YSC Finalist Annie Rhew

Senior Division Finalist, Cello, 15

Cello Concerto in E Minor, Mvt. 4

E. Elgar

Annie Rhew is a ninth grader at Westview High School. Annie began playing cello at age 8 with Teacher Hyun-Jin Kim. After just one and half year of learning, she won first place in the Oregon Cello Society’s Scholarship Competition in the junior division and was named the "Student with the Most Potential".

In this school year, Annie became the Young Artist Winner with the Jewish Community Orchestra and have performed her solo piece at their Showcase Concert. In addition, she was the principal cellist with the OMEA All-State Honors Orchestra, accepted into the All-Northwest NAfME Orchestra, and was the first place winner of the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition. Previously, Annie won first place in the Prodigy International Music Competition, Gold Award in the Trinity International Competition, first prize in the New York Laureate International Competition, second place in the OPUS Competition and third place in the NFMC Mary Cox Award, where she earned $1000 in scholarship. She has was a finalist in the Oregon ASTA Competition and played in the Honors Recital.

Annie had the honor of participating in master classes with Amit Peled, Natasha Brofsky, Steve Doane, Rosemary Elliot, Hannah Roberts, Astrid Schween, Zachary Preucil, and Jeffrey Butler. She attended music camps with the Vivace Music Foundation and the International Cello Institute.

Annie is in her sixth year with the Portland Youth Philharmonic and is in the top Philharmonic Orchestra. Besides cello, Annie's interests include fine art, jazz music, reading, taekwondo, and Pokémon.

If you could only eat one dessert for the rest of your life, what would it be? It would probably be 붕어빵 (Bungeoppang), a fish-shaped bread filled with sweet red beans. The reason being that the red bean isn’t too sweet, and the shape itself is so fun to eat. There is even a little character analysis based on what part of the bread you eat first: head, tail, stomach, etc.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Telekinesis because it is such a convenient superpower. I won’t have to carry anything and I won't even have to walk. I would even be able to carry my cello case without my shoulders or arms hurting. 

If you were stranded on a deserted island, which composer or piece of music would you bring? Probably Mozart’s Lacrimosa because the tone of the music is exactly how I would feel if I were stranded on a deserted island. Hopefully I’ll be able to survive.

What is one cool feature you would like to have in your dream house? I would say a refrigerator with lots and lots of fruit. I really like fruit, especially tropical ones. It doesn’t matter to me what size of a home I have, as long as I have this appliance.

What’s your favorite family tradition? Every couple of years, my family visits Hawaii. I really love this tradition because I love the culture there, and I love that the fruit always tastes better. The US mainland's fruit just doesn’t cut it for me.

What is your favorite musical memory? My favorite musical memory would have to be when I did my first good recording of my Elgar Concerto in E Minor 4th movement. I really loved the sensation of my arms becoming sore and being all sweaty because, in the end, it was really rewarding.

YSC Finalist Morgan Tran

Junior Division Finalist, Flute, 13

Flute Concerto No. 1 in G Major, Mvt. 1

W.A. Mozart

Morgan Tran is an 8th grade student at Valley Catholic Middle School in Oregon. She is a longtime student of flute teacher Beckie Hocker, who started Morgan on the fife and recorder at age five. Morgan quickly graduated to flute by second grade and has been performing flute in her school orchestra ever since. She especially cherishes the years she spent as a student of the late Travis Hatton, who was the former Valley Catholic orchestra teacher and Beaverton Symphony conductor. Currently, Morgan is enjoying her third season with Portland Youth Wind Ensemble under the direction of conductor Giancarlo Castro D’Addona. She is also a member of the Valley Catholic Flutissimos, a flute choir that often performs at nursing homes, festivals, and other community venues. When not practicing flute, Morgan strives to improve her piccolo and alto flute skills, performs with the school pep band at school sports events, plays flute/harp duets with her sister, and spends time with her family. She also enjoys track and field, pickleball, reading graphic novels, learning Mandarin, chatting with friends, listening to music, and brewing milk tea. 

