2026 Soloists

Featured Soloist

Concert 1:

  • Victoria Sun
  • Harbor Day School
  • 8th grade
  • Essay Title: My Journey Through Music

One of my earliest memories of music was watching my older sister play the piano. I was fascinated by the keys and begged my parents to let me try just one lesson. They thought it would be simply a short phase five-year-old me would outgrow and lose interest in. However, somehow that one lesson turned into years of practicing, performing, and growing.

Over time, piano became much more than an extracurricular activity to me, as it became something that challenged me and helped shape who I am today. One of my earliest unforgettable musical experiences was making my concerto debut at the age of nine with the Qingdao Opera Symphony Orchestra. I still remember how surreal it felt hearing the orchestra around me for the first time. Since then, I have had the privilege of performing with ensembles including the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra, North Coast Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Collective of Orange County, and now, the Los Angeles Youth Philharmonic. Each performance has taught me something different, whether it was trusting myself or the collaboration of the people around me.

As I continued studying piano with my teacher Ms. Myong Joo Lee, I participated in many more competitions and performances. I have also participated in summer music festivals such as the InterHarmony International Music Festival and Vancouver Piano Sessions, where I performed in masterclasses with Haochen Zhang and Boris Slutsky. Over the years, I have been fortunate to perform at venues all over the world including Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Zipper Hall, Christ Church Cathedral in Vancouver, and Chiesa Santo Spirito in Acqui Terme, Italy, among others. One especially unforgettable experience was being invited to perform at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, England, where I also had the honor of meeting King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Beyond performing, I also care deeply about sharing music with others and building a community. Currently, I serve a leadership role in the non-profit organization of Pacific Serenades, helping bring music to local communities through performances and other events. Being involved in organizing functions like these allows me to see how music can connect people from vastly different backgrounds, which is something I am interested in pursuing in my future. 

Furthermore, I also enjoy composing music and exploring how music can tell stories on screen. In the past few years, I have participated in short film and documentary projects and had opportunities to compose and record original music in professional studio settings, including at the Fox Studios in Los Angeles. Exploring composition has truly allowed me to experience music from a completely different perspective than performing. 

Lastly, I would like to sincerely thank my teacher, Ms. Myong Joo Lee, for being such an inspiring teacher and mentor throughout my musical journey. Her guidance and dedication has helped me grow not only as a pianist, but also as a person. I would also like to thank my family and parents for their constant love and support, and for always encouraging me to pursue my passions and happiness. Finally, I would like to thank the LAYP concerto committee for this wonderful opportunity to perform with the Los Angeles Youth Philharmonic. I am truly grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way.

  • Charlotte King
  • Mira Costa High School
  • 10th Grade
  • Essay Title: Finding My Inner Voice

Music has always been, and I hope will always be, an integral part of my life.  When I first started playing the piano at five years old, I could not have imagined just how important music would become to me. At ten, I decided to play the flute. I remember choosing it mainly because it fit into my backpack. I started taking private lessons over the summer before fourth grade, simply to learn a few notes before school started, so I wouldn’t fall behind. My intention was to stop the lessons once school started. 

Little did I know that I had just met the flute teacher I would still be studying with seven years later. I distinctly remember standing on Kitty Fitzgerald’s balcony, spitting lentils and rice grains in order to learn how to tongue on the flute. Kitty taught me everything, from the basics of how to assemble and hold the instrument all the way through to where I am today. I could not fully express my gratitude to her even if I tried. Not only has she helped me grow into the musician I am today, but also the person I am today. Growing up, I was a very shy child. Speaking in front of a classroom or even finding the courage to ask a question in class was traumatizing. I avoided at all costs social interactions where I had to verbalize my opinions. Playing the flute helped me to find a voice, my voice. I have been able to express myself in ways I never imagined possible through this beautiful instrument. I admit that I am still a shy individual, however music has given me the courage to be heard. 

As an introverted person, anxiety followed me to the world of music. I remember feeling absolutely terrified the first time I played in front of my band class. My hands shook, my thoughts raced, and I convinced myself that I never wanted to perform again.  I could not have been more incorrect. As I have grown as a musician, I have learned to handle performance anxiety to where I enjoy performances. Music is so much more than my petty fear of judgment. Music is about sharing what you love, and communicating it effectively with an audience, no matter how big or small.  In many ways, music is the same as giving a speech. Musicians use punctuation like commas, exclamation marks, and question marks; we enunciate our ideas with articulations; and express our emotions through dynamics, vibrato, and so much more. Music is my voice. If I told my younger self that I would be performing a solo at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in just a few short years, I probably would have freaked out and refused the opportunity. I could never have imagined having the courage to step onto this beautiful, world-renowned stage. And yet, here I am.

