< Back František Brikcius Cello Learn More Videos About Czech cellist František Brikcius was born in Prague, into a family with a distinguished cultural background. He has been playing the cello since early childhood. Following his cello studies at the Prague Conservatoire, he completed his Master's degree at the Janáček Academy of Music (JAMU) in the Czech republic. He furthered his cello skills at the Toho Gakuen Academy in Japan and later under the guidance of legendary cellist Prof. Anna Shuttleworth (student of Pablo Casals) in the United Kingdom (Eton Cello Master Classes and the University of Leeds). He won the 2nd prizes at the Anglo-Czech Competition in London (1999), the International String Competition London (2000) and the International String Competition Jihlava (2003). He has been awarded many scholarships and fellowships, including the Czech Music Foundation (CHF), the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, the Music Foundation OSA, the Socrates-Erasmus, and the Gideon Klein Foundation for the propagation of works written by Jewish Holocaust Composers. František chose to dedicate his life to the interpretation of cello compositions written by composers of the 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, giving special consideration to compositions for solo cello. His favourites are cello suites by Johann Sebastian Bach, Max Reger, Ernest Bloch and Benjamin Britten. He is particularly involved in researching, studying and performing works by Czech (Antonín Dvořák, Leoš Janáček, Bohuslav Martinů, Josef Suk and Irena Kosíková), Jewish & Terezín (Gideon Klein, Erwin Schulhoff, Zikmund Schul, Jaromír Weinberger, James Simon and David Popper) and contemporary composers (Conrad Beck, Luciano Berio, Pierre Boulez, Benjamin Britten, Henri Dutilleux, Wolfgang Fortner, Alberto Ginastera, Cristobal Halffter, Hans Werner Henze, Heinz Holliger, Klaus Huber and Witold Lutoslawski), playing on a " George Kriwalski " cello made in 1904. Together with his sister Anna Brikciusová, he is a founder member of the "Duo Brikcius". He is artistic director of Festival Brikcius - Chamber Music Concert Series in Prague, Bach Festival Gers in France and Waltham Forest Cello Fest (the 1st London Borough of Culture meets Classical Music) in London. František works as independent film-maker as well. His first music documentary film MAKANNA (in the cooperation with the Jewish Museum in Prague and under the auspices of Sir Tom Stoppard and Václav Havel) was already screened in the Czech republic, China, Mexico and Portugal. He is currently working on new music documentary film eSACHERe (2022). As a soloist František has performed at many festivals in Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liberland, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden, Turkey, Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom. František has been teaching cello for many years. He is experienced at taking students at all levels, able to give master classes as well as support beginners. He is giving cello master classes in the United Kingdom, France, Italy and remotely online via Zoom/Skype. Served as a jury member in various competitions including the Berliner International Music Competition in Germany, the Music and Stars Awards, the Music International Grand Prix, the Sound Espressivo Global Competition, the Palm Beach International Music Awards, the King's Peak International Music Competition and the Baku International Cinema Festival in Azerbaijan. More information about František Brikcius and his many cello projects is available on the websites https://www.Brikcius.com , https://www.Brikcius.com/CelloTutor and https://www.Twitter.com/Brikcius Previous Next

Narodytska < Back Maria Narodytska Jan 29 at 10:00am EST (26+) F. Schubert: Valses Nobles D. 969; M. Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition Maria Narodytska is a pianist of Ukrainian origin. Her international concert activity includes such venues as Laeiszhalle in Hamburg; Sala Maffeiana in Verona; Casa da Musica in Porto; Ruth Taylor Recital Hall in San Antonio; Hylton Performing Arts Center in Virginia as well as theaters and concert halls all over the world. In 2019 an album with Maria Narodytska playing Brahms was released under the label OnClassical for further worldwide distribution by Naxos of America. This work has already got a positive review at Rai Radio 3 – one of the most important radio stations in Italy, devoted to classical music. Her second album for Nationalux as a winner of “The most beloved artist” prize at Richter IPC was released on the 18th of September 2020. Her third album devoted to Schubert appeared under OnClassical, published by Naxos of America in March 2021. The next two albums are planned for release in 2022. Maria Narodytska is a winner of over 40 international piano competitions including over 15 first prizes won only during the last two years. Previous Next