If you could only eat one dessert for the rest of your life, what would it be? Boba tea (milk tea with tapioca).

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Perfect pitch.

What is your favorite musical memory? Performing a harp flute duet of “You Raised Me Up” with my sister at our school memorial service one week after the passing of our beloved orchestra teacher and conductor, Travis Hatton, who passed away suddenly in October 2022. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? I must take care of myself first before I can help others around me. 

If you could have an extra hour of free time every day, how would you use it? Catch up on my sleep!

YSC Finalist Emily Seo

Senior Division Finalist, Cello, 14

Cello Concerto in B-Flat Major, Mvt. 1

L. Boccherini

Emily Seo, Cello, 14, is an eighth grader at Tumwater middle school. She started cello at the age of five. She currently studies with Professor Hamilton Cheifetz at Portland State University. She has been a member of the Portland Youth Philharmonic for six seasons. Emily was selected as a finalist for 2023 Young artist debut by MetroArts. She was selected to play for the Prelude concert at the 2022 Chamber Music Northwest Summer festival and 2022 Oregon ASTA Honors Recital. She has been chosen as a finalist for OR-ASTA Solo Competition 2022. Emily won a first prize in Oregon for the 2022 OPUS Music Competition and an honorable mention in the 2022 Oregon MTNA Junior Strings Competition. She has performed in masterclasses for cellists including Norman Fischer, Peter Prosser, Dennis Parker. Emily was one of only three students in the Portland area chosen to participate in a masterclass with Johannes Moser in 2022. Besides cello, she enjoys playing tennis.

If you could only eat one dessert for the rest of your life, what would it be? I would eat strawberry shortcake for the rest of my life. 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? A superpower I would like to have is to teleport. I don’t like planes, but I do love traveling, so it would be very efficient to get there in a split second. 

What is your most used emoji? My most used emoji is the one with the stars on the eyes-

If you could donate a million dollars to any charity, which one would you choose? I would donate a million dollars to the Red Cross.

Who is your favorite musician? My favorite musician is Alisa Weilerstein.

YSC Finalist Noah Carr

Senior Division Finalist, Violin, 16

Violin Concerto No. 3 in G Major, Mvt. 1

W.A. Mozart

Noah Carr is a high school Junior from Portland, Oregon. He performs with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony (MYS) and the MYSfits Ensemble. Noah currently studies violin with Tomas Cotik, Professor of Violin at Portland State University.

In 2022, Noah was selected as a Semi-Finalist in the 26th Annual Sphinx Competition. Over the course of the same year, Noah won first place in MYS’ Concerto Competition and first place in the Senior Division of the Oregon ASTA competition. He was also selected as a 2022 Young Artist Ambassador for the All Classical Portland radio station. Noah attended the Juilliard and Curtis sessions of the Sphinx Performance Academy during the summers of 2018-2021, and spent the summer of 2022 at the Meadowmount School of Music. He has participated in masterclasses with violinists including Jennifer Koh, Espen Lilleslåtten, Simone Lamsma, Rachel Barton Pine, and Areta Zhulla.

A passionate supporter of diversity and inclusion in classical music, Noah wrote two spoken word and musical programs in 2018 and 2020 documenting his experiences as a classical musician of color. After he graduates from high school, he plans to attend a music conservatory and pursue violin professionally. 

Noah performs on an instrument made in 1900 by Paul Bailly, generously loaned to him by the Virtu Foundation. 

If I could have any super power, I would like to be able to teleport. That would make traveling so much easier, financially and physically. And I'd never be late.

If I could eat only one desert for the rest of my life, it would be pie. It's generic enough that there's a lot of different flavor options, so I don't think I'd get tired of it.

If I was stranded on a desert island, I would bring everything written by Bach. He's one of my favorite composers, and even now I don't get tired of playing and performing music of his I've been playing for years.

My favorite classical musician is Augustine Hadelich. His playing is so incredibly relaxed, and his sound is just beautiful.

