Benjamin Mandigo is a 10th-grade cellist at the Horace Mann School in New York City. He began studying cello at age four with Alex Croxton and now studies with Clara Kim at the Juilliard Pre-College Division. Ben has earned top recognition in national and international competitions, including First Prize at the 2024 Charleston International Music Competition, Second Place at the 2024 Prima Volta Music Competition, Grand Prize Nominee at the 2025 Laureate Concerto Competition, and First Place at both the 2025 IGMC Live Concerto Competitionand the Protege International Piano and Strings Competition. He has attended the Bowdoin Summer Music Festival and the Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, where he was selected as an Emerging Artist to perform Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme. Ben has also performed in master classes for Zvi Plesser, David Ying, Christine Lamprea, and Elizabeth Simkin.

Jessica Jeon is a gifted violinist who has garnered much acclaim at age 17. Her first performance at Carnegie Hall was at the age of six at the Crescendo Music Competition, and she placed First in the NY Young Artist Competition in the same year. In 2015, Jessica received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award and won First in the Forte Music Competition and VIVO Competition. In 2019, she received gold in the International Virtuoso Competition. In 2020-2023, Jessica was the youngest member in the grammy-winning New York Youth Symphony and became a Vargas Scholar with a scholarship to the Interlochen summer camp. During the rest of 2021, Jessica was awarded First in the NY Virtuoso Competition by Congressman Ron Kim and won First at the Camerata Artists Competition the following year. Since then, Jessica has performed overseas in London and Mexico with the Philips Andover Philharmonic Orchestra and the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. She won awards in New York Classical Music Competition and the Young Virtuoso Competition, as well as a commemoration by Senator Johnson for performing at the 74th Commemoration of the Korean War. Jessica is currently a junior at Philips Academy Andover as a Tang Scholar.

Claire Kim is a 17-year-old student at Bergen County Academies, in New Jersey. Her list of music awards includes winning: New York Young Virtuoso Competition-Cello 1st place winner (2025)  Prodigy International Music Competition-Cello 1st place winner (2025) Charleston International Music Competition - Cello  1st Place winner- Top 15 Exceptional on Performer (2025)  International Showcase Music Competition 2025 Berlin -Chamber 1st Place winner (2025) Charlatan International Music Competition - String Chamber 1st Place winner (2025) San Francisco  International Young Artist Music Competition- Chamber music  2nd Place winner (2025) Prima Volta Music Competition - Cello 1st place winner (2025) Young Artists International Premiere Competition  -String Chamber 1st place winner (2025) International Grade Music Competition -Cello  winner (2025) New York Young Virtuoso Competition- Chamber (string quartet) 1st place winner (2024) Camerata Artists International Competition - Chamber (flute quartet) 2nd place winner (2024) Winter VIVO International Music Competition -Chamber (string quartet) 1st place winner(2024) Bellagrande International Music Competition -Chamber (string quartet) 2nd place winner (2024)  VITAS Internatioanl Music Competiion-Cello 2nd winner (2024) Camerata Artists International Competition -Cello winner (2024) Young Maestro Competition- Cello -Highest level Finalist (2024 She has demonstrated her musical excellence by being a principal of New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra for 3 years and member of the NJ Regional Orchestra. She is passionate for chamber music and actively involved in the New York Youth Symphony’s chamber program for two years. Additionally, she attended Philadelphia International Music Festival. - Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Music Furthermore, she is a co-president of Euphonia -music magazine club and Director of Publication in clexical.org. She participated in masterclasses with renowned musicians such as Wolfram Koessel and Raman Ramakrishan. As ambassador of the Show Me Your Heart Foundation Youth Council and member of the Back to Bach project, Claire is committed to making classical music accessible and using music to support underprivileged children. Recently, she performed in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall for New York Young Virtuoso Competition the 1st place winner’s recital.

Born in New York City, Soohan Cho is a 15-year-old violinist with significant solo and chamber music experience. He is currently a ninth-grade student at Phillips Academy Andover. He has performed at premier New York venues, including a Winners’ Recital at Carnegie Hall and First Prize Winners’ Concerts at Merkin Hall. As both a soloist and string quartet member, he has appeared in international competition winners’ recitals, the NYSSMA Junior Area All-State Concert, and the NYSSMA Spring Evaluation Festival (Level VI). His awards include multiple First Prizes at the Manhattan International Music Concours (2024), VIVO International Music Competition (2022, 2023), Elite International Music Competition (2024), and New York Artists International Competition (2023). He is currently a member of the Phillips Academy Symphony Orchestra.

Heewon Park is a sixteen year old violinist from New Jersey. She began violin lessons at age nine and currently continues her violin studies at the Manhattan School of Music Precollege under the tutelage of Chloe Kiffer, where she is a recipient of the Chloe Kiffer scholarship and has been nominated yearly for the Dean’s List. Throughout her career, she has participated in the Philadelphia International Music Festival; received top awards from competitions such as Music-Fest, VIVO, Anselmo, and NYYVC; invited to perform at Merkin and Carnegie halls; and performed in principal positions for New Jersey’s state and region-wide orchestras. Furthermore, she has served as concertmistress for her school’s orchestra for 5+ years.