I owe much of my new-found confidence to my middle school band teacher, Mrs. Haslop. She was the person who initially nominated me to audition for LAYPO back in 2023. Not only did she foster my confidence, she opened my eyes as a musician. During middle school, music transformed from an extracurricular activity into my main passion, and Mrs. Haslop supported and encouraged me throughout that journey.

I would not be where I am today without the help of numerous other teachers, peers, and mentors. I recently began lessons with Marley Eder, who has challenged me to dive deeper into musical interpretation and artistry. He has introduced me to so much new repertoire in such a short span of time. I have also learned an enormous amount from teachers at the Northern California Flute camp including Karen Van Dyke, Gary Woodward, Tomiko Tsai, Aaron Goldman, Catherine Boyak, Alexa Still, John Thorne, and Jeanne Baxtresser, among others. Not only did these people have ingenious insight in music, performance, and life in general, they have been a huge inspiration to me as a growing individual. This summer, I am incredibly fortunate to attend Interlochen Arts Camp where I will be able to fully immerse myself in the world of music for six weeks, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Michigan.

Having performed solos with LAYPO for three years during their chamber music series concerts, I have matured as both a musician and performer. I have also gained experience playing with SCSBOA, California All-State bands, and with the Colburn School. Playing alongside such talented and dedicated musicians is an opportunity I do not take for granted, and I have enjoyed every minute of it.

I want to deeply thank the LAYPO selection committee not only for the opportunity to perform at Walt Disney Concert Hall, but also for allowing me to gain such valuable musical experience over the past three years. I would also like to thank my family, who has supported me from the very beginning of my musical journey, and continues to tolerate my late-night practicing. Finally, I am grateful to all the teachers, mentors, family, and friends who have guided and encouraged me each and every day. Without them, I would not have found my inner voice.

Concert 2:

  • Alexander Fan
  • Beverly Hills High School
  • 11th Grade
  • Essay Title: From Here to There: Built From the Bottom Up

In elementary school, I experimented with both piano, which my sister played, and violin, which my dad played, but I never felt fully connected to either instrument. I wanted to find something that was completely my own. After some exploring, I decided to try the double bass. Soon afterward, I joined the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra (BYSO) in Washington State as a fifth grader. At my first ever orchestra rehearsal, I was surrounded by a sound unlike anything I had ever heard. I called it “the most beautiful sound in the world”. At that moment, I knew music would become an important part of my life. 

Then the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. Orchestra rehearsals came to an abrupt end, and my first concert, which I had been looking forward to all year, was cancelled. Furthermore, my private teacher retired, leaving me without formal instruction. For almost one year, I practiced under my dad’s supervision and started online lessons from a family friend who played the bass. Although I missed making music with others, I learned a lot during this time. I developed important technical skills, including vibrato and thumb position, and I developed more patience and perseverance.

When rehearsals finally resumed, I returned to BYSO with a renewed appreciation for every rehearsal and performance. I later also joined the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra (SYSO), performing with both orchestras simultaneously. This exposed me to an incredible variety of repertoire and pushed me to become a more versatile musician. Having spent so much time playing alone, I wanted to seize every opportunity to create music alongside others.

Because I’m often the only bassist in the entire orchestra, I socialized with people in different sections, meeting many new friends in the process. I discovered that a cellist and an oboist in BYSO were also on my club swim team, and we quickly became close. Paying attention to the other instruments helped me understand that playing well in an orchestra, aside from mastering my own part, requires communicating and working collaboratively with many different people. 

In 2022, I entered several online competitions, including the London Young Musician Competition, where I received the Gold Award. I also performed in the Pacific Northwest Ballet pit orchestra, allowing me the privilege of playing alongside some of the finest young bassists in Seattle. They inspired me to set even higher goals for myself. Before my family moved to Southern California in the summer of 2023, I attended the Marrowstone Music Festival, where I had one final opportunity to perform with many of the friends who had shaped my musical life in Seattle. Saying goodbye was difficult, but I knew a new chapter was about to begin.

Moving to Los Angeles introduced me to an entirely different musical community. Through the Los Angeles Youth Philharmonic Orchestra (LAYPO), its Chamber Music Series, the Colburn Youth Orchestra, and my high school’s chamber orchestra, I encountered new perspectives and a huge selection of talented musicians across LA. One of my favorite experiences was performing in my school’s musicals with live actors on stage. For one production, I learned electric bass specifically for the show, and our orchestra was honored with the Jerry Herman Award for Best Orchestra. I was also honored to perform in both the California Orchestra Directors’ Association (CODA) Honors Symphony Orchestra and the California All-State Music Educators Conference (CASMEC) Symphony Orchestra, where I collaborated with outstanding young musicians from across the state. 