In my dream house, I would have a soundproof performance hall with perfect acoustics I could practice in every day.

YSC Finalist Emily Rhew

Junior Division Finalist, Violin, 12

Violin Concerto No. 3 in G Major, Mvt. 1

W.A. Mozart

Emily Rhew is in 7th grade at Stoller Middle School in NW Portland. Emily began playing violin at age 7 and is studying with teacher Hae-Jin Kim. Her accomplishments include winning second place in the Great Composers Competition Music of the 19th Century in 2022 and first place in the OMTA Jeanette-Briggs Scholarship Competition in the elementary division in 2021. She has had the opportunity to play in a masterclass with Benjamin Bielman through Chamber Music Northwest in 2022 and the Calder Quartet through High Desert Chamber Music in 2020. Emily was also an outstanding achievement winner in many OMTA Festivals for piano.

Emily was in the Portland Youth Philharmonic for four year. She was the second violin assistant principal for the Young Strings Ensemble.

In addition to violin, Emily’s interests include taekwondo, piano, drawing, and baking. She loves to spend time with her family, friends, and her pet bunny, Lili Bean.

What is your favorite musical memory? My favorite musical memory is winning first place in the Jeannette Scott Briggs Scholarship Competition in the elementary division because it was my first win and it gave me much needed confidence as a young musician.

Who is your favorite musician? Ludwig Van Beenthoven: I like the soft and dramatic changes in his pieces. My favorite piece from Beethoven is the Symphony No. 5 in C Minor.

What is your favorite place to visit? Hawaii: I love everything about Hawaii. The teachers, touristy spots, lamas, food, and shaved ice. My favorite place in Hawaii is the Waikiki Beach.

What is the strangest habit you have? I like to try different, yet strange, food combinations. My latest experiment was dipping bread in ramen broth.

If you could travel back in time, what year would you most like to visit? 2010 because I want to see myself as a baby. I want to see if she was as cute as my parents describe and also spend time observing her.

YSC Finalist Nicolas Oncken

Senior Division Finalist, Violin, 18

Violin Concerto in E Minor, Mvt. 1

F. Mendelssohn

Nicolas Oncken is 16 and has studied violin since the age of 4. His violin teacher is Dr. Kara  Eubanks. He studies music theory with Prof. Drew Nobile. Nicolas won the 2nd prize at the  Central Oregon Symphony Young Artists Competition in December 2019 and performed as a  soloist with this orchestra in February 2020. 

Nicolas has been a member of the Armer String Quartet, the Central Oregon Youth Orchestra,  and has attended many Suzuki Institutes over the years. He has attended Point Counterpoint  Chamber Music Program in 2019 and 2020. During the last two summers, Nicolas received  individual and studio instruction with Kikuei Ikeda at Meadowmount School of Music (2022),  and with Rictor Noren at Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival (2021). 

Nicolas has been featured in masterclasses with Alexi Kenney, Rictor Noren, Mathias Tacke,  Heiichiro Ohyama, Martin Chalifour, Michelle Kim, and Jonathan Ong. He is a member of the  Spotlight Chamber Players of the High Desert Chamber Music Program under the mentorship of Isabelle Senger. Every year since 2019, he has been a scholarship award recipient of the Sunriver  Music Festival YAS Program. 

Nicolas lives with his family in Sisters, OR and attends Cascades Academy. He loves math,  reading, hiking, and conducting engineering projects. He plays with a violin made in 2009 by  Oregon acclaimed violin maker David Gusset and modeled after the 1737 “ex-Joachim”  Guiseppe Guarneri del Gesú violin. 

If you could only eat one dessert for the rest of your life, what would it be? Chocolate

What is your favorite musical memory? Playing the Bruch Violin Concerto with the Central Oregon Symphony as a soloist in February 2020.

Where is the most wonderful place you’ve ever been? New Zealand

What is your least favorite school subject? My least favorite subject is biology.

Describe your favorite outfit. My favorite outfit is a t-shirt and cargo pants.

