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Artist Profile

Nai-Yuan Hu - Violin
Since winning the First Prize of the prestigious Queen Elisabeth International Competition in 1985, violinist Nai-Yuan Hu has appeared on many of the world’s stages, including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Avery Fisher Hall in New York and major venues in London, Paris, Brussels, Munich, and other cities in Europe, North and South Americas and Asia. In praise of his playing, BBC Music Magazine wrote, “Taiwanese violinist Nai-Yuan Hu is an awesomely capable performer whose technical facility, musical intelligence and unfaltering verve place him among the higher echelons of today’s string virtuosi.”

Mr. Hu’s solo engagements include appearances with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of London, Toronto Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Netherland and Rotterdam Philharmonic orchestras, Belgian National Orchestra, Liège Philharmonic, Orchestre National de Lille in France, Haifa Symphony, Austro-Hungarian Haydn Chamber Orchestra, Tokyo Philharmonic and Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony, Taiwan’s NSO & NTSO, China and Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestras and others. He has collaborated with such conductors as George Cleve, Adam Fischer, Leon Fleisher, Gunther Herbig, Jahja Ling, Shao-Chia Lu, Gerard Schwarz, Maxim Shostakovich, and Hubert Soudant, among others.

As a recitalist, Mr. Hu performed in such venues as Alice Tully Hall and Weill Recital Hall in New York, Cité de la Musique in Paris, Purcell Room in London, Casals Hall in Tokyo, and Jordan Hall in Boston where he premiered Bright Sheng’s “The Stream Flows” in 1990. In summer seasons, he has appeared either as a guest soloist or chamber music artist in such festivals as Mostly Mozart, Marlboro, OK Mozart, Seattle, Grand Teton, and Newport. In 1999, he collaborated with Fou Ts’ong, Martha Argerich and Misha Maisky in the Beijing Music Festival.

Mr. Hu is the Music Director of Taiwan Connection, a music festival he founded in his native homeland in 2004 to promote chamber music. A conductorless string orchestra consisting of young talented Taiwanese musicians was incorporated into the Festival in 2007. Two years later, with the addition of a full complement of winds, TC Chamber Orchestra was formed. In 2010, the TC musicians tackled Beethoven Eroica Symphony to critical acclaims.

Mr. Hu’s recording of Goldmark’s Concerto and Bruch’s Concerto No. 2 with Gerard Schwarz and the Seattle Symphony (Delos) garnered “Critics’ Choice” from Gramophone as well as praises from many publications including BBC Music Magazine, The Times of London, and The Washington Post. His solo violin album “Unaccompanied…” for EMI label received two Golden Melody Awards in Taiwan for best classical album and best instrumentalist. In 2003, he released “Vienna Revisted” which comprises many of the beloved violin pieces from a bygone era.

Mr. Hu has served on the jury of international competitions such as Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels and Seoul Violin Competition. Born in Taiwan, he began studying the violin at age five and was soloist with the National Youth Orchestra of Taiwan three years later. He came to the United States in 1972 to continue his studies, first with Broadus Erle and later with Joseph Silverstein and Josef Gingold.





Performances for Season 38 (current season)
Concert 3


Artists who also play the Violin
Clare Adkins Cason
Ik-Hwan Bae
Adam Barnett-Hart
Martin Beaver
Aaron Boyd
Andrés Cárdenes
David Chan
Jinjoo Cho
Jonathan Crow
Luba Daneman
Simin Ganatra
Kenneth Goldsmith
Zakarias Grafilo
Augustin Hadelich
Austin Hartman
Risa Hokamura
Gábor Homoki
Yi-Jia Susanne Hou
Sirena Huang
Jun Iwasaki
Stephanie Jeong
Clara-Jumi Kang
Sarah Kapustin
Barnabás Kelemen
Nick Kendall
Alex Kerr
Chloé Kiffer
David Kim
Philip Lewis
Frederick Lifsitz
Cho-Liang Lin
Richard Lin
Stefan Milenkovich
Ayano Ninomiya
Felix Olschofka
Paul Rosenthal
Frederieke Saeijs
Amy Schwartz Moretti
Philip Setzer
Michael Shih
Alexander Sitkovetsky
Sheryl Staples
Scott Tixier
Keng-Yuen Tseng
Andrew Wan
Carmit Zori


Meet the Artists

Rez Abbasi Rez Abbasi - Guitar
Voted #1 Rising-Star Guitarist in the 2013 DownBeat Critics Poll and subsequently placed in the “Top-Ten Guitarists” alongside luminaries Bill Frisell and Pat Metheny, guitarist and composer Rez Abbasi is one of the most original voices on the current scene.
Clare Adkins Cason Clare Adkins Cason - Violin
Concertmaster of the Dallas Bach Society
Gregory Allen Gregory Allen - Piano
Grand Prize winner of the 1980 Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition in Tel Aviv; Second Prize at the 1978 Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels.
Nancy Allen Nancy Allen - Harp
Principal Harpist of the New York Philharmonic
Atar Arad Atar Arad - Viola
Distinguished soloist in prestigious festivals worldwide and Professor of Viola at the University of Indiana at Bloomington.
Pablo Aslan Pablo Aslan - Doublebass
Pablo’s recordings have been nominated for the 53rd Grammy’s and the 11th Latin Grammy Awards.
Ik-Hwan Bae Ik-Hwan Bae - Violin
Winner of the Queen Elizabeth Competition in Brussels and Concertmaster of the Hwaum Chamber Orchestra in Korea
Efe Baltacigil Efe Baltacigil - Cello