* International Competition Awards 2025 New York Young Virtuoso Competition – 1st Prize (Winner’s Recital at Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall) 2025 Young Soloist International Music Competition – 1st Prize International Seoul Competition – 1st Prize Boston International Classical Music Competition – 1st Prize 2025 American Virtuoso International Music Competition – 2nd Prize Shostakovich International Competition – 2nd Prize Prima Volta International Music Competition – 2nd Prize San Francisco International Young Artist Music Competition (Junior II) – 2nd Prize * Performances & Festivals Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall (New York) – Winner’s Recital (Nov 10, 2025) Carnegie Hall, New York – Recital Performance Soloist with orchestra (multiple performances) San Francisco Music Festival – Festival Concert Manhattan School of Music Summer Program – Participant

Arya Pelletier, a junior at Greenwich Academy, has been immersed in music since the age of five. Starting on the violin for ten years, she made the switch to the viola at age fifteen. Her deep passion for music extends beyond performance into her extensive volunteer work. She serves on the youth advisory board of Concerts for Compassion, a non-profit organization that uses music to foster empathy and cultural integration by performing for displaced people and local communities, is the president of her school’s Chamber Club, and acts as a private instructor for Project Music, a non-profit dedicated to providing instrumental learning opportunities for underrepresented children. This past summer, Arya attended Point CounterPoint, where her skill earned her an invitation to play in an honors chamber group. She has been invited to play with the Youth Orchestra of St. Luke’s and has been a member of the Norwalk Youth Symphony’s Principal Orchestra for over two years, with whom she will participate in a performance tour in France in the Summer of 2026. Her most recent solo repertoire includes the Handel-Casadesus Concerto for Viola in B Minor, and the Hoffmeister and Stamitz Concertos for Viola in D Major.

Alice Qian is a 10-year-old violinist who began studying the violin at age four. She quickly developed a deep love for music and has since dedicated herself to disciplined practice and expressive performance. Currently studying with Tunde Gaal, she is building a strong technical foundation while exploring musical interpretation and stage presence. She has performed in school concerts, studio recitals, and community events, gaining valuable experience and confidence as a young musician. Beyond music, she enjoys reading and dancing. She views music as a joyful and meaningful way to express emotion and connect with others. Alice is honored to apply for this competition and looks forward to sharing her love of the violin.

Six-year-old Spencer Huang began his musical journey at the age of four and a half, inspired by watching his older brother play. Since age five, he has studied under the guidance of Viktor Basis, quickly distinguishing himself as a remarkably dedicated young violinist. Spencer’s commitment to his craft has already earned him recognition. In 2025, he was awarded First Prize at the City Philharmoni Orchestra Music Concours in Seoul, South Korea, and Second Prize at the New York Young Virtuoso Competition (NYYVC). He is particularly driven by the technical challenges of the violin and possesses a deep appreciation for the instrument's rich, resonant tones. Outside of his musical pursuits, Spencer is a curious and well-rounded child who enjoys solving math problems and building intricate LEGO sets. Above all, he cherishes a playful spirit and loves spending time with his siblings.

Ashley Lu is a young violinist who began her musical journey at age eight under the instruction of Marina Kitaychik. Ashley currently serves as the concertmaster of the Wilton High School Concert Orchestra, where she leads the ensemble and supports its musical direction. She has also been a member of the Norwalk Youth Symphony since 2022, gaining valuable orchestral experience and performing a diverse repertoire. In recognition of her musicianship, Ashley was selected to participate in the CMEA Western Regional Festival in both 2024 and 2025.

I go to the Elisabeth Morrow School and live in New Jersey, USA. I am a classically trained violinist, and I have been playing for 6 years. I have won numerous international competitions for solo violin and have performed in all three halls of Carnegie Hall, I play in my school Orchestra, am concert master for the Thurnauer Symphonic Orchestra and am currently performing in the New Jersey Regional Orchestra. I am 13 years old and am in 7th grade, and I thought writing a composition would be an interesting way to find out what mysteries an instrument can hold. My teacher, Ms. Brittany Sklar, encourages and inspires me to explore music and try new things. I enjoy conducting and music theory, but I equally enjoy breaking the established boundaries of music theory in my compositions to innovate with dissonance and rhythmic patterns. This is my first compositional work, meant to innovate with dissonance, rhythmic patterns, and combined with virtuosity in the contemporary world. I started this piece when I was 12 in 2025 and finished it this year just after I turned 13. I am the one in the video performing the piece I wrote.

Jane Lee, a ten-year-old violinist, is a rising talent from Virginia who began her musical journey at age seven. She currently studies under the tutelage of Ko Sugiyama. A seasoned performer and laureate of numerous competitions, Jane was awarded First Prize at both the American Masters Music Awards (2024) and the American Virtuoso International Music Competition (2024). Her success on the international stage led to a celebrated debut performance at Carnegie Hall. Most recently, Jane has continued her competitive success with prizes at String Avenue (2025) and the Camerata Artists International Competition (2026). Since 2024, she has demonstrated her leadership as Concertmaster of the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra. Beyond the concert stage, Jane is a well-rounded student who enjoys reading, studying French, and staying active through pickleball. A true lover of the arts, she frequently attends classical music concerts to find inspiration for her own performances.