What kind of prizes can you win? Learn more here about Sound Espressivo, the first online LIVE streaming Competition for classical musicians of all ages. Contestants and judges focus on unique artistry of every performer, awarding prizes offered by music management companies. Be discovered! Get promoted! Prizes are offered by companies which advance careers and present performance opportunities to classical musicians of all ages, instruments, and voice!* *Prizes are awarded at the sole discretion of the companies and are not guaranteed by the organizers of the Competition SEC-2021 does not offer cash awards Virtual Concert Halls is an online producer specializing in live broadcasting, streaming, and distance recording of musicians and music events. We produce and stream over the Internet individual artists' programs, concerts, festivals, recitals, presentations Virtual Concert Halls sponsors Performance Awards: Each Laureate will perform a solo recital. Each Winner will participate in concerts. Scholarship to attend the Seminar For Advanced Pianists* *(in person or virtually as circumstances permit) Two Scholarship for any instrumentalists to take part in immersive cultural tour in Europe June 4-14 2022 Munich-Fussen-Insbruck-Liechtenstein-Zurich Details TBC Two Scholarships for Pianists Masterclasses with professors in one of the leading music institutions in Germany Performance opportunity in one of the castles/venues (again, details TBC) Dedicated cultural tour/itinerary that involves visits to various cultural sites, concerts and/or opera theatres For a glimpse of how it was in 2019, visit this link Fifteen Minutes of Fame is 15 one-minute works by different composers written for a specific performer or ensemble. Fifteen Minutes of Fame gives a variety of new music by living composers to audiences hungry to hear what is being created in today's music scene. " ...the 15 Minutes of Fame project of Vox Novus is a godsend. It organizes competitions whereby ensembles commission worldwide calls for submissions of approximately one-minute pieces, and then select their 15 favorites for premieres. The players, themselves emerging and without the funds for a traditional commission fee, get original works to present, while the likewise emerging composers get a chance for exposure and a premiere..." - Seth Gilman, NY Music Culture Examiner Proudly offering a scholarship to a promising cellist, to attend masterclasses with Dr. Anzél Gerber at the Wiener Musikseminar in Vienna, Austria WIENER MUSIKSEMINAR -International master classes in Vienna, Austria. The Wiener Musikseminar has, since its founding in 1970, committed itself to convey a piece of music history to young artists from around the world Vienna as the cultural centre of classical music is a fertile ground for this purpose. Apart from the international master classes, participants will have the opportunity to perform in a concert. To learn more go to www.musikseminar.at Recognition Award iClassical Academy offers Online High-Quality Masterclasses and Courses Violin, Cello, Piano, Conducting, Music & Career and many more. Our mission is to provide worldwide any generation of musicians the possibility to improve their skills online, to enjoy a vast community of renowned conservatory teachers and to learn from online lessons recorded with the best of modern technologies iClassical Academy sponsors Recognition Awards to all contestants, regardless of how far they advance in the competition Five Awards Message from Clive Moore, CEO of Fan4Me Studio Nature Studio Nature presents all musical artists, sound artists, and spoken word artists around the world . A unique opportunity to have your songs/sound-pieces played and video; documented in the Finnish nature scenery. We also make music videos and nature footage, created with your specifications and wishes! Happy to consider offering a full scholarship to our 2021 Festival The Next Festival of Emerging Artists is an immersive experience for the modern string player, composer, and choreographer. It provides a comprehensive approach to entrepreneurial career-building, contemporary music performance, and intensive, personalized artistic development. “The