Mr. Baltacigil won the 2005 Young Concert Artists International Auditions. He was also awarded the Peter Jay Sharp Prize (which presented his New York recital debut in December 2005) and the Washington Performing Arts Society Prize (which presented his Washington, D.C., recital debut in April 2006). His other awards include first prize in concerto competitions in Istanbul and New York and the Allentown (Pennsylvania) Schadt String Competition

Adam Barnett-Hart Adam Barnett-Hart - Violin

American violinist Adam Barnett-Hart has attracted worldwide attention for his sensitive musicianship and inspired artistic decisions. As the founding first violinist of the Escher String Quartet, he has performed in many of the most prestigious venues and festivals around the world including Alice Tully Hall and the 92nd Street Y in New York, the Kennedy Center, the Ravinia and Caramoor Festivals, the Wigmore Hall, the Louvre, and the Concertgebouw.

Alessio Bax Alessio Bax - Piano
Winner of the 2009 Avery Fisher Career Grant
Martin Beaver Martin Beaver - Violin
Martin Beaver is the recipient of the Canada Council's prestigious Virginia Parker Award, received top prizes at the Queen Elizabeth Competition in Belgium, the 1990 International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, and the 1991 Montreal International Music Competition.
Aaron Boyd Aaron Boyd - Violin

Award-winning violinist Aaron Boyd, a member of the acclaimed Escher String Quartet,  enjoys a versatile career as soloist, chamber musician, orchestral leader, recording artist, lecturer, and teacher. Since making his New York recital debut in 1998, he has concertized throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Formerly a member of the Escher String Quartet, he was a recipient of an Avery Fisher Career Grant and the Martin E. Segal prize from Lincoln Center, and was also awarded a Proclamation by the City of Pittsburgh for his musical accomplishments. 

Jeff Bradetich Jeff Bradetich - Doublebass
Double bass professor at the University of North Texas and can be heard on numerous award-winning recording labels.
Carter Brey Carter Brey - Cello
Principal Cellist of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra
Ann Marie Brink Ann Marie Brink - Viola

Associate principal viola of the Dallas Symphony since 1999, Ann Marie Brink is adjunct associate professor of viola at Southern Methodist University, adjunct professor of instrumental studies at the University of North Texas, and teaches at Wintergreen Summer Music Academy, Nellysford, Va.

Octavio Brunetti Octavio Brunetti - Piano
Best Solo Pianist and Best Duo in the New York’s International Tango Competition.
Andrés Cárdenes Andrés Cárdenes - Violin
Prize winner of Tchaikovsky International Violin Competition, A Cultural Ambassador for UNICEF and a worldwide recognized musical phenomenon.
Nicholas Canellakis Nicholas Canellakis - Cello

Hailed by The New Yorker as a “superb young soloist,” Nicholas Canellakis has become one of the most sought-after and innovative cellists of his generation, captivating audiences throughout the United States and abroad. In The New York Times his playing was praised as "impassioned ... the audience seduced by Mr. Canellakis's rich, alluring tone."

Jesús Castro-Balbi Jesús Castro-Balbi - Cello
Winner of First Prize at the First “Carlos Prieto” Latin American Cello Competition in Mexico; the Aldo Parisot Prize at Yale; and the Schwartz Foundation - Salon de Virtuosi Award in New York City.
David Chan David Chan - Violin
Concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and top prize winner of the Tchaikovsky International Competition at the age of 17.
Che-Yen Chen Che-Yen Chen - Viola
First prize winner of the 2003 William Primrose Viola Competition and “Yuri Bashmet prize” winner of the 2003 Lionel Tertis Viola Competition.
Chih-Yi Chen Chih-Yi Chen - Piano
Pianist Chih-Yi Chen´s versatile qualities as a soloist, chamber musician, and collaborative pianist have distinguished her as a rarity amongst pianists.
Jinjoo Cho Jinjoo Cho - Violin
2014 Gold Medalist of the International Violin Competition in Indianapolis
Mino Cinelu Mino Cinelu - Percussion

Legend is an understatement. Sit with master-of-all-trades Mino Cinélu in any café and more likely than not, a record will come on that he’s played on. Sting, Miles Davis, Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, Peter Gabriel, Stevie Wonder, Lou Reed, Marcus Miller, Bonnie Raitt, Elton John, Pat Metheny, Taylor Dane, Branford Marsalis, and Cassandra Wilson are just a tiny selection of the international pop and jazz stars that Mino has worked with since the 80’s.

