SEOHO BANG 25, born in Seoul, Korea, is earning her master’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Ronald Copes. She won the 2020 Music Education Newspaper Competition and has performed with the Juilliard Orchestra. She is also affiliated with the Arts Symphony Orchestra in Korea.

MARIA CHERKASSOVA 25, born in Vladivostok, Russia, is earning her bachelor’s degree at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, studying with Grigory Kalinovsky. There she won the 2022 Concerto Competition and performed as a soloist with the University Orchestra. Maria is also a violinist with the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic.

SUNG IN CHO 26, born in Seoul, Korea, is earning her master’s degree at New England Conservatory, studying with Paul Biss. She received the Grand Prize in the Korean American Culture Exchange Association Competition and has participated in masterclasses taught by Novus Quartet and Soovin Kim.

CAROLINE CORNELL 23, born in Naples, Florida, is earning her master’s degree at Eastman School of Music, studying with David Bowlin and serving as teaching assistant. She is a substitute violinist at the Syracuse Orchestra, and performed at Carnegie Hall with the Oberlin Orchestra in 2023. Caroline teaches violin at ROCMusic in Rochester, New York.

AVIV DANIEL 25, born in Jerusalem, Israel, is earning his undergraduate degree at Park University International Center for Music, studying with Ben Sayevich. He received the American Indian College Fund (AICF) Scholarship in 2019, performed on Kansas City Public Radio in 2024, and participated in the Keshet Eilon Summer Festival in 2019.

INES DOULET 19, born in Paris, France, is earning her bachelor’s degree at Rice University Shepherd School of Music, studying with Kathleen Winkler. She won 1st prize in both the Flame International Competition and the Prodige Art Competition in 2018. She served as Principal of the Shepherd Symphony Orchestra performing Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2.

ARI HAN 19, born in Chesapeake, Virginia, is earning his bachelor’s degree at The Colburn School, where he studies with Martin Beaver. He won the Chicago Violin Competition in 2020 and was featured on NPR’s From The Top in 2024.

ANGELES HOYOS 27, born in Tivoli, Colombia, is a master’s degree student at Bard College, studying with Audrey Wright. She won 1st Prize at the 2020 Premio de Interpretación Jóvenes Solistas de Bogotá and 2nd Prize at the 2018 Frank Preuss International Violin Competition. In 2022, she served as concertmaster on tour with Filarmónica Joven de Colombia.

DAVID HUNG 21, born in Glendale, California, is earning his bachelor’s degree at Rice University Shepherd School of Music, studying with Cho-Liang Lin. He won 1st Prize at the 2019 Pacific Palisades Orchestra Competition and the Grand Prize at the 2020 Satori String Competition. He has performed as a soloist with the Colburn Youth Orchestra.

ENSLEY KIM 21, born in Seoul, Korea, is earning her bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Naoko Tanaka and Daniel Phillips. She won the National YoungArts Competition in 2021 and the New Jersey Sinfonietta Concerto Competition in 2022. She has performed with both the New York String Orchestra and the Juilliard Orchestra.

YUBIN KIM 20, born in Vancouver, British Columbia, is earning her bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Hyo Kang. She won the 2023 Vancouver West Coast Music Society Bursary Competition and has performed with the Juilliard School Orchestra under Charles Neidich, and in Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto with pianist Chiharu Iinuma.

WILLIAM KINNEY 21, born in Los Angeles, California, is currently earning his bachelor’s degree at the New England Conservatory, studying with Ayano Ninomiya. William has attended summer festivals including the Harpa International Music Academy, Yellow Barn Young Artist Program, and Bowdoin International Music Festival.

TSZ CHING JOYCE KONG 24, born in Hong Kong, China, is earning her master’s degree at Hochschule für Musik Würzburg, Germany, studying with Tianwa Yang. She won the Mendelssohn Competition in 2025, and recently performed Sibelius’ Violin Concerto with Hochschule Orchester Würzburg. Tsz Ching is affiliated with the Hong Kong Musicus Society.

POYU LEE (’23) 24, born in Taiwan, Province of China, is earning his master’s degree at San Francisco Conservatory of Music, studying with Simon James and Cordula Merks. He won the 2023 Telegraph Chamber Competition, is a regular substitute in the San Francisco Ballet, and plays in the section of the San Francisco Symphony.

KATE LEE 20, born in Irvine, California, is earning her bachelor’s degree at The Colburn School of Music, studying with Robert Lipsett. She won second prize in the 2022 SoCal Philharmonic Competition and was as a soloist with the South Coast Symphony. She has collaborated with renowned artists Pinchas Zukerman, James Ehnes, and Augustin Hadelich.

MARENA MIKI 19, born in Los Angeles, California, is earning his bachelor’s degree in violin performance at University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, studying with Bing Wang. He is the Second Violin Principal of the USC Thornton Symphony and won the American String Teachers Association LA Finals Grand Prize in 2020.

KATELYN MOON 20, born in Westwood, New Jersey, is earning her bachelor’s degree at Northwestern University, studying with Jinjoo Cho. She was a 2022 National YoungArts Foundation Merit Winner and a Cooper International Competition Semi-Finalist. She is Concertmaster of the Northwestern University Chamber Orchestra and teaches music theory at New Music School.

SOOBEEN NAM 27, born in Parkville, Missouri, recently completed her graduate certificate at Park University International Center for Music, studying with Ben Sayevich. She won the Kansas Music Club competition in 2023, is a substitute with the Kansas City Symphony, and teaches for the Harmony Project.

DANIEL PARK (’24) 22, born in Tampa, Florida, is earning his bachelor’s degree at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, studying with James Ehnes and Stephen Rose. He won the 2024 Indianapolis Matinée Musicale Competition and serves as concertmaster of the IU Chamber Orchestra.