spirit of the place is warm, friendly, informal, yet serious and reminds us why we make music together. There was time to ponder and work on every nuance, a rarity these days.” –Pierre Jalbert, composer “It is extremely rare to find a festival that fosters an environment of hard work and camaraderie while at the same time making contemporary music its primary focus. The Next Festival is an extraordinary home for new music and I encourage all open minded students to come and explore what the future holds!” –Jeffrey Zeigler, cellist “An ideal wellspring for artistic collaboration.” –Derek Bermel, composer “A sheer joy!” –Jennifer Koh, violinist Vox Novus is awarding a winning musician its services to organize and administer its Fifteen Minutes of Fame project for an online performance and interview in conjunction with Virtual Concert Halls. Bel Cantanti, an opera company, under the direction of Dr. Katerina Souvorova, was formed in 2003 with the express purpose of giving performance opportunities to local, operatic talent. Its members consist of young opera professionals, whose collective performance experiences include fully staged operatic productions in different venues around the country and abroad. The Fearless Artist Mastermind Full Scholarship for the 6-months Career development program Learn to manage your own success! The Fearless Artist Mastermind is pleased to offer a prize (valued at over €600) of a 6-month membership to their monthly career development program for musicians, as well as monthly 45-minute 1-1 coaching sessions for the prizewinner. This program offers structure, support and ultimately acceleration in the artist's career as they learn business and real world skills to position themselves for future opportunities as thriving musicians. Two Full Cello Scholarships (each is worth ca. $500) Online Summer Cello Master Classes to be awarded to the best cello finalists The 3rd WALTHAM FOREST CELLO FEST 2021 in London / CELLO ACADEMY 6ème BACH FESTIVAL GERS 2021 - BFG COURS DE MUSIQUE D'ÉTÉ EN LIGNE dPhoto Studio dPhoto Studio will create an artistic video portrait for the chosen winner: a 10-seconds professional video trailer dPhoto Studio specializes in photo and video production and motion graphic animations for web, commercial and private projects Drama Queen Graphics helps performing and visual arts groups engage with their audiences through eye-catching graphic design and branding solutions that stand out and demand attention. Entrada is an online video library that helps pianists achieve three-dimensional, whole-body piano technique, including for effortless Arpeggios, Trills, Tremolos, Scales, Octaves, and Repeated Chords. Entrada Teachers report higher levels of confidence and achievement for themselves and their students! Virtual Concert Halls and American Fine Arts Festival Performance Awards Best Instrumental Performer : Appearance with a European Orchestra (TBD) during summer-fall season of 2021 (one prize will be awarded to the most overall qualified winner) Carnegie Hall Weill Recital Hall Awards Four awards : Performance at American Arts Festival Winners Recitals Carnegie Hall Weill Recital Hall in June, 2022 Best Voice : Performance at Carnegie Hall Weill Recital Hall in the Fall 2022, presented at the Golden Voice concert Scholarship Award $500 For participation in summer programs presented by American Fine Arts Festival in Europe during summer 2022 Professional Engagement Award The winner will be offered an opportunity to be featured in GROUPMUSE exclusive Virtual Spotlight Concert Advertised throughout the entire Groupmuse network Winner will receive free live-streaming technical training and musician onboarding assistance via the Groupmuse platform and beyond Groupmuse is an online classical music platform and community of over 150,000 people that has facilitated 6,000+ chamber music house concerts, and over 300 virtual concerts since the COVID era Music2Meeting the first international artist management agency dedicated to bringing world-class musicians directly into the virtual workplace Lena Khandros Music Business Entrepreneur, Producer, Founder & CEO at Momentum Artists Management and Music2Meeting.com