Matt Clohsey Matt Clohsey - Doublebass
Matt Clohesy, Australian bassist left his hometown of Melbourne for the USA in 2001. Based in New York City, he has since gained much recognition as an acoustic and electric bassist worldwide.
Naida Cole Naida Cole - Piano
Pianist Naida Cole has been hailed as "a dazzling star" by Gramophone magazine. She has quickly established a reputation as an individual artist with her own unique voice.
Kimberly Cole-Luevano Kimberly Cole-Luevano - Clarinet

With reviews such as “breathtaking…” (The Clarinet), “virtuosic tone and technique” (Tampa Bay Times), “exceptionally sensitive and introspective rendition” (The Clarinet), and “a most skillful artist” (Fanfare Magazine), Kimberly Cole Luevano continually establishes herself as a formidable soloist and chamber musician. Luevano joined the University of North Texas faculty in 2011 and served as a member of the clarinet faculty at the Interlochen Arts Camp from 2003 to 2012.

Paul Coletti Paul Coletti - Viola
Winner of the Naumberg International Competition in New York and Professor of Viola at the Colburn Conservatory in Los Angeles.
Horacio Contreras Horacio Contreras - Cello
Venezuelan cellist Horacio Contreras has gained esteem through a multifaceted career as a concert cellist, chamber musician, pedagogue, and scholar. He has collaborated with prestigious institutions across the Americas and Europe as a concerto soloist, a recitalist, a chamber musician, and a master class clinician.
Jonathan Crow Jonathan Crow - Violin
Concertmaster of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Luques Curtis Luques Curtis - Contrebasse

Mr. Curtis has been performing worldwide with Eddie Palmieri, Brian Lynch, Ralph Peterson, Christian Scott, Sean Jones, Orrin Evans, Albert Rivera, and others. He is the recent recipient of the 2016 Down Beat Rising Star Bassist on the Critics Poll.

Luba Daneman Luba Daneman - Violin
Winner of the Chamber Music Competition at the Moscow Conservatory.
Héctor Del Curto Héctor Del Curto - Bandoneon
Received the Golden Note Award from the Italian – American Network in recognition of his artistic achievements as a Bandoneónist.
Susan Dubois Susan Dubois - Viola
Winner of the Tertis International Competition in England and Professor of Viola at the University of North Texas.
James Dunham James Dunham - Viola
Professor of Violin and Chamber Music at Rice University. Former Violist with the Cleveland Quartet.
Anthony Elliott Anthony Elliott - Cello
Anthony Elliott was the Grand Prize winner of the Emmanuel Feuermann Memorial International Cello Solo Competition in 1987...
Isang Enders Isang Enders - Cello
Isang Enders has quickly established himself as a dynamic artist in search of new-concepts and works for the violoncello...
Anne Epperson Anne Epperson - Piano
Distinguished performer, recording artist, teacher and clinician. Professor of Collaborative Piano at the University of Colorado at Boulder’s School of Music.
Norman Fischer Norman Fischer - Cello
Distinguished chamber music artist and professor of cello at Rice University
Leon Fleisher Leon Fleisher - Piano
Renowned as a pianist, conductor and teacher, now in his sixth decade before the public with the dynamic CD Two Hands.
Katherine Jacobson Fleisher Katherine Jacobson Fleisher - Piano
Katherine Jacobson Fleisher’s performing career as soloist, duo-pianist and chamber musician, has received international critical acclaim.
Grace Fong Grace Fong - Piano
Praised as a "true musical colourist with enormous style and taste," an artist of "rare eloquence and grace"
Aloysia Friedmann Aloysia Friedmann - Viola
Winner of the Artists International Competition; Founder and Artistic Director of the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival in the Pacific Northwest.
Simin Ganatra Simin Ganatra - Violin
Simin Ganatra is professor of violin and chair of the Strings Department at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. She is also first violinist of the Pacifica Quartet, the school's quartet-in-residence. Ganatra has won wide recognition for her performances throughout the United States and abroad.
Daphne Gerling Daphne Gerling - Viola
A multi-faceted career as a teacher, chamber musician, recitalist and solo performer.
Roland Glassl Roland Glassl - Viola
1st Prize Winner of the 1997 Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition in England and Violist in the Mandelring String Quartet in Germany
Kenneth Goldsmith Kenneth Goldsmith - Violin
Professor of Violin at Rice University and Violinist of the Mirecourt Trio. He has taught on the faculties of colleges and universities throughout the United States.
Yuval Gotlibovitch Yuval Gotlibovitch - Viola
First prizes in 2003 Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition (U.K) and the 2004 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition (U.S.A)
Zakarias Grafilo Zakarias Grafilo - Violin

Zakarias Grafilo joined the Alexander String Quartet in July 2002. Just prior to joining the ASQ, he served as Principal Second Violinist of the Pacific Symphony, and Concertmaster of the Stockton Symphony.