HYESONG PARK 24, born in Seoul, Korea, is earning her master’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Joseph Lin. She won the Korea Young Artist Competition in 2017 and has performed with the Juilliard Orchestra. She is also a member of Orchestra Ensemble Seoul.

ANNIE PHAM 25, born in Bellevue, Washington, is a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. She performed several string quartet concerts in spring 2025 at venues like Fulton Recital Hall and WNDR Museum, and played as a substitute section violinist with the Grand Rapids Symphony, conducted by Marcelo Lehninger.

GABRIELA SALVADOR RIERA 18, born in Valencia, Spain, is earning her bachelor’s degree at Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, where she studies with Sibbi Bernhardsson. She won Second Place in the 2023 Sphinx Competition Junior Division and has performed as a soloist with both the Buffalo Philharmonic and Erie Philharmonic.

STEVEN SONG (’23, ’24) 26, born in Naperville, Illinois, earned his master’s degree at Yale University School of Music, studying with Tai Murray. He was a semifinalist in the 2023 Lipinski International Violin Competition. He serves as Assistant Concertmaster with Yale Philharmonia and is a section violinist with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra.

SHINTARO TANEDA 24, born in Chiba, Japan, has recently completed his master’s degree in chamber music at San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM), studying with Nancy Zhou. He won the 2024 SFCM Honor Chamber Ensemble Competition with the Ethea Trio and has performed with artists including Kim Kashkashian, Stefan Jackiw, and the Parker Quartet.

YIN-SHIUAN TING 20, born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is earning her undergraduate degree at Park University International Center for Music, studying with Ben Sayevich. She won the National Student Music Competition in Kaohsiung in 2021, performed at the Heartland Chamber Music Festival, and is affiliated with the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra Festival.

MATTHILDUR TRAUSTADÓTTIR 20, born in Rimini, Italy, is earning her bachelor’s degree at Oberlin College, studying with Sibbi Bernhardsson. She was the Absolute Winner of the 2025 Fenix International Music Competition and Soloist of the Year at the MÍT Concerto Competition. She has performed with the MÍT Symphony Orchestra and Oberlin Orchestra.

MITSURU YONEZAKI 26, born in Yokohama, Japan, has recently completed her graduate certificate at New England Conservatory, where she studied with Donald Weilerstein. She has recently performed with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, in a performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 conducted by Jukka-Pekka Saraste.

HIRO YOSHIMURA 19, born in Silver Spring, Maryland, is earning his bachelor’s degree at Columbia University, studying with Masao Kawasaki. He won the 2024 YoungArts National Arts and the 2023 San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra Annual Concerto competitions. He has performed with the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra and San Francisco Symphony.

CHIEH-AN YU 27, born in Taipei, Taiwan, is currently earning his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Stony Brook University, studying with Jennifer Frautschi. He has appeared with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra and New Manhattan Sinfonietta, and in Taiwan with the Taiwan City Symphony Orchestra, Apex Symphony, and Counterpoint Chamber Ensemble.

ELENA GALENTAS 24, born in Chicago, Illinois, is earning her master’s degree at DePaul University, studying with Wei-Ting Kuo. She has served as a section violist in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago since 2023, where she recently performed in Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7 under Carlos Miguel Prieto.

CHENGRONG LI 25, born in Shanghai, China, is earning his master’s degree at Rice University, studying with Ivo-Jan van der Werff, Mai Motobuchi, and Li Sheng. He placed 5th at the 6th Hong Kong Violin Competition in 2016, and has performed with the Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra under conductors Christopher James Lees and Miguel Harth-Bedoya.

JEROME ALEXANDER MCCOY 26, born in Joint Base Andrew, Maryland, has completed his master’s degree at Florida International University, studying with Michael Klotz. He won the 2023 Florida International University Concerto Competition, serves as Associate Principal Violist with the South Florida Symphony, and performed with the Nu Deco Ensemble.

GRACIE MCFALLS 23, born in Los Angeles, California, has recently completed her bachelors at Oberlin College, studying with Peter Slowik and Hsin-Yun Huang. She was a finalist in the 2024 Oberlin Concerto Competition and has held positions with the Oberlin Orchestra. She has been a fellow at the Pacific Music Festival and Colorado College.

CECILE MCNEILL (’24) 24, born in Whangārei, New Zealand, is earning her graduate certificate at USC Thornton School of Music, studying with Yura Lee. She won the 2020 Auckland Chamber Music Society Prize, was a finalist in the 2024 USC Thornton Solo Bach Competition, and has performed with the Auckland Philharmonia and Whakatipu Music Festival.

SASHA MOROZ 25, born in Winnipeg, Canada, has completed his master’s degree at Rice University Shepherd School of Music, studying with Ivo-Jan van der Werff. He played principal viola with the Shepherd School Orchestra, and has served as a substitute musician with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

HO FEI NG 24, born in Hong Kong, is earning his Doctor of Musical Arts at Rice University Shepherd School of Music, studying with Ivo-Jan Van der Werff and serving as a Teaching Fellow. He won the Robert Oppelt Prize in 2022, serves as Principal Viola with the Shepherd School Orchestra, and has appeared as Guest Principal with Symphony in C.

YOONA PARK 22, born in Seoul, Korea, is earning her bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Hsin-Yun Huang and Heidi Castleman. She won the YoungArts National Competition in 2021, is the assistant principal viola of The Juilliard Orchestra, associate viola faculty at Cremona Music Studio, and was principal viola of the New York Youth Symphony Orchestra.

JAMES ANTONI RENK 20, born in San Diego, California, is earning his bachelor’s degree at University of California, Los Angeles. He won 1st place in the 2019 Mainly Mozart Advanced Orchestra Solo Competition, and was a quarter-finalist in the 2022 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. He performed Mahler’s Symphony No. 6 with UCLA Philharmonia.