Music has also taught me the importance of giving back. At the Colburn School, I volunteered at charity events such as “Conduct Me,” and through LAYPO’s Donate Your Talent program, I tutored underprivileged students in music theory. Working with them reminded me of how much others had invested in me throughout my own journey. 

Over the past year, I have focused increasingly on solo double bass performance. Through the Colburn Bass Ensemble and LAYPO, I have performed several solo works before live audiences. Although the bass is commonly seen as only an accompanying instrument, I saw how its deeper, more mellow sound could actually harmonize well with the orchestra in a solo setting. 

This year, I was honored to be selected to perform a solo at the world-renowned Walt Disney Concert Hall. Every time I step onto the stage, I think back to that fifth grade student hearing a full orchestra for the very first time. I could not have imagined where that single rehearsal would lead me. 

None of this would have been possible without the people who believed in me. I am deeply grateful to my parents for their unwavering support and for driving me and my oversized instrument to countless lessons, rehearsals, and performances. I thank my friends and fellow musicians for continually inspiring me to become not only a better bassist but also a better person. My heartfelt gratitude goes to my private teachers,Ted Botsford, Ryan Baird, Stephen Pfeifer, and Ramon Salumbides as their guidance has shaped me into the musician I am today. Finally, I would like to thank Dr. Chung for making this dream possible through his vision for LAYPO and his unwavering commitment to youth music education. 

Looking ahead, I hope to pursue a double major in chemistry and music. These fields may seem very different, but both challenge me to utilize my creativity and problem solving abilities. I cannot imagine a future without music. Whether I continue performing, teaching, or simply playing for my own enjoyment, it will always be a big part of who I am.

  • Mia Ji
  • California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley
  • 11th Grade
Screenshot

Growing up in Los Angeles, music has always been a meaningful part of my life. I began studying piano at the age of six, and from the very beginning, I was drawn to the emotional storytelling and expression that classical music offered. My family has always encouraged my artistic interests, and their support allowed me to explore music not only as a discipline, but also as a way to communicate and connect with others. Over time, piano became more than an extracurricular activity, it became a central part of my identity and creative growth.

Throughout my musical journey, performance opportunities and competitions have motivated me to continue improving. At the age of eight, I became a top prizewinner in the MUSE International Piano Competition, which led to my debut performance at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall in New York City. Since then, I have received First Prize in the Bach International Music Competition, Gold Prize at the Longdon Young Musician Competition, and was named a finalist in the Vienna Piano School Competition. For the past several years, I have studied with Daniel Lessner in Los Angeles, where I have learned the importance of discipline, consistency and musical interpretation. I also attend the California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley, where I study instrumental piano while collaborating with other young artists in orchestral, musical theatre, and chamber settings. Being surrounded by a creative community has inspired me to grow not only as a pianist, but also a performer and collaborator. 

Beyond classical piano, I am deeply interested in the creative and business side of the music industry. In addition to piano, I enjoy hip-hop dance, songwriting, digital design, and fashion content creation, all of which allow me to express creativity in different ways. This summer, I will attend the GRAMMY Camp Music Business Program in Miami and the Berklee College of Music Music Business Summer Program in Los Angeles to further explore careers in music business, and multimedia collaboration. In the future, I hope to pursue a college education that allows me to combine my classical music background with my interests in music business and creative media. While I plan to continue performing piano seriously, I am also interested in studying areas such as music industry and marketing, where I can blend artistic performance with innovation and creative leadership within the music industry. 

Finally, I would like to thank my parents, friends and my sister for their constant encouragement and support throughout my musical journey. Their belief in me has helped me stay motivated through both challenges and achievements, and I am deeply grateful for the guidance and sacrifices they have made to help me pursue my passion for music. And for my biggest thanks, thank you Daniel for helping me grow as a musician by pushing me to my limits and supporting every single idea I have, you are like a second dad to me and I really appreciate you. Having such a strong support system has encouraged me to continue growing not only as a pianist, but also a creative person. 