Clive Greensmith Clive Greensmith - Cello
First Prize Winner in the Sergio Lorenzi chamber music competition in Trieste, Italy, and First Prize Winner in the Caltanisetta Duo competition.
Augustin Hadelich Augustin Hadelich - Violin
Winner 2009 Avery Fisher Career Grant. Gold medal 2006 International Violin Competition of Indianapolis.
Jaymee Haefner Jaymee Haefner - Harp
Professor of Harp at the University of North Texas. Recent performances in Mexico, Moscow, and Prague.
Tong-Il Han Tong-Il Han - Piano

Tong-Il Han has performed with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, London Philharmonic, Halle Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic, Scottish National Orchestra, BBC Scottish Orchestra, London Mozart Players, Amsterdam Philharmonic, Rotterdam Philharmonic, Oslo Philharmonic, Monte Carlo Orchestra, Polish Radio National Orchestra, Budapest Radio Symphony Orchestra, and Russian National Symphony among others.

Lynn Harrell Lynn Harrell - Cello
A consummate soloist, chamber musician, recitalist, conductor, and teacher, his work throughout the world places him in the highest echelon of today’s performing artists.
Austin Hartman Austin Hartman - Violin
Austin Hartman is professor of practice in violin at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and a member of the Pacifica Quartet, the school’s quartet-in-residence.
Desmond Hoebig Desmond Hoebig - Cello
First prize winner of the Munich International Competition, CBC Talent Competition and Canadian Music Competition, and an award winner in Moscow’s Tchaikowsky Competition.
Toby Hoffman Toby Hoffman - Viola
The only two time winner of the Juilliard Viola Concerto Competition
Gary Hoffman Gary Hoffman - Cello
Internationally renowned as first North American to win the Rostropovich International Competition International Competition in Paris (1986)
Deborah Hoffman Deborah Hoffman - Harp
Winner of the 1981 American Harp Society Competition and the 1978 Seventh International Harp Competition in Israel.
Risa Hokamura Risa Hokamura - Violin
Japanese violinist Risa Hokamura whose playing was praised as “both powerful and reflective, sweet and steely” (Upstage, Indianapolis), first came to international attention upon winning First Prize in the 2018 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions at the age of seventeen, as well as the Tannery Pond Concerts Prize, The Ruth Laredo Memorial Prize, and The Ronald A. Asherson Prize, and the Silver Medal at the 2018 International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, where she performed Tchaikovsky Concerto with the Indianapolis Symphony conducted by Leonard Slatkin.
Mark Holloway Mark Holloway - Viola
Violist Mark Holloway is a chamber musician sought after in the United States and abroad. He is a member of the Pacifica Quartet, in residence at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University Bloomington, where he is on the faculty.
Gábor Homoki Gábor Homoki - Violin
Won the first prizes in 2005 and 2007 at the Ferenc Halász Violin Competition and at the Alíz Bárdos Violin Competition in Hungary.
Yi-Jia Susanne Hou Yi-Jia Susanne Hou - Violin
Gold Medalist, 3 International Violin Competitions: Concours Jacques Thibaud,1999; Lipizer,1999; Sarasate,1997.
Nai-Yuan Hu Nai-Yuan Hu - Violin
Gold Medallist of the 1985 Queen Elizabeth Competition in Brussels and highly distinguished concert and recording artist. Director of the Taiwan Connection Music Festival.
Sirena Huang Sirena Huang - Violin
Gold Medalist of 2022 International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, Sirena Huang was praised by The Baltimore Sun for her “impeccable technique…deeply expressive phrasing…and poetic weight," Sierena Huang is one of her generation’s most celebrated violinists. She brings not only technical brilliance and powerful artistry to the stage, but also a profound sense of connection to her audience.
Helen Huang Helen Huang - Piano
Winner of Avery Fisher Career Grant and Arthur Rubinstein Prize
Sung-Mi Im Sung-Mi Im - Piano
“Her touch, phrasing, and sense of balance were magic” Tuscan Citizen.
Jun Iwasaki Jun Iwasaki - Violin
First prize winner of Coleman Chamber Music Competition, Los Angeles
Yurie Iwasaki Yurie Iwasaki - Piano

Yurie Iwasaki has been acclaimed throughout the United States as a chamber musician and collaborative artist. She has performed with well-known artists including Julius Baker, Carol Wincenc, Yfrah Neaman, Emanuel Borok, Bion Tsang, Martin Beaver, and of course her husband Ko Iwasaki. Her performance with Yfrah Neaman was claimed in the Journal Star as “…accompanist, in fact, seems the wrong word, for she was, indeed, a fellow artist throughout, with a full ranging technique and an expressive power to match his own…”

She has been serving as staff accompanist at many national young artist competitions, masterclasses, and summer music festivals.

Ms. Iwasaki is a general manager and librarian for the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra and supporting for the program for many years.