SAM SUN 24, born in Mountain View, California, has completed his master’s degree in viola performance at Northwestern University, studying with Hellen Callus and Weijing Wang. He won the Northwestern Viola Prize in 2024. He is a substitute musician with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Co-Principal Viola with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.

YU-HENG WANG 20, born in Tainan City, Taiwan, is earning his bachelor’s degree at New England Conservatory, studying with Nicholas Cords and Brian Hong, and where he has served as Principal Viola. He won first prize in the 2023 Empire State Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition and second prize in the 2024 Saint Paul String Quartet Competition.

MIA KIM BERNARD 20, born in Hoboken, New Jersey, recently completed her bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Astrid Schween. She has performed as a soloist with the New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra, and as a section member with the Juilliard Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. She was a 2024 fellow at The Norfolk Chamber Music Festival.

EMMA CARY 23, born in Glen Allen, Virginia, has completed her master’s degree in cello performance at Rice University Shepherd School of Music, studying with Desmond Hoebig, where she has performed as Principal Cellist. She won 1st place in the 2017 MTNA Virginia Senior Strings Competition and 2nd place in the 2023 Briggs Chamber Music Competition.

ESTHER CHAE 23, born in Miami, Florida, is earning her master’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Astrid Schween and Clara Minhye Kim. She won the LISMA International Competition in 2023, performed as a soloist at Zankel Hall in November 2024, and holds the Morse Teaching and GLUCK Community Service Engagement Fellowships. She also teaches privately.

MELANIE CHEN 21, born in Boston, Massachusetts, recently completed her bachelor’s degree at Vanderbilt University, Blair School of Music, studying with Felix Wang. In 2023 she won both the Stulberg International String and the MTNA Young Artist Performance competitions, and serves as a substitute cellist with the Nashville Symphony.

SOPHIE DENG 18, born in Seattle, Washington, is earning her bachelor’s degree at San Francisco Conservatory of Music, studying with Richard Aaron. She won the 2022 Oklahoma City Philharmonic Young Musician and 2021 South Kansas Concerto competitions, and has performed as a soloist with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and Oklahoma Youth Orchestra.

ARIUN-ENEREL GANTUMUR 20, born in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, is earning her bachelor’s degree at Eastman School of Music, studying with Steven Doane and Rosemary Elliott. She took first place in the 2023 Washington State Regional Solo and Ensemble Contest. She has served as Principal in the Eastman School Symphony Orchestra.

XAVIER IP 19, born in Boston, Massachusetts, is currently earning his bachelor’s degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studies with Melissa Kraut. He received the Grand Prize at the 2023 New Asia Chamber Music Society Competition and recently toured Europe with the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

GLORIA LEE 23, born in Teaneck, New Jersey, is earning her master’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Timothy Eddy and Zvi Plesser. She is a member of the Juilliard Orchestra, was Principal Cellist for the Peabody Symphony Orchestra, and is a recipient of both the Juilliard and the Morse and Elliott Scholarships.

YIHANG LI 19, born in Beijing, China, has recently completed her bachelor’s degree at Northwestern University, studying with Hans Jensen. She won the Southwestern Youth Music Festival Concerto Competition in 2016, and she has performed as a soloist in Haydn’s Cello Concerto in D Major at the Summit Music Festival with the Summit Chamber Orchestra.

KARIM MAGGIO 23, born in Herndon, Virginia, is earning his master’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Natasha Brofsky. He received the 2024 Presser Foundation Undergraduate Scholar Award, is a Section Cellist with the Canton Symphony Orchestra, and a Substitute Cellist with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.

LAUREN MATHEWS 22, born in Houston, Texas, recently completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, studying with Richard Aaron and Brinton Smith. She won the Aspen Music Festival Low Strings Concerto Competition in 2022 and performs with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and Detroit Opera Orchestra.

NICHOLAS BOETTCHER 21, born in Naperville, Illinois, is currently earning both his bachelor’s degree in cognitive science and master’s degree in double bass at Yale University, studying with Donald Palma. He won the 2023 Stulberg International String Competition. Nicholas served as a Civic Orchestra of Chicago Associate Member from 2020 to 2023.

KEVIN FINK (’24) 24, born in Sleepy Hollow, New York, is earning his master’s degree at Rice University Shepherd School of Music, studying with Timothy Pitts. The returning Music Academy alum served as Principal Bass in Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2 with the Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra, and is a substitute bass with the Houston Symphony.

DIEGO GARZA-ROMERO (’22) 24, born in Edinburg, Texas, has recently completed his master’s degree at Indiana University, studying with Jeffrey Turner and Kurt Muroki. Diego also attended the Music Academy as a fellow in 2022. He has participated in masterclasses led by Robin Kesselman, Joseph Conyers, Jeff Bradetich, Braizahn Jones, and Andres Martin.

SAMANTHA ISABELLA ST. JOHN 22, born in Aurora, Ohio, has recently completed her bachelor’s degree at Rice University Shepherd School of Music, studying with Paul Ellison. She has performed as principal with the Houston Bach Society and Musiqa Houston, and as assistant principal in Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 2 with the Shepherd School Symphony.

WYNTER MCCRAY (’24) 23, born in Columbia, South Carolina, is earning her master’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Joseph Conyers. The returning Music Academy alum received the SphinxConnect Fellowship Award in 2024 and has performed with the Orchestra of Northern New York and the Eastman Symphony Orchestra.

ANDREW VINTHER 22, born in Lynnwood, Washington, earned his bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Joseph Conyers. He won the 2021 International Society of Bassists High School Division Jazz Solo, served as Principal Bass with the National Repertory Orchestra in 2024, and is a Teaching Fellow in Juilliard’s Music Advancement Program.