  • Justin Chan
  • Punahou School (Honolulu, Hawaii)
  • 12th Grade
  • Essay Title: My Piano Journey and Growth

I began taking private piano lessons when I was in kindergarten, shortly after my twin sister started, initially at home and eventually at the teacher’s studio.  My early public performances were in periodic recitals arranged by my first piano teacher, at the largest and most popular mall in Hawaii, followed by school recitals under my second piano teacher, Dr. Kristin Elgersma.  After she moved, I started taking lessons from Dr. Wendy Yamashita, who has taught me for about ten years now.  She guided me through the competitions I have entered and won throughout my piano music journey.  Dr. Jessica Choi has also been mentoring and coaching me and accompanied me in my piano performances.

Over the years, I have also taken private lessons for violin and percussion.  It is piano that I enjoy the most, and have concentrated on it, which leads to the level where I am today.  Having learned more than twenty repertoires from over a dozen composers, they have enriched my piano techniques and prepared me to win major competitions.  Those experiences gave me the opportunity to perform in fundraisers and gala events, gain confidence to enter several concerto competitions and continue to achieve piano music goals that I pursued throughout the years.

From without, these moments might appear to be milestones defined by recognition.  Standing on that stage, what I felt was not accomplishment, but responsibility.  The music demanded precision, but more than that, it required interpretation.  Every musical phrase raised a question:  What does this mean?  Why this timing, this dynamic, this silence?  In searching for those answers, I found myself drawn less to performance as display and more to performance as inquiry.

The shift became even more meaningful when I began performing with my twin sister.  In 2024, we played a two-piano concerto together at the Korea-U.S. Alliance Cultural Festival in Central Park.  Unlike in solo performance, duet playing requires a different kind of awareness, not just listening to sound, but anticipating another person’s intention.  Our phrasing had to align, our timing had to converge, but most importantly, our interpretation had to become shared.  It was no longer about individual expression, but about creating coherence in art together.

This experience changed how I think about music, and more broadly, how I approach collaboration.  Precision matters, but so does adaptability.  Structure is essential, while meaning emerges through interaction.

Whether I am practicing a passage, analyzing a score, or performing on stage, I have come to see piano not simply as an instrument, but as a way of thinking.  The piano taught me to break complexity into structure, to refine details through repetition, and to remain calm and attentive even under pressure.  At the same time, it taught me that technical mastery alone is not enough; what matters is the ability to reshape that mastery into a song of our souls.

Major awards and honors that I’ve garnered over time are as follows:

  • Second Place, High School Division, 2026 LAYP Piano Concerto Competition
  • First Place, Age Category C, 2024-2025 Madeline Schatz-Harris Young Concerto Competition
  • Second Place, American Protege International Concerto Competition 2023
  • Second Place, American Protege International Piano and Strings Competition 2023
  • First Prize, Piano Young Artist Group B, American Virtuoso International Music Competition 2022
  • Second Prize, Chamber Music Young Artist Group A, American Virtuoso International Music Competition 2022
  • Finalist, Osaka International Music Competition 2020
  • First Prize, Hawaii State Music Competition 2019
  • Second Prize, Great Composers International Music Competition 2019
  • Second Place, Steinway Piano Competition Hawaii 2018

I will attend the University of Southern California, where I plan to pursue Business and artificial intelligence while continuing piano as a minor.

I am profoundly grateful to my parents, piano teachers, and mentors for their unending encouragement, guidance and support.

  • Alexander Burrow
  • Huron High School (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
  • 12th Grade
  • Essay Title: From Discovering My Musical Voice

I came from a musical family and was introduced to music at an early age, joining the Boychoir of Ann Arbor at age 7. I also played the violin and clarinet during my middle school years, played in my school band, and performed in the Honor Band in Orchestra Hall in Detroit, home of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. One of the most significant musical experiences during my youth has been singing with the choir in concerts across the state of Michigan, presenting formal and community outreach concerts in historic venues, churches, libraries, museums, and retirement homes for 9 seasons. My early musical journey was full of ensemble experiences. The Piano entered my life late. I began my formal piano studies only 3 and a half years ago, fully aware that most pianists my age had already been training for nearly a decade. Starting late reshaped my mindset from the very beginning. The piano, for me, has become a voice. I find that I can translate words, emotions, and thoughts into sound. I find almost everything in music. And music is what opened my eyes to the depth of creative potential I am capable of, and it continues to shape how I see myself and the world around me. 

The experiences that have pushed my musical growth the most have been working with teachers in one-on-one lessons and my recent attendance at various festivals in the summer of 2025. These festivals (Bowling Green State University Piano Camp, Anchorage Chamber Music Intensive, Southeastern Piano Festival) gave me the opportunity to learn about many aspects of piano music through piano literature classes, masterclasses, concert performances, and chamber music collaborations. It was in these intensely focused musical environments that I found a community of young pianists who shared my passion and where I learned to push myself further. I always try to seek experiences that will challenge me beyond the practice room. I have found summer music festivals and similar opportunities to be especially transformative for both my learning and artistic growth. I was also fortunate to receive private lessons from many distinguished musicians during those festivals. 