An update on former YSC winner Ian Song

The Oregon Mozart Players team followed up with 2020 OMP Young Soloist Competition Senior Division winner Ian Song to find out what he’s been up to since his win and if he had any advice for this year’s finalists.

How does music inspire you?

Music has been a constant motivator ever since I was four years old when my parents handed me a violin. Their goals were to enrich my emotions and develop my brain. I think that goal has been achieved to some extent. Music has been a powerful neurological tool that helps me refresh my mindset; indulging in music uplifts the spirit. Truly, music is inspiring as the universal language of emotion.

What are you currently up to (college applications, other competitions, performance endeavors, etc.)?

As a high school senior, I am swamped with college planning and applications. I have long agonized over selecting a college major. Music will remain an essential part of whatever path I choose. At the very least, I will be involved in a collegiate orchestra. My participation in music competitions has been on pause after I won this year's soloist competition held by the National Symphony Orchestra's Summer Music Institute. As an extracurricular activity, I have been heavily involved in community services since I founded a nonprofit organization last year, called toRhapsody (www.toRhapsody.org/media). Run by student musicians, toRhapsody aims to empower through benefit and fundraising performances for those in need, including seniors and hospital patients.

What role does music play in your life?

Music has engrained personal values and broadened my perspective on life. I often touch my "violin hickey,'' an inflamed patch on the neck that is formed over time by the pinching of the violin between the jawbone and the collarbone. The mark symbolizes perseverance and determination, as well as unadulterated love for the violin, my fellow violinists, musicians, and all people. I know that my hickey will grow larger in the future.

How has winning this competition impacted you?

I am an introvert; more often than not, I feel timid and awkward in public. Winning the OMP Young Soloist Competition was a major confidence booster and a performance enhancer. More than that, the memories I've gained through this competition will remain with me for a lifetime: the feeling when the endless hours of intense practice are finally showcased on stage, the unconditional support from Conductor Kuo and OMP, the cheering of the audience, etc.

What advice do you have for those thinking about entering this year's competition?

I have participated in quite a few young artist competitions and experienced the rollercoaster of emotional and physical conditions throughout the process of preparation and competition. Sometimes, I become resentful of why I should perfect a piece of music with such accuracy and intricacy. Whenever these thoughts kick in, I try to think about the similar struggles my fellow musicians are experiencing. We are all working together to raise the standards of performance, to improve the universal language of emotion. You are probably eager to learn from others. In return, have the courage to be yourself and contribute your own interpretation!

Ian Song, violin | Senior Division | First Place
Sibelius: Violin Concerto in D Minor, Op. 47, I. Allegro moderato

Young Soloist Competition finals on January 30

On January 30, 11 finalists of Oregon Mozart Players' 2022 Young Soloist Competition will take the stage to compete for cash prizes and the chance to perform as a soloist with the ensemble in April. The young musicians, ranging from 12-16 years old, will perform their musical selections live with piano accompaniment.  First and second place winners will be chosen from both the junior and senior divisions with the first place winners earning the opportunity to appear with OMP later this season.  Join us at 2:00pm on Sunday, January 30, at Beall Hall (961 E. 18th Ave., Eugene) to witness the next generation of Oregon musicians.

Audience admission is free, but advance ticket reservations are required to attend.

JUNIOR division

Jason Han, 12

Instrument: Cello

Performing: Franz Joseph Haydn, Cello Concerto No. 1 in C Major

Jason Han is a 12-year-old cellist from Corvallis, Oregon. He has been playing the cello and piano for six years. Jason began Cello lessons at the age of six and currently studies with Ms. Marilyn de Oliveira. He has won and performed several piano festivals at the Oregon Music Teachers Association. Jason currently serves as the Principal of the Junior Honor Symphony in Corvallis.

What do you do when you're not practicing?
I listen to Mischa Maisky and Yo-Yo Ma.

What is your favorite place to visit?
I love to visit Korea and interact with my friends and cousins.