ZACH WUORINEN 24, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, is earning his master’s degree at Rice University Shepherd School of Music, studying with Timothy Pitts. He has performed with the Shepherd School of Music Symphony Orchestra and previously served as a Section Bass with the Akron Symphony Orchestra.

SAEYEONG KIM 24, born in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi, Korea, is earning her Doctor of Musical Arts at New England Conservatory, studying with Cynthia Meyers. She won the 45th Annual James Pappoutsakis Flute Competition in 2025 and has served as Principal Flute with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra under George Stelluto.

ELIZABETH KLEIBER 24, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has recently completed her master’s degree at Rice University Shepherd School of Music, where she studied with Marianne Gedigian. She won First Place at the 42nd James Pappoutsakis Flute Competition in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2022.

GRAEME SUGDEN 26, born in Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida, completed his master’s degree, studying with Thomas Robertello. He serves as Third Flute/Piccolo with the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra. He has performed as a substitute with the Detroit and Cincinnati Symphony orchestras, and regularly plays with the Indianapolis Symphony and Chamber orchestras.

YELIN YOUN 23, born in Seoul, Korea, is earning her Artist Diploma at The Royal Conservatory of Music: Glenn Gould School, studying with Nora Shulman and Kelly Zimba. Yelin has performed as a substitute musician with both the Victoria and New World symphonies, and as a soloist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra under Daniel Bartholomew Poyser.

GWEN GOBLE 24, born in Marietta, Georgia, has recently completed her graduate diploma at New England Conservatory (NEC), studying with John Ferrillo and Anne Marie Gabriele. She won the 2021 Colorado College Summer Music Festival Concerto Competition and has performed with the NEC Philharmonia and National Orchestral Institute Festival Orchestra.

WILLIAM FENGYANG JU 20, born in Liaoning, China, is earning his bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School, and studies with both Elaine Douvas and Eugene Izotov. He won the IDRS Norma Hooks Artist International Competition in 2024 and the Music Center Spotlight Competition in 2021. He has performed as Principal Oboe with the Juilliard Orchestra.

DAVID KWON 20, born in Fairfax, Virginia, is earning his bachelor’s degree at The Colburn School, studying with Eugene Izotov. He won the Pasadena Showcase House Instrumental Competition in 2022 and recently served as Principal Oboe with the Colburn Orchestra, performing Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 under Stéphane Denève.

JAMIE YOOJIN LEE 24, born in New York, New York, completed her master’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Elaine Douvas. She won the 2020 Dong-A Music Competition and the 2017 Japan Wind and Percussion Competition. She has performed with the Juilliard Orchestra, Aspen Conducting Academy Orchestra, and Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra.

SIMON GREGORY BAKOS 23, born in Mason, Ohio, is earning his master’s degree at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, studying with Yehuda Gilad, Anthony McGill, and YaoGuang Zhai. He won the Cincinnati Arts Association Overture Awards in 2019, performed at the Leipzig Shostakovich Festival, and was a 2025 Tanglewood fellow.

ANDREI BANCOS 20, born in Cluj, Romania, is earning his bachelor’s degree at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, studying with Yehuda Gilad. He previously attended Interlochen Arts Academy, Sarasota Music Festival, and the 2024 National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute.

JACOB GLASER 21, born in New York City, New York, is earning his bachelor’s degree at Rice University Shepherd School of Music, studying with Richie Hawley. He won the 2022 Leone Buyse Prize, performed as Principal with the Tianjin Juilliard Orchestra, and was appointed as a Section Clarinetist with “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.

ELIZA REIMOLD 22, born in Boxford, Massachusetts, is earning her master’s degree at Rice University Shepherd School of Music, studying with Richie Hawley and Michael Wayne. She won the 2023 Eastman Honors Chamber Music Competition, and has performed as principal clarinet with Eastman Philharmonia and Round Top Orchestra.

CIAN BRYSON 21, born in White Rock, British Columbia, is earning his bachelor’s degree at the University of Toronto, studying with Eric Hall and Jaakko Luoma. He has served as Guest Principal with the Tampere Philharmonic in April 2025 and as Substitute Bassoonist with the Finnish Radio Symphony during the 2024-2025 season.

XAYVION DAVIDSON (’24) 21, born in Houston, Texas, is earning his bachelor’s degree at Rice University Shepherd School Of Music, studying with Benjamin Kamins. The returning Music Academy alum placed first and was voted Audience Favorite at the 2023 Cynthia Woods Mitchell-Ima-Hogg Concerto Competition.

KENNY FORD (’24) 22, born in Dearborn, Michigan, completed her bachelor’s degree at Eastman School of Music, studying with George Sakakeeny. She was the 2024 Frances Walton Chamber Music Competition Silver Medalist, and Principal Bassoon with Eastman Philharmonia in Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. She is a member of Mousai Quintet (2021-present).

CALEB HUTCHINGS 23, born in San Rafael, California, recently completed his bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with William Short. He serves as Acting Section Bassoon/Contrabassoon with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. He won the 2019 Oregon Sinfonietta Concerto Competition and has performed with Symphony in C.

SYLVIA BEACH 19, born in Gainesville, Florida, is earning her bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Erik Ralske and Carolyn Wahl. She was the 2022 winner of the Pinellas Youth Symphony Concerto Competition and runner-up in the 2023 Juilliard School Horn Concerto Competition. She has served as principal with the Juilliard Orchestra.

SEAN YEE MCLENDON 25, born in Huntington Beach, California, earned his bachelor’s degree at Boston Conservatory at Berklee College of Music. He won 1st place in the 2024 Konrad Wolff-Bing Ilse Chamber Music Competition. He serves as Second Horn with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, Wichita Grand Opera, and Ballet Wichita.

MARK MORRIS 26, born in Temple, Texas, earned his master’s degree at Northwestern University and studies with Gail Williams. He has been a regular member with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago since 2023. He has appeared with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra, and Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra Philharmonic.

