top of page
2026 YAIPC Winners

Abijah Aranda, 9, Philippines
First Place
Eunmi Moon, Teacher
Abijah is a 15-year old sophomore at Bergen County Academies, Hackensack, NJ. His musical journey began at the age of 5 when he was self-learning piano at home. His interest grew and started formal training at age 6. Abijah has won several piano competitions and has performed at Carnegie Hall since age 7. He has also taken part in children’s and young adult choirs. At age 9, he picked up the violin as a second instrument. Since age 11, he has been a regular-performing violinist at St. Philip’s Parish. He has a strong commitment to service and continues to share his musical talents in numerous community and school events and concerts.

Lia Rujipornwasin, 15, USA
First Place
Jin Kyung Park, Teacher
Lia Rujipornwasin, is a skilled pianist currently studying at Manhattan School of Music under the guidance of acclaimed pianist Dr. Daniela Bracchi. Aside from her musical education, she has competed and won first place in various local and international competitions, which have allowed her to play in places such as Carnegie Hall. On top of being a classical piano major at music school, she currently studies music at her high school as well, and continues to use her musical skills for volunteering and helping out the community, such as in Solis and Luna Arts and Angelos Mission Ensemble.

Mijo Chang, 12, USA
First Place
Donna Weng Friedman, Teacher
Mijo Chang, from New York, NY, is 12 years old and currently studies piano with Donna Weng Friedman at the Mannes School of Music Precollege Division. She began playing piano at age six and was accepted to Mannes Prep at age seven, where she is now part of the Clara Mannes Scholars program. In 2026, she reached the final stage of the Mannes Prep Senior Concerto Competition. She also achieved followings: Royal Resonance International Music Competition (2026, Gold), Euro Elite International Music Competition (2026, Finalist), American Protégé International Concerto Competition (2023, 2nd Place).

Liam Rendon, 9, USA
Second Place
Ronn Yedidia, Teacher
Liam is a dedicated young pianist who has been studying piano for five years , Liam has a deep love for music and approaches the piano with passion, discipline, and joy.
His commitment has been recognized through multiple international competition awards, including:
• Bronze Medal at the 2023 Young Maestro International Competition
• Third Prize at the 2024 Charleston International Competition
• Second Place at the 2025 Charleston International Competition
• Gold Medal at the 2025 Young Maestro International Competition, held at Carnegie Hall.
Liam continues to pursue excellence in piano performance while nurturing his love for music.

Frederik Bultje, 15, USA
Second Place
Elke Velazquez, Teacher
Frederik Bultje, a rising sophomore at Stuyvesant High School in New York City, has played the piano since the age of four, and studies under Ms. Elke Velazquez at the School for Strings. He has performed as a soloist at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Steinway Hall, and as part of a chamber music ensemble at both Carnegie Hall and the MET Museum. He’s part of the New York Youth Symphony Chamber Music Program and was the first place winner in the New York Young Performers Prize, part of the Associated Music Teacher’s League, in 2024. Frederik also actively participates in his school music theatre productions and was recently a director of his grade’s musical production. He’s also performed with other musicians his age at senior living facilities during his summer. Outside of music, Frederik takes a keen interest in mathematics, and is part of his school’s math team.

Arav Gollapally, 15, USA
Second Place
Yevgeny Morozov, Teacher
I began learning piano at the age of 10, inspired by a growing interest in music during the pandemic. What started as simple curiosity quickly developed into a deep passion. As I spent more time practicing, I discovered not only the joy of making music but also the discipline and patience it requires. Since then, I have continued my musical journey with dedication, training under the guidance of my teacher and constantly striving to improve.
Over the years, I have performed pieces from various composers and across different levels of difficulty. Exploring diverse repertoire has strengthened my technique while helping me develop greater musical expression and interpretation. Participating in competitions and recitals has also built my confidence, resilience, and stage presence. Each performance experience has deepened my appreciation for classical music.
My favorite composer is Frédéric Chopin, whose expressive and lyrical works inspire me the most. I am especially drawn to the emotion and elegance in his music. I look forward to continuing to grow as a pianist, learning more challenging repertoire, and sharing my love of music through performance.

Evelyn Goh, 13, USA
Second Place
Denitsa VanPelt, Teacher
Evelyn Goh has classical training in piano as well as jazz improv. She has classical violin training and has performed in her school chamber string ensemble at school, local chamber ensembles, Celtic string ensembles, and a local symphony orchestra. She plays the clarinet in her school band and sings in her school show choir.
Evelyn is on the Academic and Effort Honor Roll at her school. She competes in her school’s Math Olympiad, Science Olympiad, and Quiz Bowl teams. She represented her school at the 2025 Middle School Quiz Bowl National Championship Tournament. Outside of school, Evelyn enjoys reading, figure skating, horseback riding, traveling, swimming, and archery.
Evelyn enjoys doing community service. She started an annual fundraiser recital for HomeFront, a local homeless shelter, and has raised over $14,000 over the past 6 years with the help of her musical friends. She also performs violin and piano at a local senior rehab center.
Evelyn has participated in the following piano competitions: OPUS Music Competition 2022, 1st prize for State of NJ; Young Artists International Premiere Competition (YAICP) 2025, 1st prize; International Northern Lights 2025, bronze; and OPUS Music Competition 2025, 3rd prize for State of NJ.

Jonathan Chung, 12, USA
Second Place
Eunmi Moon, Teacher
Jonathan has been playing piano since he was in kindergarten. He is a 6th grader now.
-February 15, 2026; Recital at Carnegie Hall, Crescendo International Music Competition.
-May 2025; Recital at Carnegie Hall, Crescendo international music competition, First Place Winner
-May 2024, Recital at Carnegie Hall, Crescendo international music competition, First Place Winner

Hyojo Chang, 15, USA
Second Place
Donna Weng Friedman, Teacher
Hyojo Chang, from New York, NY, is 15 years old and currently studies piano with Donna Weng Friedman at the Mannes School of Music Precollege Division. She began playing piano at age six and was accepted to Mannes Prep at age eight, where she is now part of the Clara Mannes Scholars Program. She also achieved following awards : Royal Resonance International Music Competition (2026, Silver), American Protégé International Concerto Competition (2023, 3rd Place)
In addition to her musical pursuits, Hyojo is passionate about biology and studies at Stanford Online High School. She actively participates in MIT Science Bowls and holds a part-time internship at the Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Liam Hodge, 11, USA
Third Place
Sohyun Ahn, Teacher
Liam Hodge started piano lessons at the age of eight years old. He is a six grader at Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy. He attends the Conservatory of University of Mount Saint Vincent in New York City. He has participated in numerous recitals at different venues in the community.
bottom of page