As a late starter on piano, to gain performance experience, I present solo piano recitals for retirement communities and perform in fundraising events for non-profit organizations. Meeting people after the concerts helps me realize how much people appreciate the live performances and the music I bring. I also participated in many local and regional competitions and auditions to expand my experiences, and I am very grateful for the awards and performance opportunities I have received over the last two years.  In 2026, I won the MFMC High School Piano Award, 1st Prize at the Rosalie Edwards Youth Competition in Ann Arbor, and 1st Prize at the Dorothy MacKenzie Price Competition in Toledo (OH). In the same year, I also received 2nd Prize at the Sherer Piano Competition in Goshen (IN), 2nd prize in the Steinway Jr. Artist Competition (Detroit), and an Honorable Mention for the Tuesday Musicale of Detroit Student League Competition. In 2025, I was awarded 3rd Prize in the Steinway Jr. Artist Competition (Detroit) and 2nd Prize in the Tuesday Musicale of Detroit Student League Competition. In 2025, I also placed 1st at the Ravel 150th Festival Piano Competition (pre-collegiate) in Michigan and was a finalist in both the Dearborn Symphony Young Artist Competition and the Dexter Community Orchestra Youth Artist Competition. I was also a recipient of the Tuesday Musicale of Detroit Harry and Irene Elkins Helping Hand Fund scholarship in both 2025 and 2026. In November 2024, I was awarded 1st place at the Schoolcraft Honors Recital audition. 

Recently, in March, I made my New York City debut at the Ukrainian Institute of America. I was also named a Finalist for From the Top’s Learning and Media Lab Fellowship program and was invited to be featured on their Daily Joy series in fall 2025. In January of 2026, I was awarded 2nd prize (senior high school division) in the Los Angeles Youth Philharmonic (LAYP) Piano Concerto Competition and will make my concerto debut at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in July, which is an incredible honor. My upcoming performances include a series of concerts in the Upper Peninsula (MI) organized by Beacon Arts Michigan and a solo recital on the Dorothy MacKenzie Price series at the University of Toledo in the fall. 

In the fall of 2026, I will be attending the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance to pursue a degree in piano performance, studying under Christopher Harding. 

I would like to offer my sincerest thanks to my family. I have had an unusual road, but at every step, I have been met with support for my passion for music. I am forever grateful. I also offer my sincerest thanks to my former and current piano teachers: Philip Solomonick, John Solari, and Christopher Harding.

And I would also like to thank LAYPO for this great opportunity. It is these opportunities and experiences that will ultimately shape my artistry, discipline, and future as a musician. 

Thank you all. 

Concert 3

  • Alice Lee
  • Harvard-Westlake School
  • 11th Grade
  • Essay Title: The Sound That Fit 

1. Musical Start: How did you start your music lesson (your music love, story, family…)? 

If you look through my mother’s camera roll from around 12 years back, you’ll find the most adorable photo: my sister, around 10 years old, practicing on her real violin, while I, four years old, stand right next to her with my fake violin on the wrong shoulder. In the cushioned seats at the Colburn School of Music’s Mayman Hall, I’d watch my sister sway to the music of her own creation, my eyes wide enough to imprint the notes on my pupils. Before bed, I’d listen to her practice in our shared bathroom, the melody drifting me off to dreams of bright lights and full concert halls. My whole childhood had been encapsulated by the sweet sounds of my sister’s violin, so much so that my parents never had to wonder which instrument to place me in; my actions said it all. 

However, with every practice, every performance, I could tell the violin didn’t fit me right. Maybe it was the curve of the fingerboard or the slight discrepancy in its size relative to my liking, but the more I played, the more obvious it became how wrong the instrument was for me. My mother began looking for other options, other ways for me to channel my love for string instruments without forcing progress from something that never quite fit me, no matter how hard I practiced. I began lessons with LA Phil violist Michael Larco at age 9, and to be transparent, I have never played worse. However, getting past the first hurdle of the viola’s size and prowess was the first step towards a whole new world of music and performance that couldn’t have been possible on the violin. 

With my teacher’s guidance, I began participating in orchestras at school, playing in the Honors Chamber Music Institute at Colburn, and competing in competitions, allowing me the privilege of winning the 2024 ASTA Bowed Solo Competition for Viola in the Junior Category and receiving 

the Gold Prize for viola and the Silver Prize overall at the 2025 Bellagrande International Competition. I have performed internationally with my school as a soloist and continue to strengthen my ability to connect with diverse audiences through these experiences. Together, these experiences have shown me how performance can transcend spoken word and create genuine connections between people. I hope that as my sound matures and reaches new heights, I can hone this ability and use it to weave differences into connection through the universal language of music. 