DREW PATTERSON 23, born in Hesperia, California, is earning his bachelor’s degree at San Francisco Conservatory of Music, studying with Kevin Rivard. He has performed as assistant principal horn with San Francisco Opera in The Handmaid’s Tale under Karen Kamensek, and as Fourth Horn with San Francisco Ballet in The Nutcracker under Martin West.

AARON SIEVE (’24) 22, born in Dallas, Texas, has recently completed his bachelor’s degree in horn at the Glenn Gould School at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, studying with Christopher Gongos. The returning Music Academy alum has performed with the New York String Orchestra and the Royal Conservatory Orchestra.

JESSE SILVERBERG 22, born in Silver Spring, Maryland, has recently completed his bachelor’s degree at Case Western Reserve University, studying with David Brockett and Sean Yancer. He won the 2023 Case Western Reserve University Concerto Competition and the 2024 Joan Terr Ronis Memorial Recital Prize, and has performed with the Akron Symphony.

KIP CLEVERLEY 27, born in Wellington, New Zealand, is earning his master’s degree at Bern University of Arts in Switzerland, studying with Giuliano Sommerhalder. He completed an internship with Sinfonieorchester Basel during the 2023-24 season.

BEN J D’HAITI (’22) 22, born in Newport, Rhode Island, has recently completed his bachelor’s degree at Rice University Shepherd School of Music, studying with Barbara Butler. The returning Music Academy alum is affiliated with the Magnolia City Brass Band and currently resides in Washington, District of Columbia.

CHASE DOMKE 25, born in Dallas, Texas, is earning a Professional Performance Diploma at Manhattan School of Music, studying with Ethan Bensdorf. He took 3rd prize in the 2024 International Trumpet Guild Orchestral Excerpt Competition, and has performed with the Lansing Symphony, Ann Arbor Symphony, and Jackson Symphony orchestras.

BARTON SOPATA 23, born in Rome, Georgia, is earning his master’s degree at Rice University Shepherd School of Music, studying with Barbara Butler. He won the National Trumpet Competition three times from 2021 to 2023 and performed as Principal Trumpet in Corigliano’s opera The Ghosts of Versailles.

CHARLES ALBERT JOHNSON (’22) 23, born in Las Vegas, Nevada, is earning his master’s degree at New England Conservatory, studying with James Markey. He won the 2025 American Trombone Workshop’s National Trombone Quartet Competition as a member of the 224 Trombone Quartet. He performs bass trombone with both the Boston Pops and Boise Philharmonic.

SARAH ROSHANI GOLDBERG 22, born in New York, New York, completed her bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Joseph Alessi. She won the 2025 Yamaha Young Performing Artist Competition and placed second in the 2024 International Women’s Brass Conference Susan Slaughter Solo Competition. She has recently appeared with Symphony in C.

HAN YUN (JONATHAN) LIANG (’24) 22, born in Taipei, Taiwan, is earning his bachelor’s degree at The Colburn School, studying with David Rejano Cantero. He won the 2020 Hungarian International Trombone Competition Category C, performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and teaches for Colburn’s Jumpstart Program.

KIMBERLY JOY NELSON 21, born in Grapevine, Texas, is earning her bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Joseph Alessi. She was a Marsteller Competition Finalist in 2024 and 2025. She has performed as a soloist with the Eastern Music Festival Orchestra and in the trombone section of the Juilliard Orchestra at Carnegie Hall.

CHARLEY POLLARD 23, born in Santa Monica, California, is earning his master’s degree at Colburn Community School of Performing Arts, studying with Aaron Tindall. He won the Leonard Falcone International Tuba and Euphonium Festival in 2023, performed as principal tuba with the Colburn Orchestra in Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, and is a substitute musician for the Naples Philharmonic.

ARNOR CHU 24, born in Honolulu, Hawaii, has completed his master’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Daniel Druckman. He won 1st Prize at the 2024 Great Plains International Marimba Competition and the 2019 Percussive Arts Society International Composition Contest. He performed in by Boulez’s Sur Incises with the New York Philharmonic.

JEREMY DAVIS 24, born in San Dimas, California, has recently completed his master’s degree in Percussion Performance at Rice University Shepherd School of Music, studying with Matthew Strauss. He received the 2018 From the Top Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award and was a soloist in Viet Cuong’s “Re(new)al” with Pacific Symphony under Carl St. Clair.

CASH LANGI 23, born in Upland, California, studies with Matthew Howard of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He serves as Principal Percussion with the Civic Orchestra of Los Angeles under Anthony Parnther, and has played in Puccini’s Turandot with Los Angeles Opera under James Conlon. Cash serves as Percussion Director at Diamond Bar High School.

BRANDON LIM (’24) 27, born in Houston, Texas, has completed his graduate certificate at USC Thornton School of Music, studying with James Babor and Joseph Pereira. He won the 2015 Houston Symphony League Concerto Competition and has served as Principal Percussion with the Boise Philharmonic and as a soloist with USC Thornton Winds.

SEHEE PARK 29, born in Seoul, Korea, recently completed her degree, studying with Cynthia Yeh, Eric Millstein, and Jacob Nissly. She is a guest player with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra and New World Symphony Orchestra, and a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. She participated in the Pacific Music Festival in 2023 and 2024.

ZOE LYN O’SHAUGHNESSY 22, born in Munster, Indiana, is earning her master’s degree at USC Thornton School of Music, studying with JoAnn Turovsky. She was a grand finalist for the 2022 Anne Adams Award and a finalist in the 2023 Lewisville Lake Symphony Competition. She is Principal Harpist with Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra.

CAMERON AKIOKA 25, born in Los Angeles, California, is earning her Doctor of Musical Arts at Northwestern University, studying with James Giles. She won the 2025 Musicians Club of Women Competition: Senior Division Gold Medal and the 2022 Seattle International Piano Competition: Silver Medal. She recently performed as soloist with the Downey Symphony.