Ko Iwasaki Ko Iwasaki - Cello
Winner of the Tchaikovsky International Competition in Moscow.
Stephanie Jeong Stephanie Jeong - Violin
Associate Concertmaster of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and recipient of the Best Paginini Concerto Prize of the Paganini Violin Competition in Italy.
Clara-Jumi Kang Clara-Jumi Kang - Violin
Winner of the 2010 Gold Medal at the 8th Quadrennial International Violin Competition of Indianapolis where she also won five additional special prizes.
Sarah Kapustin Sarah Kapustin - Violin
Prizewinner in many competitions and distinguished soloist and chamber musician and member of the Atlas Piano Trio.
Barnabás Kelemen Barnabás Kelemen - Violin
Barnabás Kelemen’s performances at the 2002 International Violin Competition of Indianapolis (IVCI) “radiated such charisma that one could almost forget that anyone else had come before.”
Nick Kendall Nick Kendall - Violin

Nick Kendall’s genre-bending trio, Time for Three, or TF3, creates new communities of audiences who otherwise might not participate in the performing arts. He has become a force for bringing people together through music, on stage and off. His work is based on the simple idea that the energy you exude greatly impacts the relationships that you build.

Alex Kerr Alex Kerr - Violin
Concertmaster of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and Professor of Violin at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.
Jeanne Kierman Jeanne Kierman - Piano
Jeanne Kierman Fischer specializes in contemporary American piano music and has presented solo recitals in Africa and North America. As a chamber musician, she appears regularly at festivals such as Tanglewood, Da Camera of Houston, Mohawk Trail concerts, Chamber Music Ann Arbor, Maverick concerts and Juneau Jazz and Classics. Formerly on the faculties of Dartmouth College and the Oberlin Conservatory, Ms. Kierman toured extensively under sponsorship by the New England Foundation for the Arts and the Vermont & Ohio Arts Councils.
Chloé Kiffer Chloé Kiffer - Violin

Violinist Chloé Kiffer, native of France, has received enthusiastic praise by The New York Times for her “pure and beautiful tone” and The Greenwich Sentinel for being “...a star in every sense: performance, exquisite technique and beauty” (April 2019). Kiffer feels as comfortable performing solo on the international stage as she does in intimate chamber settings. 

David Kim David Kim - Violin
Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra
Hyun Soo Kim Hyun Soo Kim - Piano
Collaborative Piano Faculty Member at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Kent State University
Eric Kim Eric Kim - Cello
Received the first William Schuman Prize awarded for outstanding leadership and achievement in music from Juilliard
Katalin Kokas Katalin Kokas - Viola
Gold Medallist of the Carl Flesch International Violin Competition and the Joseph Szigeti International Competition in Hungary.
Dóra Kokas Dóra Kokas - Cello
Winner of the First Prize at international cello-competitions: Várpalota–Hungary, Gorizia–Italy, Porec–Croatia, Zagreb–Croatia, and at the National Cello Competition in Szolnok.
Scott Lee Scott Lee - Viola
Winner of a Nathan Wedeen Management Award at the 1996 Concert Artists Guild Competition.
Yura Lee Yura Lee - Viola
Violinist/violist Yura Lee is one of the most versatile and compelling artists of today. She is one of the very few in the world that has mastery of both violin and viola, and she actively performs both instruments equally. Her career spans through various musical mediums: both as a soloist and as a chamber musician, captivating audiences with music from baroque to modern, and enjoying a career that spans more than two decades that takes her all over the world.
Philip Lewis Philip Lewis - Violin
Founder/Artistic Director of CMI; Professor of Violin, University of North Texas; Performs in festivals worldwide.
Jungshin Lim Lewis Jungshin Lim Lewis - Cello
Grand Prize Winner of the Dong-Ah International Competition in Korea and Principal Cellist with the Richardson Symphony Orchestra.
Frederick Lifsitz Frederick Lifsitz - Violin

Frederick Lifsitz studied violin in his native Boston with Marylou Churchill and at Indiana University with Paul Biss. As a member of the Alexander String Quartet he has performed throughout Europe and North America, appearing regularly at halls such as Amsterdam's Concertebouw and New York City's Lincoln Center.

Cho-Liang Lin Cho-Liang Lin - Violin
One of the finest virtuoso violinists in the world today.
Richard Lin Richard Lin - Violin

Taiwanese-American violinist Richard Lin is the newly crowned Gold Medalist of the 10th Quadrennial International Violin Competition of Indianapolis which took place in September of 2018. In addition to the Gold Medal, Richard captured three Special Prizes for his performances of Milstein’s Paganiniana in the Preliminaries, Kreisler’s Tambourin chinois in the Classical Finals and Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy in the Finals.

Meng-Chieh Liu Meng-Chieh Liu - Piano
Performs with major orchestras world-wide; Faculty member, Curtis Institute of Music
Jon Manasse Jon Manasse - Clarinet
Principal clarinetist of the American Ballet Theater Orchestra and one of the nation´s most highly sought-after wind players.
Brian Manker Brian Manker - Cello
Principal Cellist of the Montreal Symphony
Leslie Massenburg Leslie Massenburg - Bassoon
Leslie Massenburg began her musical studies with piano at the age of 5. She started playing the bassoon in 1995 and continued to Baylor University for her undergraduate degree in bassoon performance and piano pedagogy. She furthered her bassoon studies with a masters degree from Southern Methodist University and three years at the Aspen Summer Music Festival.
Allan Mednard Allan Mednard - Drums

Mr. Menard has performed around the globe with ensembles led by Jeremy Pelt, Ben Allison, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Aaron Parks, Alix Ambroise, Le Boeuf Brothers, and many more.