Vincent Yang < Back Vincent Yang Previous Next Vincent Yang USA PIANIST Vincent is 7 years old, born in Palo Alto, California. He has been learning piano with Pianist Huajun Zhang since age of 4. At the age of 5, he won the 3rd prize in the Bay Area Piano Competition 2020. His achievements in 2021 include Second Prize in 2021 Vivace International Piano Competition-North America, the GOLD MEDAL with a special prize Best Performance of Chopin Music in the WPTA China-North America International Piano Competition and Honorable Mention award in 2021 International New Star Piano Competition. More recently, he won First prize + special winner in 2022 US OPEN Music Competition, First prize in 2022 VIVALDI International Music Competition PRODIGY category. First prize in 2022 Beethoven young musician competition. Besides piano, he loves various composers and learning different musical styles. Also enjoys Ice Hockey, ski, swimming, reading, and drawing.

Learn More < Back James Adler Audience Favorite Awards James Adler and the AdlerOaks Library are sponsoring Awards for Pianists and Composers. Audience members are invited to vote for their favorite musician on the Laureate Gala program. The Winners are announced based on the number of votes received. James Adler Audience Favorite Awards will be presented throughout 2023-24 season - $250 each J&S Honorable Mention Awards - $100 each This Award is Sponsored by James Adler and AdlerOaks Library On July 8, Sound Espressivo and Progressive Musicians presented the James Adler Audience Favorite Award for their Laureate Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. The award was won by Lutao Guo, pianist from China. We're excited to announce the addition of two honorable mention awards: to Valerija Iljinalte, a spinto lyric soprano from Lithuania, and to Teresa Laiz Monsalve, castanets virtuoso, with Marta Casas Vázquez, soprano, Igor Zubkovsky, cello, and Jennifer Wang, piano. Congratulations to all the winners! Look for information about next year's contest on the Sound Espressivo and Progressive Musicians website. View More Visit AdlerOaks Website Previous Next

Are you an academic musician? Find out here! Sound Espressivo is the first online LIVE streaming Competition for classical musicians of all ages. Contestants and judges focus on unique artistry of every performer, awarding prizes offered by music management companies. academic Deliver the most genuine performance that would embody the composer and take us to their world! In-Depth It is remarkable how time effects our interpretation, especially as cultures move on to new ways of living and interpreting the world around them. Music is timeless and can take us to place and times away from the present moment and into the world and mind of the composer. An academic performance attempts to take us to this place and accurately depict the music as close as possible to the way the composer envisioned it. Artists do this by educating themselves about history and studying composers of the same time and using this to best transform the stage into a gramophone of the past to the audience through themselves. General Criteria Genuine Style - stylistic playing matching the style known to be played at the time of the composer is core to delivering an accurate performance. Genuine Interpretation - all markings and versions of the music need to have been thoroughly understood and expressed closest to the composer's will and intention. Far and Beyond - it is encouraged and is exciting to see a visual representation of the times in addition to the playing that reflects the time the music was written in and pays respect to the music's history.

< Back Previous Cooper Ly Next Pianist Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 26, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Cooper began studying piano at the age of five with Dr. Ji Hyun Kim from the Bradley University Music Department. In 2023, he had the privilege to study under Professor Valerie Middleton at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music. Cooper has won first-place honors in numerous international piano competitions and performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and Beethoven-Haus in Bonn, Germany. He actively shares his music with the community through piano recitals at local retirement homes, annual Christmas shows, and fundraising events for organizations such as the Dream Center. In addition to piano, Cooper enjoys playing the guitar and singing. He is an avid swimmer and competes on his school swim team. His interests also extend to robotics, coding, and engineering through Vanderbilt University’s enrichment program for talented youth (SAVY). He enjoys reading and building Legos and robots in his free time. Notable Performance Venues International: Beethoven-Haus, Bonn, Germany (2023) Carnegie Hall, New York, NY (2022, 2023) Royal Albert Hall, London, England (2023) Domestic: The Heritage at Brentwood, Brentwood, TN (2024) Abe’s Garden Community, Nashville, TN (2024) Belmont University, Nashville, TN (2024) Liscomb University, Nashville, TN (2023, 2024) Turner Hall at Blair School of Music, Nashville, TN (2023) Edmondson Elementary School, Brentwood, TN (2023) Natchez Trace Church, Nashville, TN (2022) Betty Jayne Performance Center, Peoria, IL (2021) Lutheran Hillside Village, Peoria, IL (2021) Peoria Academy, Peoria, IL (2021) Peoria Art Guild CEFCU Stage (2021) Awards and Honors 06/01/2024: TMTA State Competition – Honorable Mention 03/02/2024: NAMTA Audition – Superior Rating 02/24/2024: NPAC Audition – Superior+ Rating 12/22/2023: Bonn Germany Grand Prize Virtuoso – First Prize 07/14/2023: Golden Classical International Music Competition – 1st Prize 05/23/2022: Gold Keys Festival, Carnegie Hall – Gold Prize 04/13/2022: London Grand Prize Virtuoso – First Prize