AUGUST BAIK 19, born in Seattle, Washington, is earning his bachelor’s degree at New England Conservatory (NEC), studying with Stephen Drury. He won the NEC Piano Honors Competition in 2024 and The Sherer International Violin and Piano Competition in 2022. He recently participated in the Honens International Piano Competition Quarterfinals.

CHARLES BEROFSKY 24, born in South Bend, Indiana, is earning his “Excellence in Performance” (doctoral) degree at Hochschule für Musik und Theater München in Germany, studying with Antti Siirala. He won 1st Prize at the 2024 Campillos International Piano Competition and 3rd Prize at the 2022 New York International Piano Competition.

JERRY HU 20, born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is earning his bachelor’s degree at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, studying with John O’Conor and Michael Berkovsky. He won the 2025 Canadian Chopin Competition Jury Discretionary Award., and has performed with both the Royal Conservatory Orchestra and the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra.

JOSHUA AUGUST MHOON 21, born in Chicago, Illinois, is earning his bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Emanuel Ax and Julian Martin. He won the 2023 Nina Simone Piano Competition Silver Medal, and is a quarterfinalist in the 2025 Honens International Piano Competition. Mhoon is a Young Steinway Artist and a MENSA member since 2014.

MIN JOO YI 31, born in Daegu, Korea, is earning her Doctor of Musical Arts at Peabody Conservatory of Music, studying with Yong-Hi Moon. She won the Jury Discretionary Prize at the 2024 Gurwitz International Piano Competition. She has performed with the University of Puget Sound Symphony Orchestra and Orchestre Mélo’dix de l’Université Paris Nanterre.

PEI-TSUN CHIANG 29, born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is earning her Doctor of Musical Arts Piano with a minor in Collaborative Piano at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, studying with Evelyne Brancart. There, she also serves as a faculty member of the Young Pianist Program and as an Associate Instructor in Piano.

FORREST HOWELL (’23) 33, born in Sokcho, Korea, is a Postdoctoral Lecturer at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The returning Music Academy alum has recently performed with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra under Ken-David Masur and as a soloist with the Ann Arbor Symphony conducted by Dean Whiteside.

CHAN LEE 25, born in Daegu, North Gyeongsang, Korea, recently completed his master’s degree at Northwestern University, studying with Christopher Guzman, Yasuko Oura, and Alan Darling. There, he serves as both an accompanist and opera rehearsal pianist, and on staff as an accompanist at North Park University.

BENJAMIN PAWLAK (’20, ’21, ’23) 29, born in Horseheads, New York, recently completed his master’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Jonathan Feldman. He has appeared as an orchestral pianist with the New York Philharmonic. Also a composer, he performed his work Sonata for Trumpet and Piano in New York, Houston, and Los Angeles in 2025.

AMBER GINMI SCHERER 28, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is earning her Doctor of Musical Arts at The Juilliard School, studying with Jonathan Feldman and Lydia Brown. She won the 2024 Federation of Art-Song Fellowship Competition and the Juilliard Vocal Arts Honors Auditions, and is a Piano Faculty member at Brooklyn Music School.

YOSHINO TOI (’24) 27, born in Tokyo, Japan, is earning her Doctor of Musical Arts at New England Conservatory, studying with Pei-Shan Lee and Cameron Stowe. The returning alum won the prestigious Duo Competition at the Music Academy of the West in 2024.

YIFANG XU (’24) 25, born in Hangzhou, China, is earning her Doctor of Musical Arts at Boston University, where she studies with Shiela Kibbe. The returning Music Academy alum won the Liszt International Youth Piano Competition in 2019 and performed at The Cleveland Cello Society Scholarship Winner’s Recital.

TEDDI YOO 23, born in Rockville, Maryland, completed her master’s degree at the University of Maryland, and studies with Rita Sloan. She won the 2018 Concert Artists International Virtuoso Competition III and the Reinecke Chamber Music Competition. She performed as soloist with the University of Maryland Symphony Orchestra under David Neely.

LYDIA AI-LING YU 26, born in Taipei, Taiwan, is earning her Doctor of Musical Arts at Indiana University Bloomington, studying with Anne Epperson. She has performed in her first-year DMA recital and other degree recitals at University, and was a 2024 Bowdoin Music Festival Collaborative Piano Fellow.

ANTHONY CHAN (’24) 26, born in Sydney, New South Wales, earned his master’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Ronald Copes and Daniel Phillips. He won the 2025 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and has performed with the Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth, Schiermonnikoog Festival, and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.

BRIAN JENNINGS 24, born in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, completed his master’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Misha Amory and Heidi Castleman. He won the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition in 2025, performs with the Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth Ensemble, and is a member of the Prometheus String Quartet.

ROGER SHAO 24, born in Fuzhou, China, has completed his master’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Daniel Phillips, Masao Kawasaki, and Ann Setzer. He won second prize at the 2017 Hong Kong International Violin Competition. Roger has performed with the Chamber Music Society Fort Worth and at the Schiermonnikoog Festival in The Netherlands.

WILSON VANDERSLICE 24, born in Little Rock, Arkansas, received his master’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Astrid Schween and Clara Kim. Wilson received Second Prize in the Eastman Cello Concerto Competition in 2022 and First Prize in the Eastman Elliott Carter Figment Cello Competition in 2021. He is a member of the Prometheus Quartet.

ANTONIA SOFIA CÁCERES 26, born in San Francisco, California, is earning her bachelor’s degree at San Francisco Conservatory of Music, studying with Susanne Mentzer. She won the Van Waynen Performance Award in 2025. Recent roles include Nora in Riders to the Sea by Vaughan Williams and Pamina in The Magic Flute by Mozart.