Stefan Milenkovich Stefan Milenkovich - Violin
Recognized internationally for both exceptional artistry and his life-long commitment to humanitarianism
Dave Moony Dave Moony - Guitar
Davy Mooney is an Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies and head of the jazz guitar program at the University of North Texas, where he teaches private guitar lessons and advanced jazz improvisation.
Michael Morrow Michael Morrow - French Horn
Second horn of the Dallas Opera and performs with the Dallas Wind Symphony.
Alexandre Moutouzkine Alexandre Moutouzkine - Piano
Winner of the Maria Canals International Piano Competition in Spain.
Taeguk Mun Taeguk Mun - Cello

Cellist Taeguk Mun, a prize winner of 2019 Tchaikovsky Competition was born in 1994 in South Korea, started studying the cello at the age of four with Young Rim Yang. He has been the first prize winner of various competitions, such as the Third Andre Navarra International Cello Competition and the International Competition for Young People in Oldenburg, Germany. He also won prizes at the Irving M. Klein International String Competition.

Ivan Mutuzkin Ivan Mutuzkin - Flute

A leading soloist and chamber musician, Mr. Mutuzkin has performed with major orchestras in Italy, Spain, Norway, and England as well as throughout his native Russia. In 2012, he made his debut appearance in the United States when he performed in NYC’s Lincoln Center in a flute quartet with members of the Metropolitan Opera. Maintaining an active performing and teaching career, Ivan is also the author of a book entitled "Experimental Flute in Twentieth Century Music" (based on examples of compositions for solo flute by foreign composers).  

Jon Nakamatsu Jon Nakamatsu - Piano
Grand Prize Winner of the 1997 Van Cliburn Piano Competition.
Paul Neubauer Paul Neubauer - Viola
First violist chosen to receive an Avery Fisher Career Grant
Clancy Newman Clancy Newman - Cello
First prize winner of the prestigious Walter W. Naumburg International Competition and recipient of an Avery Fisher Career Grant.
Hai-Ye Ni Hai-Ye Ni - Cello
Principal Cellist with the Philadelphia Orchestra
Ayano Ninomiya Ayano Ninomiya - Violin
Winner of the Naumburg International Violin Competition, the Tibor Varga International Competition, Astral Artists National Auditions, and the Young Performer’s Career Advancement Award (APAP).
Gail Niwa Gail Niwa - Piano
Gold Medalist at the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition
Eric Nowlin Eric Nowlin - Viola
Associate Principal Viola with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Felix Olschofka Felix Olschofka - Violin
Winner of two 1st prizes in the prestigious German Youth Music Competition, 2nd prize of the International Chamber Music Competition “Charles Hennen” in the Netherlands.
Eugene Osadchy Eugene Osadchy - Cello
Associate Professor of Cello at the University of North Texas; Performs in music festivals throughout the USA and Canada
Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt - Viola

Praised by Strad magazine as having "lyricism that stood out...a silky tone and beautiful, supple lines," violist Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt has established herself as one of the most sought-after violists of her generation. In addition to appearances as soloist with the Tokyo Philharmonic, the Jacksonville Symphony, and the Sphinx Chamber Orchestra, she has performed in recitals and chamber-music concerts throughout the United States, Latin America, and Europe, including an acclaimed 2011 debut recital at London’s Wigmore Hall, which was described in Strad as being "fleet and energetic...powerful and focused".   

George Papich George Papich - Viola
Director of Chamber Music at the University of North Texas and distinguished violist.
Jon Kimura Parker Jon Kimura Parker - Piano
Internationally acclaimed concert pianist and Professor of Piano at The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in Houston
Cynthia Phelps Cynthia Phelps - Viola
Cynthia Phelps has been principal violist with the New York Philharmonic since 1992. Her solo appearances with the orchestra have included performances on the 2006 Tour of Italy and the 1999 premiere of Sofia Gubaidulina’s Two Paths, which the Philharmonic commissioned for her and the orchestra's associate principal violist Rebecca Young. Other solo engagements have included the Minnesota Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, Hong Kong Philharmonic, and Orquesta Sinfónica de Bilbao.
Timothy Pitts Timothy Pitts - Doublebass
Internationally known double bassist and Professor of Double Bass at Rice University's Shepherd School of Music.
Juho Pohjonen Juho Pohjonen - Piano
Juho Pohjonen is regarded as one of today’s most exciting and unique instrumentalists. The Finnish pianist performs widely in Europe, Asia, and North America, collaborating with symphony orchestras and playing in recital and chamber settings.  An ardent exponent of Scandinavian music, Pohjonen’s growing discography offers a showcase of music by Finnish compatriots such as Esa-Pekka Salonen, Kaija Saariaho and Jean Sibelius.
Anna Polonsky Anna Polonsky - Piano
Member of the Chamber Music Society Two of Lincoln Center
Joshua Roman Joshua Roman - Cello
Dubbed a “Classical Rock Star”, Joshua Roman has earned a reputation for performing a wide range of repertoire with a commitment to communicating the essence of the music at its most organic level.
Gustavo Romero Gustavo Romero - Piano
Gold Medallist of the Clara Haskil International Piano Competition in Switzerland; Professor of Piano at the University of North Texas
Nathaniel Rosen Nathaniel Rosen - Cello
Gold Medallist of the Tchaikovsky International Competition in Moscow and highly distinguished concert and recording artist.
Paul Rosenthal Paul Rosenthal - Violin
Founder and Artistic Director of the Sitka Chamber Music Festival in Alaska, performs concerts and master classes worldwide.
Nikola Ruzevic Nikola Ruzevic - Cello
International performer and Professor of Cello, University of North Texas.
James Ryon James Ryon - Oboe

