, where he studies with Jack Li Vigni. He has also studied with Rhoslyn Jones. He has recently performed roles such as Rechtor in Leoš Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen, Nika Magadoff in Menotti’s The Consul, and Tito in Mozart’s La clemenza di Tito.

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Matthew Cerillo

Tenor

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
26
Birthplace
Freehold, New Jersey
School
Mannes College of Music
Compeers
Rena and Steve Brawer
Scholarship
Barbara Smith-Sherrill and Marshall Sherrill Endowed Scholarship

Matthew earned his master’s degree at the Mannes School of Music as a student of Arthur Levy. Currently, he studies with Jonathan Beyer. He recently performed in Puccini’s Turandot as Pong and debuted his own cabaret show, An Evening with Matthew Cerillo. He has participated in several opera productions including Bizet’s Carmen, where he performed as El Remendado and covered Don Jose, Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte as Tamino, Le nozze di Figaro as Don Basilio, Purcell’s The Fairy-Queen as Demitrius, and John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera in the roles of Dianna Trapes, Filch, and Ben Budge. Matthew has also performed in international events such as Ukranian Artists Music, Music in the Alps, and the Oyster Bay Music Festival. With the St. Petersburg Opera and Portland Opera, he acted as Resident Artist in 2024 and 2022, respectively. He has performed in and collaborated with Missy Mazzoli in workshops for her new opera, The Listeners.

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Cole McIlquham

Tenor

ABOUT
Fellow
2023, 2024
Age
25
Birthplace
Osseo, Wisconsin
School
Southern Methodist University
Compeers
Linda Seltzer Yawitz
Scholarship
Paul Guido and Stephen Blain Scholarship

Cole is a returning 2023 Music Academy Alum who is earning a Performance Diploma from the Southern Methodist University in the studio of Clifton Forbis. Notable roles include Parpignol in the Music Academy’s 2023 production of La bohème, Rinuccio in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, and Sam Polk in Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah. He was also a winner in the Meadows Concerto Competition and Naftzger Concerto Competition. Cole currently resides in Dallas, Texas.

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Xuyue Qing

Tenor

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
30
Birthplace
Tongling, Anhui, China
School
Eastman School of Music
Compeers
Bobby Woods
Scholarship
Leni Fe Bland Endowed Scholarship

Xuyue is earning his doctoral degree at the Eastman School of Music in the studio of Anthony Dean Griffey. He performed as the Chevalier de la Force in Dialogues des Carmélites by Francis Poulenc. There, he serves as a graduate teaching assistant. At the 2019 S. Livingston Mather Scholarship Competition, he won the Albert Rees Davis Award. He also won first prizes at the 2019 National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition (Ohio Chapter).

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Jack Burrows

Baritone

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
22
Birthplace
Seattle, Washington
School
Pacific Lutheran University
Compeers
Robert Howell and Erik Wilk
Scholarship
Robert Howell and Erik Wilk Scholarship

Jack is earning his bachelor’s degree in Performance from Pacific Lutheran University under the instruction of Holly Boaz, James Brown, and Barry Johnson. He won first place prizes in the 2023 Angela Meade Competition and National Association for Teachers in Singing National Student Audition (Upper Classical, TBB). With the Vashon Opera, he has performed as Paris in Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette with the Vashon Opera. Jack’s roles with the Pacific Lutheran University Opera include Sam in Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti, and Dr. Dulcamara in Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore. He currently resides in Gig Harbor, Washington and serves as Choral Scholar at the Christ Episcopal Church in Tacoma, Washington.

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Paul Jang

Baritone

ABOUT
Fellow
2024
Age
26
Birthplace
Seoul, South Korea
School
Yale University
Compeers
Mary Richards and Channing Smith
Scholarship
Ann and Joseph Koepfli Endowed Scholarship

Paul is earning his master’s degree from Yale University, where he studies with Adriana Zabala. There, he has played roles such as Marcello in Puccini’s La bohème, Nick Shadow in A Rake’s Progress by Stravinsky, and the titular role in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi.

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