JOSIE LARSEN 27, born in Sammamish, Washington, completed her Artist Diploma at the New England Conservatory (NEC), studying with Bradley Williams. She placed third place in both the 2025 New England Region Met Opera Laffont and 2025 Shreveport Opera Young Artist competitions. Roles at NEC include Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte and Mimi in La bohème.

XINSHU LI 28, born in Austin, Texas, is earning her Doctor of Musical Arts at University of Texas, Austin, studying with Leah Crocetto. She placed third in the 2024 National Society of Arts and Letters Voice Competition and has performed as Contessa in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro and Gossip in Hoffman’s The Ghosts of Versailles.

EMILY MARGEVICH (’24) 29, born in Chicago, Illinois, is a Company Artist at OperaDelaware, studying with Sally Wolf. She was a Laffont District Winner in 2024 and won 2nd Place in the Jensen Foundation in 2021. Recent roles include Musetta in La bohème with OperaDelaware and Tatyana in Eugene Onegin with Heartbeat Opera.

RUOXI PENG (’24) 25, born in Beijing, China, is earning her Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Texas, Austin, studying with Liliana Guerrero and Tamar Sanikidze. She won first place in the 2025 Lewisville Symphony International Voice Competition and was the 2024 Michigan district winner of The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition.

AMBER ROGERS 24, born in Bowie, Maryland, has recently completed her master’s degree at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, studying with Caitlin Lynch, Timothy LeFebvre, and Louise Toppin. She won the 2024 George Shirley Competition Collegiate Division. Roles at University include Fiordiligi in Cosí fan tutte and Gretel in Hansel und Gretel.

STELLA FITZGERALD 23, born in Austin, Texas, is earning her master’s degree in voice performance at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), studying with Elliot Madore. Roles include Presendia in Dark Sisters at CCM, Nancy in Albert Herring at Chicago Summer Opera, and Hansel in Hansel and Gretel at Miami Music Festival.

JULIA HOLOMAN 24, born in Raleigh, North Carolina, earned her master’s degree at Rice University Shepherd School of Music, appearing as Ruggiero in Alcina and Sorceress in Dido and Aeneas. She was a semifinalist in the 2025 Houston Grand Opera Concert of Arias and a finalist in the 2025 National Opera Association Carolyn Bailey Argento Competition.

QIRONG LIANG 26, born in Jinzhong, China, is earning her graduate degree at Rice University Shepherd School of Music, studying with Robin Rice. She was a 2024 National Semifinalist in The Met Opera Laffont Competition and performed in The Ghosts of Versailles at Rice University. She was a 2023 Aspen Music Festival Studio Artist.

ANASTASIA MINASHVILI (’24) 23, born in Tbilisi, Georgia, is earning her Bachelor of Arts at Tbilisi State Conservatoire, studying with Gocha Bejuashvili. She has performed as Flora Bervoix in La Traviata with the Opera and Ballet Theater of Tbilisi, and as Dorabella in Mozart’s Così fan tutte and Cherubino in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro at the Tbilisi State Conservatoire Opera Studio.

JOSHUA BERG (’21, ’20) 24, born in Chicago, Illinois, is earning his degree at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, studying with Bill Schuman. The returning Music Academy alum won the YoungArts National Award in 2019 and has performed as Fritz in L’amico Fritz, Ferrando in Così fan tutte, and Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance.

ZIHAO LIU 26, born in Chongqing, China, is earning his Doctor of Music Arts at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, studying with Jerold Siena. He has performed as Tenor Soloist in Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy at University of Illinois, and as Lord Tolloller in Sullivan and Gilbert’s Iolanthe and Schoolmaster in Janeček’s The Cunning Little Vixen at Bard College.

YULIN WANG 25, born in Dezhou, China, is earning his master’s degree at Manhattan School of Music, studying with Cynthia Hoffmann. He won First Prize in the 2020 Korea & China International Music Competition, and the 2023 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition District Encouragement Award. Roles include Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly with Amore Opera.

JACK BURROWS (’24) 23, born in Seattle, Washington, completed his bachelor’s degree at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), studying with Holly Boaz. The returning Music Academy alum won the Angela Meade Competition in 2023. Roles include Paris in Roméo et Juliette with Vashon Opera, and King Melchior in Amahl and the Night Visitors with PLU Opera.

JOSHUA JAMES KLEIN 24, born in Landstuhl, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany, is currently a Resident Artist at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, studying with Bill Schuman. He was named the 2019 Outstanding Vocalist at the William Lewis School of Opera and has performed roles with Santa Fe Opera, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and Opera North.

ZHENPENG ZHANG 26, born in Tianjin, China, is earning his Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Texas, Austin. He received Encouragement Awards at The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition in Tulsa (2025) and North Carolina (2024). Recent performances include the title roles in Don Giovanni at Prague Estates Theater and Le nozze di Figaro.

JAMIE FELIX-TOLL (’24) 21, born in Los Angeles, California, is earning his bachelor’s degree at Oberlin College, where he has performed the roles of Pandolfe in Cendrillon, Superintendent Budd in Albert Herring, and The Giant in Jack and the Beanstalk. He won the 2025 Schmidt Undergraduate Competition (Upper Division) and the 2022 YoungArts Award.

DAVID KAHNG 29, born in Cheonan, Korea, is earning his professional degree at Mannes College of Music, studying with William Burden and Joshua Greene. He was the Encouragement Winner at the 2021 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, Georgia District. Recent roles include Melisso in Alcina at Mannes Opera and Barone in La Traviata at Wolf Trap Opera.

IRAKLI PKHALADZE 24, born in Tchiatura, Georgia, is earning his degree at the Palau de les Arts’ Opera Studio in Spain, studying with Maria Bayo. He won the Joseph Palet International Singing Competition in 2025, performed as Sir Gualtiero Raleigh in Roberto Devereux, and participated in the Rossini Opera Festival 2024.