James Ryon has appeared as recitalist and soloist in the United States, South & Central America and the Middle East. He currently is Professor of Oboe at the University of North Texas College of Music and he serves as the Principal Oboist of the Baton Rouge Symphony. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in music from the Juilliard School and has received performance fellowships at the Aspen, Berkshire, Blossom, Kneisel Hall and New College Music Festivals. His principal teachers are Robert Bloom and John Mack.

Frederieke Saeijs Frederieke Saeijs - Violin
1st Grand Prize Marguerite Long-Jacques Thibaud International Violin Competition in Paris, France (2005).
William Scharnberg William Scharnberg - French Horn
Principal horn of the Dallas Opera Orchestra and has been on the faculty at the University of North Texas since 1983.
André-Michel Schub André-Michel Schub - Piano
Grand Prize Winner of the 1981 Van Cliburn Piano Competition and a distinguished recording artist
Amy Schwartz Moretti Amy Schwartz Moretti - Violin
The American violinist, Amy Schwartz Moretti, was born in Wisconsin, raised in North Carolina and California, and is the third generation of professional musicians in her family. ... Earlier studies were with Joanne Bath in North Carolina and Margaret Pardee of the Juilliard School during several summers at Meadowmount.
John Scott John Scott - Clarinet
Internationally-known Clarinetist; Professor of Music at the University of North Texas
James Scott James Scott - Flute
Flutist, distinguished soloist and Dean of the College of Music at the University of North Texas.
Philip Setzer Philip Setzer - Violin
Violinist Philip Setzer, a founding member of the Emerson String Quartet, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and began studying violin at the age of five with his parents, both former violinists in the Cleveland Orchestra. He continued his studies with Josef Gingold and Rafael Druian, and later at the Juilliard School with Oscar Shumsky. In 1967, Mr. Setzer won second prize at the Marjorie Merriweather Post Competition in Washington, DC, and in 1976 received a Bronze Medal at the Queen Elisabeth International Competition in Brussels. Currently serving as the Distinguished Professor of Violin and Chamber Music at SUNY Stony Brook and Visiting Faculty of the Cleveland Institute of Music, Mr. Setzer has given master classes at schools around the world, including The Curtis Institute, London's Royal Academy of Music, The San Francisco Conservatory, UCLA and The Mannes School.
Sophie Shao Sophie Shao - Cello

Cellist Sophie Shao, winner of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant and top prizes at the Rostropovich and Tchaikovsky competitions, is a versatile and passionate artist whose performances the New York Times has noted as “eloquent, powerful” and the Washington Post called “deeply satisfying.”

David Shifrin David Shifrin - Clarinet
One of only two wind players to receive the Avery Fisher Prize. Recipient of Solo Recitalists’ Fellowship from the National Endowment of the Arts.
Michael Shih Michael Shih - Violin
Violinist Michael Shih, currently Concertmaster of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, has performed throughout the United States, his native Taiwan, and the rest of the world.
Alexander Sitkovetsky Alexander Sitkovetsky - Violin
Violinist Alexander Sitkovetsky was born in Moscow into a family with a well-established musical tradition...
Sheryl Staples Sheryl Staples - Violin
Acting Concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic
The Zorá String Quartet The Zorá String Quartet - Various
Winner of Grand Prize and Gold Medal of the 2015 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, the 2015 Coleman National Chamber Music Competition in California, and the 2015 Young Concert Artists International Auditions, where they were also awarded the Sander Buchman Award.
Satoshi Takeishi Satoshi Takeishi - Percussion
A drummer, percussionist, and an arranger from Mito, Japan, moved to Colombia to learn more about the South American tango music after graduating from the Berklee School of Music
Marcus Thompson Marcus Thompson - Viola
Violist Marcus Thompson is serving his fifteenth season as Artistic Director of the Boston Chamber Music Society with a series of eight concerts at Sanders Theatre (Harvard University), Jordan Hall (Boston), and First Church, Cambridge, Massachusetts. He has appeared in chamber music series and festivals throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and as guest of the Audubon, Borromeo, Cleveland, Da Ponte Endellion, Parker and Vermeer String Quartets, and with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.
Scott Tixier Scott Tixier - Violin

One of his generation’s extraordinary talents, Scott Tixier has made a name for himself as a violinist-composer of wide ranging ambition, individuality and drive — “the future of jazz violin” in the words of Downbeat Magazine and “A remarkable improviser and a cunning jazz composer” in those of NPR.