If you were stranded on a desert island, which composer or piece of music would you bring?
Camille Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33

What is one thing we would never guess about you?
I am bilingual in Korean and English.

Where would someone most likely find you on a rainy Sunday afternoon?
Probably playing cello or playing video games

Kate Seojeong Huh, 13

Instrument: Clarinet
Performing: Carl Maria von Weber, Concertino in E-flat Major

Hello! My name is Seojeong Huh, but Kate for short. I am 13 years old and have played the clarinet for four years. Some things that I enjoy doing in my free time are drawing and listening to music. I first started to play the clarinet in 4th grade, when my mom suggested I try playing an instrument because it would be a good experience for me. At first, I remember I used to have a hard time playing the clarinet, and it was very hard for me to understand the music. But after practicing for over a year, I’ve realized that playing an instrument really has benefited my life, and has improved multiple skills that I would never be able to find if I didn’t play the clarinet. I’m very grateful for being able to play in this competition, and I will make sure I will give you the best performance in my capability! 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? 
To breathe underwater, I’m a swimmer so I think that breathing underwater would be a very useful skill in my life. 

What is your favorite place to visit?
I like to visit the Bethany Library because I enjoy reading comics there. 

Where would someone most likely find you on a rainy Sunday afternoon? 
When it's rainy, I like to go to bed and listen to the sounds of raindrops. 

What is your least favorite school subject?
Science! Although it is a very important subject in school, I have a hard time understanding and rememorizing all the facts. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? 
“You can’t buy euphoria”

Kristen Kim, 12

Instrument: Cello
Performing: Camille Saint-Saëns, Cello Concerto in A minor, Mvt. 3

Kristen Kim is a 12-year-old cellist in Portland, Oregon. She started playing cello at age of six, and currently studying with Hyun-Jin Kim. Kristen was the winner in the 2021 Oregon MTNA Junior String Competition, 2nd prize in the 2020 Enkor international strings competition, and first prize in Rising Star of the 2020 Canadian International Music Competition. She was also selected to be part of masterclasses with the Calder Quartet and Ilmari Hopkins. She has also had the opportunity to perform in ASTA Honors Recital in 2020 and 2021. Kristen enjoys experiences as part of the Portland Youth Philharmonic and the Appassionato Chamber Ensemble. Outside of her musical life, she loves to read, paint, and travel with her family.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I would have the superpower to heal or cure anyone, so that I could cure people who have Covid.

What is your favorite place to visit?
My favorite place to visit is South Korea because there are many good places to eat there.

What is your least favorite school subject?
My least favorite school subject is math, because it is boring and hard.

Describe your favorite outfit.
Anything that is comfortable.

If you could have an extra hour of free time every day, how would you use it?
I would read for half the time, and sleep for the other half.

Shuhan Li, 13

Instrument: Piano
Performing: Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major Op. 15, Mvt. 1

Shuhan Li is a thirteen-year-old pianist from Eugene, Oregon. She has been playing piano for more than eight years and has a passion for music. She has won many piano competitions, including Silver Medal in the 2019 Seattle International Piano Virtuoso Festival, Gold Medal in the 2018 Seattle International Piano Classical Viennese Festival, Gold Medal in the 2017 Seattle International Piano Bach Festival, and several gold awards from Oregon Music Teachers Association festivals. Shuhan has participated in a masterclass with Dr. Oksana Ezhokina during the 2019 OMTA State Conference and a Portland Piano International master class with Xiaohui Yang in 2018. Her piano teacher is Eunhye Grace Choi and previously Monica Ohuchi Bunch.

When she’s not practicing piano, Shuhan enjoys listening to music. She has always had a passion for all forms of art, whether it may be the performance arts or the standard little doodles on notebook paper. She could also be reading, learning the languages on her bucket list (German, Spanish, Korean, French, Russian, or American Sign Language), or doing research on businesses. Shuhan is very passionate about debate and currently is debating in Varsity Debate for Middle School.