Performing alongside the Los Angeles Youth Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall is a truly irreplaceable opportunity, one that will allow me to share my love for music in the exact city that nurtured it. I would like to express my utmost gratitude to the LAYP Committee for providing me with this wonderful opportunity. I am forever indebted to Mr. Larco, my mentor and teacher throughout my entire viola journey, without whom I wouldn’t have grown into the musician I am today. Thank you so much to my parents and my brother for always encouraging me to push

myself further, even when everything seems stagnant. Finally, thank you to my sister for leading me down this path and being my biggest supporter through and through.

  • Liam
  • Homeschool
  • 8th Grade
  • Essay Title: My Journey

Music has been a large part of my life for longer than I can remember. Playing the violin has always been something of a second nature for me, and that sense of familiarity with the instrument has only grown over time, thanks to many wonderful teachers and other individuals and organizations to whom I will be forever grateful. I studied with my first teacher, Ms. Cecilia Coo, for the first six years of my musical journey. I know that I would be nowhere near where I am today if not for her hard work and patience. When I had my first lesson, I was about two and a half years old, and although none of these events come to memory, I’m quite sure that I couldn’t have been the easiest student to teach at that age. 

Over time, the repertoire quickly became more difficult, and the standard of performance began to rise. Therefore, my teacher approached my parents and I with the idea of studying at the Colburn School in Los Angeles with Ms. Aimee Kreston. The change was made, and I began my studies at Colburn at the age of eight. After over two years of studying with Ms. Kreston, I transitioned to the studio of Ms. Joan Kwoun, with whom I have studied for three years now.  

In these last three years, I have studied and performed concerti by Max Bruch, Felix Mendelssohn, Camille Saint-Seans, Henryk Wieniawski, Peter Tchaikovski, and Jean Sibelius, along with many sonatas, virtuosic showpieces and a variety of chamber music. 

Some of the honors I have received recently include being awarded 1st prize in the Parness Competition, Southern California Philharmonic Concerto Competition, CSU-San Bernardino Young Artist competition (all of which include performances with orchestra), among others.  Additionally, I was recently selected as a semifinalist for the 2026 Sphinx Competition in Detroit, Michigan, where I had the opportunity to work with and alongside many great musicians, and to progress further in my musical studies. 

As an aspiring concert violinist, I plan to major in violin performance and build a career as a soloist. Music has unceasingly been an amazing part of my life, and I plan to take it to the highest level and standard I possibly can. 

I am very grateful to Dr. Gene Chung for the opportunity to play with the Los Angeles Youth Philharmonic this year and many years preceding. LAYP has always been something that I look forward to and has consistently been a great and improving experience for me. 

In conclusion, I’d like to thank my parents for all the hard work and support that they have dedicated to my musical journey. From driving to and from rehearsals to supervising my practice in the early stages of my study, they have always been there to guide me and to encourage me to reach my full potential.  

  • Edina Zhang
  • Moore Middle School
  • 7th Grade
  • Essay Title: Growth Through Music

When I was around three years old, I received a toy piano as a birthday present, and from that moment, I became fascinated with music. By the age of six, I had traded my toy piano for a real one and begun taking formal lessons. Playing a real piano was both exciting and inspiring; for the first time, I discovered a meaningful way to channel my thoughts and emotions through music. My teacher, Dr. Angelica Prodan, introduced me to the idea that music could serve as a form of self-expression. Learning this at such a young age has continued to shape who I am today. To me, playing the piano is more than a skill—it is a way to connect with others through music.

A few years after I began studying piano, I participated in the local Inland Empire Piano Festival and earned my first first-place award. That experience motivated me to continue improving and deepened my passion for music. As I progressed, I strengthened my technique and musicianship by participating in the Music Teachers’ Association of California Certificate of Merit program, successfully passing Level 9.

Throughout my piano journey, I have participated in numerous competitions and festivals, including AMICI, Music Teachers’ Association of California events, the Antelope Valley Concerto Competition, and the Bach Festival. I have also performed several piano duets and collaborated with Dr. Prodan on a number of concertos, especially Rhapsody in Blue. These experiences challenged me to grow both technically and personally as a musician while teaching me the importance of collaboration, communication, and adaptability when performing with accompanists and fellow musicians. Along the way, I have been honored to receive several awards, including a Gold Award from the Southern Bach Piano Festival, being a four-time winner of the Steinway Society of Riverside Piano Competition, and a five-time winner of the Inland Empire Piano Festival in categories such as solo performance and concerto.