She began playing the cello five years ago and has been dedicated to it ever since. Throughout that time, she has performed consistently, participated in numerous recordings, and done multiple concerts.

I’ve been playing the cello for about eight years now, and it has grown from a hobby into my primary way of exploring and expressing creativity. My musical background is rooted in collaboration; I’ve spent a significant amount of time performing in various chamber groups and orchestras, which has taught me how to listen deeply and contribute to a collective sound. For me, the cello is more than just an instrument; it’s a voice. I genuinely enjoy the process of playing, whether I'm working through a solo piece or blending into a full symphonic section. These eight years have allowed me to move beyond just hitting the right notes and into a space where I can use the instrument to truly express myself.

ShiYuan Xu-Lin began learning the violin at the age of four and a half and has now been studying for four and a half years. Her teacher is Takuya Horiuchi. She has passed the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) Level 3 and Level 5 exams, both with honors. She participated in the New Jersey Music Teachers Association (NJMTA) Spring Recital Auditions in 2024 and 2025, receiving High Honors in both years. She also enjoys playing in the Concert Orchestra of the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra (GPYO) in New Jersey, USA.

11-year-old violinist Christina Zhou began playing the violin at the age of 6 years and 10 months, and she studies under expert guidance Ms. Xiaoou Ma at Vivace International School of Music, Houston. Christina has won awards including: The International Clara Schumann Competition 2025. Absolute First Prize in Music Talent Award 2025. The Platinum Prize in World Classical Music Awards 2025. Absolute First Prize and Fantastic Technique Special Prize in UK International Music Competition Online 2025. The 1st Prize in America Youth Talent International Music Competition 2025. The Platinum Prize in The Debussy International Music Competition 2025. The Absolute First Prize and Special Prize for Excellent Interpretation in Golden Prestige International Music Competition 2025. The 1st prize in Bach International Music Competition 2025. The First Place Winner in the 2024 New York Young Virtuoso Competition (NYYVC). Christina was invited to perform at the 1st place winners’ recital at Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall, New York on Nov. 11, 2024. In Oct. 2024, Christina held her debut solo violin recital in Houston.

Jessica Chen has been playing the violin since she was 8 years old. She is currently in the New Jersey Youth Symphony, and has participated in many orchestra performances at her middle school. Jessica has won several awards in competitions, including second place in the VIVO International Music Competition, third place in the Prima Volta International Music Competition, third place in the New York Young Virtuoso Competition, and Honorable Mention in the International Grande Music Competition. She has also performed in Merkin Hall inside of Kaufman Music Center and NV Factory's NV Recital Hall. In addition to the violin, Jessica has been playing the piano since she was 6. She has won first place in Crescendo Little Mozarts Music Competition as a pianist and performed in Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. When Jessica is not practicing violin or piano, she enjoys drawing, reading, writing, and singing. Jessica is passionate about the violin because she loves making people who listen to her playing feel bright and joyful. She is excited to continue her journey in playing the violin and eager to see what the future holds for her.

Kayun Son has studied violin for six years and has distinguished herself through both solo and ensemble performance. Her dedication to musical excellence has earned recognition in numerous prestigious competitions. In 2026, she received 3rd Place at the Camerata Artists International Competition(Solo Category). In 2025, she won 1st Prize at the OPUS Music Competition(State Level). She earned Honorable Mention in the Strings Division of the NJMTA Young Musicians Competition, won 1st Prize at the East Coast International Competition and received a Gold Medal from the Royal Resonance International Music Competition. An active orchestral musician, she is a member of the New Jersey Youth Symphony (2025–2026) and the Bella Music Foundation Youth Orchestra (2025).

I am a young musician from Edison, New Jersey, and music has been a steady part of my life for many years. I began studying my instrument at a young age and have built a strong foundation in technique, tone, and musical understanding through regular practice and ensemble experience. Music has also given me opportunities to connect with people in meaningful ways. In my own time, I have performed for veterans, hospice patients, and at community and religious events. These experiences showed me how music can create comfort and a sense of calm, even in difficult moments. Being able to share something familiar and peaceful through sound has become an important part of why I continue to play. In orchestra settings, I enjoy listening closely to others and working together to create a balanced and unified performance. I try to approach each piece with care for the composer’s intentions and attention to how my part fits into the larger whole. Through continued practice and performance, I aim to grow both as a musician and as a person. I look forward to learning from others in a competitive orchestra environment and contributing to a shared musical experience.

Saisindhu Dantam is 16 and is a junior at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North in New Jersey. She has been playing violin since the age of 9 in school orchestra, chamber orchestra, and privately. She has participated and received awards in several musical programs, including NJMTA, Golden Classical Music Awards, American Protege, and ASTACAP. Saisindhu wishes to continue her musical journey by continuing to play the violin and spread her love for music to those around her.