If you could only eat one dessert for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Ice cream. It’s honestly the only dessert I do eat. Any other dessert is too sweet for my liking (I do not have a sweet tooth). I suppose I won’t be too affected by it.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Telekinesis for sure. You can do almost anything with telekinesis, especially if you get skilled enough at it. You could fly, you could create things out of thin air, and you could control what other people do, amongst many other capabilities. My favorite one is I can carry things around without actually carrying things. That would make going through school a lot easier. And with telekinesis, I could be multitasking easily.

What famous person would you most like to have dinner with?
Any Marvel actor, especially Sebastian Stan or Elizabeth Olsen. They just seem like such nice and genuine people. I’d also love to have dinner with any pianist for practicing tips and just suggestions and motivation!

What is your spirit animal?
My spirit animal is the elephant, which also happens to be my favorite animal. They’re very sweet. I met one once when I was three years old, but sadly, he passed away in 2020.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
This piece of advice wasn’t given straight to my face, but it would be a quote from Ken Poirot. “Today is the opportunity to build the tomorrow you want.” It inspires me to try my best each day to have the best tomorrow.

What’s your favorite family tradition?
I love that on Chinese New Year we always eat fresh dumplings and call all our relatives while watching the Spring Gala on TV. It’s very fun to celebrate the Lunar New Year with my entire family while doing something we all enjoy!

Andy Shin, 12

Instrument: Cello
Performing: Franz Joseph Haydn, Cello Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Mvt. 1

Andy Shin is a seventh-grader at BASE (The Beaverton Academy of Science and Engineering). He started cello at age nine and has been playing for almost three years. Previously, he has been a member at MYS (Metropolitan Youth Symphony), and is currently playing in the Portland Youth Conservatory Orchestra. Andy has participated in a number of festivals such as the Festival of Ribbons and the OMTA Baroque Festival. He has also been a participant in a masterclass with Peter Prosser at Mannes School of Music in New York City. Currently, he is studying with Maria Shim. Outside of music, Andy likes engineering and has won the Lego Robotics FLL (First Lego League) Project Competition in 2019-2020. He loves to cook, bake, and hang out with friends.

If you could only eat one dessert for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Macaron

What’s on your bucket list?
Traveling to Alaska

Who is your favorite musician?
Pablo Casals

What is your favorite place to visit?
Korea

Where is the most wonderful place you’ve ever been?
Banff in Canada

What is your most used emoji?
Smiley face

Complete the sentence “I wish everyone could…”
Enjoy Music

If you could have an extra hour of free time every day, how would you use it?
Bake a cake

SENIOR CATEGORY

Joseph Baik, 16

Instrument: Clarinet
Performing: Carl Maria Von Weber, Clarinet Concerto in F minor, Op.73, Mvt. 1

 Joseph Baik is a sophomore currently attending Sunset Highschool in Beaverton, Oregon. He has been playing clarinet since the 4th grade and since then has won the MTNA Junior Woodwind State Competition in years 2018-19 as well as becoming alternate winner for the regional competition in 2019. As a freshman in 2020, he won his first MTNA Senior State Woodwind Competition. In 2021, he won first prize in the 2021 Bellagrande International and in 2022, has won the first prize for Golden Classical Music Competition as well as a Platinum award in the Canadian International Competition. Besides clarinet, he is also passionate about competitive swimming and enjoys being part of the varsity swim team at Sunset High School. 

What is your least favorite school subject?
Math, although its a subject I excel in, I feel like it still makes no sense at all 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
When you feel shy, act like you are talking through your forehead. It helps make sure you aren’t mumbling 

If you could have an extra hour of free time every day, how would you use it?
I would sleep in so I can feel better in school and hopefully grow taller 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
To freeze time so I could have more time to do everyday things 

What is your most used emoji?
The smile emoji. It can come with so many different meanings.