Tony Tixier Tony Tixier - Piano
In 2013, Tony Tixier founded the chamber ensemble MooN Paradox for which he composed a Concertino for piano and string quintet in seven movements, mixing classical writing with jazz and contemporary music. In addition, he led intense concert activities in France and abroad.
Michael Tree Michael Tree - Viola
One of the most widely recorded musicians in America and founding member of the Guarneri String Quartet.
Bion Tsang Bion Tsang - Cello
Winner of an Avery Fisher grant and Bonze Medallist in the IX Tchaikovsky Competition.
Keng-Yuen Tseng Keng-Yuen Tseng - Violin
A native of Taiwan, Keng-Yuen Tseng began studying the violin at the age of five and made his performing debut at the age of seven.
Brandon Vamos Brandon Vamos - Cello
Brandon Vamos is professor of practice (cello) at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and a member of the Pacifica Quartet, the school's quartet-in-residence.
Ivo-Jan van der Werff Ivo-Jan van der Werff - Viola
Professor of Viola at Rice University and Violist with the Medici String Quartet for 24 years.
William VerMeulen William VerMeulen - French Horn
Hailed as "an impeccable solo horn" by the Berlin Neue Zeit, William VerMeulen leads his generation of American Horn Soloists.
Dmitri Vorobiev Dmitri Vorobiev - Piano
Dmitri Vorobiev first came to international attention after winning the Casagrande International Piano Competition in Italy in 1994...
Andrew Wan Andrew Wan - Violin
Concertmaster of the Montreal Symphony
Orion Weiss Orion Weiss - Piano
Julliard graduate and recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant Award
Sandy Wilson Sandy Wilson - Cello

A native of Northumberland, England, Sandy Wilson completed his graduate studies at the Royal Danish Conservatory in Copenhagen as a recipient of two Danish Government Scholarships and the Sophus Berendsen Award.

Katie Wolber Katie Wolber - French Horn

Katie is currently Principal Horn of both The Dallas Opera and the Dallas Chamber Symphony, and she also frequently plays as a substitute or extra horn with the Dallas Symphony and Fort Worth Symphony. Prior to becoming Principal Horn for the opera, she was Third Horn from 2014-2017.

Qian Wu Qian Wu - Piano
Selected as the classical music bright young star for 2007 by the Independent Newspaper, Wu Qian was born in Shanghai, where she received her early training before being invited to study at the Yehudi Menuhin School...
Min Xiao-Fen Min Xiao-Fen - Pipa

Few artists have done more to both honor and reinvent the 2000-year history of the pipa than renowned soloist, vocalist and composer Min Xiao-Fen. An in-demand interpreter of traditional music before relocating to the United States, Min has forged a new path for her instrument in modern jazz, free improvisation, and contemporary classical music. The Village Voice lauded her as an artist who “has taken her ancient Chinese string instrument into the future.”

Joyce Yang Joyce Yang - Piano
Silver medalist at the 2005 Twelfth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.
Paul Yarbrough Paul Yarbrough - Viola

Paul Yarbrough, violist, is a native of Clearwater, Florida, and a founding member of the Alexander String Quartet. Mr. Yarbrough's teachers have included Elaine Lee Richey, Lillian Fuchs, Raymond Page, and Sally Peck.

John Bruce Yeh John Bruce Yeh - Clarinet
A prizewinner at both the 1982 Munich International Music Competition and the 1985 Naumburg Clarinet Competition in New York
Phillip Ying Phillip Ying - Viola
Recipient of the Naumburg Award for Chamber Music, has won a Grammy for a collaborative recording with the Turtle Island String Quartet, and has been nominated three additional times, most recently for a collaborative album with pianist, Billy Childs.
Glenn Zaleski Glenn Zaleski - Piano

Glenn Zaleski is one of the most in-demand pianists on the New York City jazz scene. Originally from Boylston, MA, he has made a name for himself playing with the likes of Ravi Coltrane, Lage Lund, and Ari Hoenig. Glenn Zaleski has quickly become one of the most important pianists of his generation.

Carmit Zori Carmit Zori - Violin
Gold Medallist of the Naumberg and Leventritt International Competitions.
Zhang Zuo Zhang Zuo - Piano
Winner of the coveted Petschek Piano Award at The Juilliard School. She was awarded first prizes at China's 1st International Piano Concerto Competition, the Gina Bachauer International Artists Piano Competition in America, and the Krainev International Piano Competition in Ukraine; she was also a prizewinner at the 2013 Queen Elizabeth Competition.