Beyond competitions and awards, some of the most meaningful moments in my musical journey have come from experiences that inspired my future goals. Hearing Yuja Wang perform at Walt Disney Concert Hall was especially unforgettable. Watching her perform with such confidence and artistry made me imagine what it would feel like to play there myself one day. Since then, performing at Walt Disney Concert Hall has become one of my biggest aspirations.

I am excited about the opportunity not only because it is such a prestigious venue, but also because of the chance to share music with an audience in a place that holds so much meaning for me. I am especially looking forward to working with an orchestra for the first time and experiencing the collaboration that comes from performing alongside other musicians on stage. I believe performing there would be both an unforgettable experience and an important milestone in my growth as a musician.

As I continue my musical journey, I hope to keep exploring challenging repertoire and developing a deeper understanding of music so that I can grow not only as a pianist, but also as an individual.

First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents for their constant love, encouragement, and support throughout my musical journey. They have always believed in me and motivated me to keep improving, even during challenging moments. More than anything, they consistently give me thoughtful advice and help me remain confident and focused, and I am incredibly grateful for everything they have done for me.

I would also like to sincerely thank my teacher, Dr. Angelica Prodan, for her patience, dedication, and guidance. She has made learning and playing the piano both enjoyable and meaningful, which has had a tremendous impact on my growth as a musician. Her encouragement and teaching have helped me develop not only my technical skills, but also a deeper appreciation and love for music.

Finally, I would like to thank LAYPO for providing inspiring opportunities to perform and share music with others. Being part of such a supportive musical environment has been a truly rewarding experience, and I am very thankful for the opportunity.

  • Chloe Qian
  • Orange County School of the Arts
  • 10th Grade
  • Essay Title: Two Voices, Eighty-Eight Keys

I grew up surrounded by music before I ever touched a piano. My grandmother is a bel canto singer, while my grandfather is a Chinese opera singer. Although they came from very different musical traditions, their voices were a familiar part of my childhood. I remember my grandmother asking whether I would become her piano accompanist one day. That simple question became one of the reasons I began learning piano at around five years old.

Over the years, piano gradually became my own way of connecting with the musical environment that had surrounded me since childhood. I became fascinated by how a pianist could communicate emotion without words, much like what I had heard in my grandparents’ singing. Their influence taught me early that music is not simply about producing beautiful sounds—it is about telling a story and communicating with others.

A turning point came in 2023, when I attended the Oberlin International Music Festival. I had the opportunity to learn from distinguished musicians, including attending a masterclass with Đặng Thái Sơn. Seeing musicians at that level examine every detail of sound, phrasing, and interpretation made me realize how much more there was to discover. After Oberlin, I wanted to push myself further and eventually began studying privately with Dr. Sarkis Baltaian.

Dr. Baltaian has had a major influence on the pianist I am becoming. He challenges me to look beyond playing the correct notes and think about structure, phrasing, sound, character, and the composer’s intentions. He has taught me to listen more critically and become more independent in making musical decisions, pushing me toward becoming a more thoughtful and mature musician.

Competitions have also been an important part of my development. I have participated in regional, national, and international competitions and have been fortunate to receive many awards. Some of my most meaningful accomplishments include winning the Junior Chamber Music Concerto Competition, receiving First Place in both the Solo and Concerto divisions of the IAPMT Virtuoso Competition, and winning First Place at the CAPMT State Finals in Contemporary Music. I have also received top recognition in chamber music through Junior Chamber Music and the Amici International Music Competition, as well as awards and recognition from MTAC, CAPMT, Orbetello, IPPA Conero, and AEGIO.

I am also grateful to have received music scholarships from the South Coast Symphony and the Orange County Musician Club. While awards have given me confidence, they have also taught me that much of the real growth happens during preparation—working through difficult passages, experimenting with interpretations, and learning from mistakes.

Attending the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) has made music an even greater part of my everyday life. As a student in the Pianist Program, being surrounded by other dedicated young musicians constantly motivates me to improve. Chamber music has also taught me to listen, respond, and collaborate with others—skills that have become especially valuable as I have developed as a concerto pianist.

Concerto playing has become a major part of my musical journey. I have been fortunate to earn opportunities to perform with the Orchestra Collective of Orange County, South Coast Symphony, and an orchestra in San Diego, as well as concerto opportunities through OCSA and LAYPO. These experiences have taught me that although the pianist may be called the “soloist,” a concerto is truly a collaboration among the pianist, conductor, and orchestra.