Derek Choi, 15

Instrument: Violin
Performing: Samuel Barber, Violin Concerto Mvt. 1

Derek is a sophomore at the Catlin Gabel School and has been playing violin since he was eight.  In 2018, he was a winner of the OMTA Trula Whelan Concerto Competition and a finalist of the Oregon Mozart Players Young Soloist competition and the Oregon Asta Solo Competition. In 2021, he was a First Prize Winner of the American Protégé Music Talent Competition and the Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition. He was a finalist of the 27th MetroArts Young Artists Debut, a Third Prize winner of the International Grand Music Competition, an Honorable Mention of the MTNA Senior Division State Competition, and a performer in the Oregon ASTA Honors Recital. He was awarded scholarships by the Monday Musical Club of Portland and the OMTA Jeanette Scott Briggs High School Strings Scholarship and performed in masterclasses with the Mivos Quartet in 2019 and with Juliette Kang of the Philadelphia Orchestra in 2021.

Derek has been a member of the Portland Youth Philharmonic for six seasons. He was selected to play in the 2021 and 2022 OMEA All-State Symphony Orchestra, the 2021 Philadelphia International Music Festival Senior Orchestra, and the 2022 Honors Performance Series String Orchestra at the Carnegie Hall. He has played in the Chamber Music Camp of Portland at the University of Portland, the Portland Summer Ensembles at Marylhurst University, and the Haystack Chamber Music Camp at Portland State University. Derek also volunteers at Project Prelude, a nonprofit organization teaching music to elementary schoolers.

Ellie Kim, 15

Instrument: Violin
Performing: Camille Saint Saëns, Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso

Ellie Kim is a 15-year-old violinist from Portland, Oregon. She started playing violin at the age of five and is currently studying with Carol Sindell. In 2017, 2018, and 2019 she has performed as a part of the ASTA Honor Recital, and participated in a masterclass with Yolanda Bruno in 2020. As for competitions, she has won first prize in Young Artist of the 2020 Canadian International Music Competition, and second prize in the 2020 American Protege Strings Competition. In 2021, she was awarded one of two $1,500 prizes awarded by Monday Musical Club for the 2nd highest score among instrumentalists and was also awarded the OMTA Instrumental Scholarship. She has studied with Klaudia Szlachta, Miguel Pérez-Espejo Cárdenas, and Hsin-Lin Tsai at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute during the summer of 2021, participating in the Violin Workshop and Young Artist Orchestra. Ellie is also a participant of the Portland Youth Philharmonic. She loves expressing herself through music, and enjoys exploring varieties of styles as she learns to become a more artistic musician.

What famous person would you most like to have dinner with?
Michelle Obama

What’s on your bucket list?
Dinner with Michelle Obama

What is your most used emoji?
Heart-faced emoji

Describe your favorite outfit.
A black leather shirt jacket, black knit tank top, wide leg jeans, Nike high tops, and layered necklaces.

Complete the sentence “I wish everyone could...”
Be nice

Kaellan Lee, 15

Instrument: Cello
Performing: Franz Joseph Haydn, Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major, Mvt. 1

Kaellan Lee is currently a junior at South Eugene High School in Eugene, Oregon. He started playing the cello at age 5 with Community Music Institute at the University of Oregon, and for the past 10 years, with Ms. Eun-Ju Lee in Eugene. He is a Co-Principal in the Youth Symphony of Eugene-Springfield Youth Orchestra (ESYO). He attended the String Quartet Academy of Delgani String Quartet for two summers and virtual master class with Dr. Steven Pologe during the Flight Path of the UO SAIL program in 2020. Kaellan volunteered at the Cascade Manor retirement home and performed at community events with fellow volunteer musicians of the Ambassador Musician Program (AMP) of ESYO. Kaellan enjoys playing the guitar, playing tennis, cooking ramens, and hanging out with friends playing video games.

If you could only eat one dessert for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I could only eat one dessert for the rest of my life, I would want to eat cookies-and-cream-flavored ice cream cake because I really like cookies-and-cream-flavored ice cream. I have a memory of eating ice cream cake at a friend’s birthday party when I was a second grader, and that was the first time I ever had one. It has been my favorite dessert ever since.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
My superpower would be ability to create things out of thin air in moment when it is necessary. I could use my superpower to help people that have certain needs such as clothes when it is cold out there, cars for people who need to go to work, and homes when a family need a place to stay.