GEORGE JIAYI BAOLIN 29, born in Chifeng, China, has recently completed his Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Texas, Austin, studying with Leah Crocetto. He has performed as Figaro in Le nozze di Figaro and Doctor Grenvil in La Traviata with Butler Opera Center, and Simone in Gianni Schicchi at the Tagliacozzo International Festival.

ERIC HEAD (’24) 24, born in Fairmont, Minnesota, has completed his master’s degree in collaborative piano at the University of Michigan, studying with Ana María Otamendi, Martin Katz, and Elena Lacheva. The returning Music Academy alum won the Marilyn Horne Song Competition in 2024 and the Rosholt Distinction in Accompanying Prize in 2021 and 2022.

AVA LINVOG 27, born in Snohomish, Washington, is a freelance musician studying with Andrew Harley. She recently served as a rehearsal pianist and harpsichordist for Le nozze di Figaro with North Carolina Opera and a studio pianist for Don Giovanni with Opera Omaha. She was on the music staff for the Janiec Opera Company at Brevard Music Festival.

ANSON NG 29, born in Hong Kong, is earning his Artist Diploma at McGill University, studying with Michael McMahon and Francis Perron. He won the 2015 Hong Kong Youth Piano Competition, and has worked as a répétiteur for Dialogue des Carmélites at Opera McGill, La chauve-souris at The Canadian Vocal Institute, and The Rape of Lucretia at Aspect Opera.

TONY STAUFFER (’24) 28, born in Orthez, France, has recently completed his degree at the University of Montreal, studying with Francis Perron and Liz Upchurch. He has performed in vocal recitals at the University of Montreal and McGill University, and will join the Opéra de Montréal’s Young Artist Program as a répétiteur and vocal coach this August.

GABRIELĖ ŽEMAITYTĖ 32, born in Vilnius, Lithuania, completed her Collaborative Piano Fellowship at Bard Conservatory of Music, studying with Erika Switzer, Kayo Iwama, and Noah Lindquist. She won 2nd prize at the 2021 Copenhagen Lied-Duo Competition. At Bard, she has performed in the operas American Terror and Orphée aux enfers.

YUEQI ZHANG 31, born in Nanjing, China, is earning his Doctor of Musical Arts at University of Texas, Austin, studying with Tamar Sanikidze. He won the 2020 Hong Kong International String Competition, Piano Trio Division. He has served as rehearsal pianist for Le nozze di Figaro, The Ghosts of Versailles, and La Traviata at Butler Opera Center.

VANESSA OGBUEHI 32, born in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, participated in the Drama League Assistantship Program from 2023-2024. She directed Fefu & Her Friends by Maria Irene Fornés at Sweet Briar College and Orlando by Sarah Ruhl at Boston University. She is an Associate Producer with Almanac Projects.

MADISON CATRIONA CHAMBERS 21, born in Atlanta, Georgia, is earning her bachelor’s degree at Georgia State University, studying with Kathryn Hartgrove. She won the 2025 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition Tennessee District and the 2024 Opera Guild of Atlanta Competition. She recently appeared as Tolomeo in Giulio Cesare at Chicago Summer Opera.

NATALIE CREEL 22, born in Zachary, Louisiana, completed her bachelor’s degree at Louisiana State University, studying with Dennis Jesse. She won the Marjorie Stricklin Emerging Artist Competition in 2025 and the Governor’s Award at the 2024 NATS Southern Regional Conference. She has performed Ib the Elf in Becoming Santa Claus with Opéra Louisiane.

SAIGE HOFFMAN 21, born in Miami, Florida, is earning her bachelor’s degree at Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, studying with Dr. Katherine Jolly. She was a finalist in the 2025 Schmidt Undergraduate Competition. Recent roles include the title role in Cendrillon with Oberlin Opera Theatre and Dido in Dido and Aeneas with Chicago Summer Opera.

CARTER MICHAEL HOUSTON 24, born in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, recently completed his master’s degree at Florida State University. He won the 2023 Beaulieu Competition and was a finalist in the 2025 Madame Rose Palmai-Tenser Scholarship Competition. Recent roles include Bartolo in Il barbiere di Siviglia and Nick Shadow in The Rake’s Progress.

JACOB LOUIS HUFFTY 22, born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is earning his bachelor’s degree at Loyola University New Orleans, studying with Tyler Smith and Dennis Jesse. He received the 2025 Met Opera Laffont Competition New Orleans District Encouragement Award. He appeared as Nardo in Il filosofo di campagna with the Pergolesi Foundation and FIO ITALIA in 2024.

CHRISTIAN SHELTON 24, born in Las Vegas, Nevada, is earning his master’s degree at University of Nevada studying with Alfonse Anderson. He won first place in the 2023 Classical Singer University Division and fourth place in the 2024 International Meistersinger Competition. He is an inaugural Young Artist at Opera Las Vegas.

ADRIANA STEPIEN 23, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is earning her master’s degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Amy Burton. She won the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition Maryland District in 2024, performed as Morgana in Alcina at the Chautauqua Institution, and was a 2024 member of Houston Grand Opera Young Artists’ Vocal Academy.

DANIEL MUSOKE VOIGT 22, born in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, has recently completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, studying with Derrick Lawrence. He won the 2025 Opera Buffs Artists of the Future Competition. Recent roles at University include George in Our Town and Aeneas in Dido and Aeneas.

EDEN WEST 23, born in Evanston, Illinois, has completed her bachelor’s degrees at the University of Michigan, studying with Logan Skelton and Ana Maria Otamendi. Eden received the 2025 Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award and the Virginia Allison Collaborative Award, and has worked as a répétiteur for La bohème with No Fly Productions.