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Duo Competition Finals

Duo Competition Finals

WITNESS THE STARS OF TOMORROW

Discover the next generation of star musicians as our incredible fellows take the stage to compete for the coveted titles, cash prizes, and performance opportunities.


The Duo Competition is generously endowed by Leslie and Phil Bernstein.

Program

To Be Announced

Artists

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Pei-Tsun Chiang

collaborative piano fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2025
Age
29
Birthplace
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
School/Professional Affiliation
Indiana University
Compeers
Linda and Bob Van Buren, Evie Vesper and Steve Powell, Marilyn Zellet
Scholarship
The Deanne Gillette Violich Endowed Scholarship in Collaborative Piano

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.

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Forrest Howell

collaborative piano fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2023, 2025
Age
33
Birthplace
Sokcho, Korea
School/Professional Affiliation
University of Colorado, Boulder
Compeers
Dot and Rick Nelson
Scholarship
The Dodie Little Scholarship in Collaborative 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.

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Chan Lee

collaborative piano fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2025
Age
25
Birthplace
Daegu, North Gyeongsang, Korea
School/Professional Affiliation
Northwestern University
Compeers
Patricia and Jerrold Hauptman, Margi Mainquist
Scholarship
The Karl Kramer Foundation Scholarship in Collaborative Piano

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.

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Benjamin Pawlak

collaborative piano fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2020, 2021, 2023, 2025
Age
29
Birthplace
Horseheads, New York
School/Professional Affiliation
Freelance Musician
Compeers
Bobby and Carin Tahouri
Scholarship
The Cynthia Brown and Arthur Ludwig Scholarship in Collaborative Piano

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.

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Amber Ginmi Scherer

collaborative piano fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2025
Age
28
Birthplace
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
School/Professional Affiliation
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Caryl Crahan
Scholarship
The Ann Jackson Family Foundation Scholarship in Collaborative Piano

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.

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Yoshino Toi

collaborative piano fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2024, 2025
Age
27
Birthplace
Tama City, Tokyo, Japan
School/Professional Affiliation
New England Conservatory
Compeers
Linda and Bob Van Buren, Evie Vesper and Steve Powell, Marilyn Zellet
Scholarship
The Eralda Kogan Endowed Scholarship in Collaborative Piano

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.

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Yifang Xu

collaborative piano fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2024, 2025
Age
25
Birthplace
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
School/Professional Affiliation
Boston University
Compeers
Margaret Briggs
Scholarship
The Milo W. Bekins Foundation Scholarship in Collaborative Piano

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.

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Teddi Yoo

collaborative piano fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2025
Age
23
Birthplace
Rockville, Maryland
School/Professional Affiliation
University of Maryland
Compeers
Patricia and Jerrold Hauptman, Margi Mainquist
Scholarship
The Sima Mannick Endowed Scholarship in Collaborative Piano

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.

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Lydia Ai-ling Yu

collaborative piano fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2025
Age
26
Birthplace
Taipei, Taiwan
School/Professional Affiliation
Indiana University
Compeers
Linda and Bob Van Buren, Evie Vesper and Steve Powell, Marilyn Zellet
Scholarship
The Mercedes H. Eichholz Endowed Scholarship in Collaborative Piano

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.

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Andrei Bancos

clarinet fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2025
Age
20
Birthplace
Cluj, Romania
School/Professional Affiliation
University of Southern California
Compeers
Josh and Barbara Conviser
Scholarship
The Emily Bernstein Memorial Scholarship in Clarinet

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 NYO-USA, Sarasota Music Festival, and the 2024 National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute.

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Sylvia Beach

horn fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2025
Age
19
Birthplace
Gainesville, Florida
School/Professional Affiliation
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Ben and Justina Sarmiento, Kim Bantilan, Kim Bantilan and Justina Sarmiento
Scholarship
The Ann and Joseph Koepfli Endowed Scholarship in Horn

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.

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Saeyeong Kim

flute fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2025
Age
24
Birthplace
Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi, Korea
School/Professional Affiliation
New England Conservatory
Compeers
Susan and Peter Tortorici, Patricia and Walter Moore
Scholarship
The John Durand Endowed Scholarship in Flute

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.

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Jamie Yoojin Lee

oboe fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2025
Age
24
Birthplace
New York, New York
School/Professional Affiliation
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Pamela and John Johnston
Scholarship
The Menk Family Trust Endowed Scholarship in Oboe

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.

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Charles Albert Johnson

bass trombone fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2022, 2025
Age
23
Birthplace
Las Vegas, Nevada
School/Professional Affiliation
New England Conservatory
Compeers
Jack Funk
Scholarship
The Sally Atkins Endowed Scholarship in Trombone

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.

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Mia Kim Bernard

cello fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2025
Age
20
Birthplace
Hoboken, New Jersey
School/Professional Affiliation
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Patty Jacquemin
Scholarship
The Gabor Rejto Endowed Scholarship in Cello

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.

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Gloria Lee

cello fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2025
Age
23
Birthplace
Teaneck, New Jersey
School/Professional Affiliation
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Clay Tedeschi, Victoria Kline
Scholarship
The Susie and Ted Cronin Endowed Scholarship in Cello

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.

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Kate Lee

violin fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2025
Age
20
Birthplace
Irvine, California
School/Professional Affiliation
The Colburn School
Compeers
Jerry and Kathleen Eberhardt
Scholarship
The Colburn Foundation Scholarship in Violin

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.

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PoYu Lee

violin fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2023, 2025
Age
24
Birthplace
Taiwan, Province of China
School/Professional Affiliation
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Compeers
Candice and Michael Frankel, Sharon Klein and Howard Kurtzman
Scholarship
The Maureen Fialkoff Endowed Scholarship in Violin

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 has performed with the San Francisco Symphony.

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Cecile McNeill

viola fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2024, 2025
Age
24
Birthplace
Whangārei, Northland, New Zealand
School/Professional Affiliation
University of Southern California
Compeers
Ellen and Tom Orlando, Dorian and Peter Hirth
Scholarship
The Ellen and Tom Orlando Scholarship in Viola

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.

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Yoona Park

viola fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2025
Age
22
Birthplace
Seoul, Gyeongii Providence, Korea
School/Professional Affiliation
The Juilliard School
Compeers
Marina Hudgens
Scholarship
The Ellen and Tom Orlando Scholarship in Viola

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.

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Steven Song

violin fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2023, 2024, 2025
Age
26
Birthplace
Naperville, Illinois
School/Professional Affiliation
Yale University
Compeers
Mimi Do and Hyunok (Heidi) Do
Scholarship
The William Hymanson Endowed Concertmaster Scholarship in Violin

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.

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Mitsuru Yonezaki

violin fellow

ABOUT
Fellow
2025
Age
26
Birthplace
Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
School/Professional Affiliation
New England Conservatory
Compeers
Letitia Lynn
Scholarship
The William Hymanson Endowed Concertmaster Scholarship in Violin

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.

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