I am especially excited to perform the third movement of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37 with LAYPO. I love the constant conversation between the piano and orchestra and how the movement shifts between playful, dramatic, lyrical, and brilliant characters. Preparing Beethoven has also brought me back to something I first learned from my grandparents: music has a voice. When I work on a phrase at the piano, I think about where it is going, where it breathes, and what it is trying to say. The singing I heard throughout my childhood still influences the way I approach the piano today.

Looking ahead, I want to continue challenging myself through solo repertoire and concerto performances. I do not yet know exactly where music will take me, but I know it will remain an important part of my future.

I am deeply grateful to Dr. Sarkis Baltaian for his guidance and for continually challenging me to reach a higher musical standard. I am thankful to my grandparents for surrounding me with music, and especially to my grandmother for planting the idea that I might one day accompany her. Most of all, I am grateful to my family for supporting me through years of lessons, practicing, rehearsals, competitions, and performances.

Finally, I would like to thank the LAYPO Committee, conductor, and orchestra for giving me the opportunity to perform as a soloist. Performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 connects the music I grew up hearing, the pianist I have worked to become, and the musician I am still discovering. I am honored to share this experience with LAYPO and excited to see where my musical journey takes me next.

  • Recrei Park
  • Granada Hills Charter High School
  • 12th Grade
  • Essay Title: Finding My Place at the Piano

My musical journey began in a way that was not entirely my own choice. My parents introduced me to piano at a young age, and although my family and I enjoyed classical music, I did not particularly enjoy my piano lessons at first. For me, piano was simply something I was expected to do. My perspective began to change in middle school when I attended a concert by a contemporary performer. I was amazed by the way a piano could create such a unique and powerful atmosphere from a simple melody. Hearing a familiar song transformed into something grand and explosive opened my eyes to what was possible on the instrument.

After that experience, I began spending more time learning songs that I personally enjoyed. What started as an interest in popular music gradually developed into a deeper appreciation for the piano and classical music. As I explored more repertoire, I became particularly drawn to the Romantic period. The expressive melodies, emotional depth, and technical possibilities of composers such as Chopin and Rachmaninoff eventually became a major part of my musical identity. 

Over the years, private lessons, performances, competitions, and Certificate of Merit helped me develop both technically and musically. Completing Certificate of Merit Level 10 and Panel challenged me to strengthen not only my technique and repertoire, but also my understanding of theory, sight-reading, and musicianship. Preparing for increasingly demanding pieces taught me the discipline and patience necessary to improve as a pianist. Competitions and performances also pushed me outside of my comfort zone and taught me how to remain focused under pressure. Receiving First Prize in the Barum International Piano Competition and IAPMT Grand Prix were meaningful accomplishments, but the preparation and growth behind those experiences have been even more important to me.

One of the most significant developments in my musical growth came from performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Seocho Philharmonic Orchestra in Korea. Before performing with an orchestra, most of my experience had been as a solo pianist, where I had relatively few opportunities to interact with other musicians and discuss music. Performing a concerto showed me that music is not only about what I can create individually, but also about how I communicate and collaborate with others. Conductor Jong Hoon Bae and the orchestra members offered me valuable suggestions and new perspectives on my interpretation. Listening to their ideas helped me become more flexible in my musical thinking and gave me a deeper understanding of the collaborative nature of performance.

As I enter college, I hope to continue studying piano seriously while pursuing my other academic interests. Although I am still considering exactly what role music will play in my future career, I know that piano will remain an important part of my life. I hope to continue performing, studying new repertoire, and finding opportunities to share classical music with others.

Performing with the Los Angeles Youth Philharmonic Orchestra at Walt Disney Concert Hall is an especially meaningful milestone in my musical journey. Disney Hall is a place I have seen countless performers take the stage, so the opportunity to stand on that same stage as a concerto soloist is something I deeply appreciate. I am grateful to LAYPO for giving me this opportunity and for allowing me to share a piece of my musical journey with its audience.

Most importantly, I want to thank my parents for introducing me to music and supporting me throughout the many years that brought me here. What began as something they placed into my life eventually became a passion that I chose for myself. I am especially grateful to my teacher, Sharon, who has never given up on me throughout my musical journey. She has gone beyond simply teaching me piano, giving me extra lessons before competitions, encouraging me through difficult periods, and always caring about me not only as a pianist but as a person. Finally, I am thankful to LAYPO for giving me the opportunity to perform with its orchestra at Walt Disney Concert Hall. I look forward to continuing to grow as a musician and discovering where music will take me next.