What is your least favorite school subject?
My least favorite school subject is probably Health. The curriculum doesn’t have a whole lot of material that it covers, so I have learned the same things in the Health classes I have taken.

Complete the sentence “I wish everyone could…”
I wish everyone could have a long, healthy, and peaceful life without COVID.

What’s your favorite family tradition?
My favorite family tradition is eating rice cake soup on New Year’s Day.

Sarah Lee, 15

Instrument: Cello
Performing: Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Pezzo Capriccioso

Sarah Lee, age 15, is a freshman at Westview High School. She began playing cello at the age of 8 and currently studies cello with Hyun-Jin Kim. Sarah joined the Portland Youth Philharmonic Association since 2017 where she currently is a member of Portland Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. She is also a member of the Chamber Ensemble APPASSIONATO led by Lyndon Lawless. As an active soloist, she got first prize at Best Bach Performance and the Music of Europe of Great Composers Competition 2021 and won the Platinum Absolute Prize at the Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition 2021. Besides those, she has participated in and won numerous music competitions such as the Glory International Music Competition, American Protégé International Piano and String Competition, Enkor International Music Competition, and the Bellagrande International Music Competition. Also, she has received an Honorable Mention in Junior Division at Eugene Symphony Guild Young Artist Competition 2021 and was selected to play for the 2021 Oregon ASTA Honors Recital. She has participated in several music camps such as the Philadelphia International Music Camp Festival, studying with Hai Ye-Ni, the Chamber Music Camp of Portland, International Cello Institute Camp and the Vivace Music Festival. Sarah has also participated in masterclasses taught by Diane Chaplin, Priscilla Lee, Hannah Roberts, Bonnie Thron, Steven Doane, Rosemary Elliott, and Antonio Meneses. Besides playing cello, Sarah enjoys playing piano, soccer, skiing, reading, and hanging out with her friends.

If you could only eat one dessert for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Ice cream

What’s on your bucket list?
Travel Europe

Who is your favorite musician?
Antonio Meneses

If you could have any superpower what would it be?
Teleportation, as there would be more opportunities to go to places that I want to go to.

What’s your favorite family tradition?
Decorating the house for Christmas, and watching the Nutcracker.

Loni yin, 16

Instrument: Cello

Performing: Joseph Popper, Hungarian Rhapsody No. 68

Loni Yin has been playing cello for a little over five years. Since the beginning, she has been in multiple ensembles, including the Portland Youth Philharmonic, PYP's Camerata, and the Metropolitan Youth Symphony. She has also played in many chamber groups, including one where she won 2nd in the OMTA Ensemble Festival, and another, where her group received top marks in the LCRMEA Solo & Ensemble festival, with both a quartet and a violin/piano trio. Loni won 2nd in the American Protégé International Piano & Strings competition’s intermediate division, with a winner's recital at Carnegie Hall in March of 2022. She also received a 3rd place plaque in the Opus National Music competition’s Senior division, qualifying her for Nationals in March. Last year, Loni was a winner of the Stulberg International String Competition, winning a master class with world-renowned cellist Sara Sant'Ambrogio. In December, Loni received gold in the Trinity International Music Competition. She was also a finalist of the Oregon ASTA competition, and ended with a 3rd place award. Besides cello, Loni enjoys reading, listening to music, playing tennis, and hanging out with her friends.

If you could only eat one dessert for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Crème brûlée 

What is your favorite musical memory?
Winning my first cello competition in my teachers cello studio

What is your favorite place to visit?
Taiwan, because of my family and the food

Where would someone most likely find you on a rainy Sunday afternoon?
I'll be in a coffee shop listening to music and reading or doing homework

What is one cool feature you would like to have in your dream house?
Lighted pool with Jacuzzi or movie theater

If you could travel back in time, what year would you most like to visit?
I would like to time travel back to the 1850s in London because women's fashion back then was super cool