< Back Previous Marcio Candido Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 21, 2023 WATCH VIDEO Brazilian violinist Dr. Marcio Candido has performed internationally as a soloist, concertmaster, and chamber musician. His recent album Brazil x Argentina received multiple honors, including two Gold Stars at the Music & Stars Awards (2021), a Silver Medal at the Global Music Awards (2020) for Emerging Artist and New Release, and a nomination for the Anchorage Press Person of the Year (2020). In 2021, Dr. Candido made his solo debut at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.

< Back Previous Lena Wu Next Vocalist Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 26, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Lena Wu is a versatile artist whose work spans music, literature, and performance. Originally from China, she earned her Master’s Degree in Music Performance from Syracuse University and is now based in New York City, where she continues to grow her career as a singer, teacher, and comedian. She is the founder of EastWestArtistryNYC, an organization devoted to bringing people and artists together through collaborative cultural experiences, social events, and creative showcases. Lena is also an author, blending humor and emotion in her writing. Her debut novel, From Bars to Bliss: A Tourist’s Tale of Love Unexpected, is available on Amazon, and she is currently completing her second book, Turning Struggles into Songs: From Bars to Bliss II. Her musical album, Harmonies of Two Worlds, can be heard on Spotify, reflecting her unique blend of Eastern and Western artistic influences. As she continues to expand her creative voice, Lena is developing her presence as a soloist and multidisciplinary performer, with growing aspirations in television and film. She remains committed to connecting with audiences across genres, sharing her artistry through live performances, storytelling, and community-building.

< Back Previous Jacques-Pierre Malan Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Jacques-Pierre Malan is an internationally prize-winning South African cellist, acclaimed as a “tour de force” with “vibrant musicality” (Beeld). He serves as Artist-in-Residence with the Embassy Series in Washington, D.C., performing as a soloist and chamber musician while producing concert programs with humanitarian themes. A passionate chamber musician, he is the founder of the Embassy String Quartet and a member of the Serafin Ensemble, performing worldwide and collaborating with artists including Ivry Gitlis, Anthony McGill, and Victor Yampolsky. As a concerto soloist, Malan has appeared with the Johannesburg, Cape Town, and KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonics, Mid-Atlantic Symphony, FreeState Symphony, Peabody Conductors Orchestra, and the South African National Youth Orchestra. He is principal cellist of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra and the Washington Opera Society, and formerly served as assistant principal of the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic, performing at Nelson Mandela’s funeral in 2013. Malan holds a Master’s Degree and Graduate Performance Diploma from Peabody Conservatory, where he studied with Amit Peled, and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Pretoria. He has been recognized in numerous competitions, including the Yale Gordon String Competition and the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival Competition. He teaches at the Bryn Mawr School and the Nelly Berman School of Music and maintains a private cello studio.

Apply col ORCHESTRA connecting Soloists and Orchestras around the W orld Applications ACCEPTED for performing in 2025-26 and 2026-27 concert seasons Apply Download press kit Watch colORCHESTRA Concerts Judges Judges Sound Espressivo is thrilled to announce our 3rd season of the colORCHESTRA Open Auditions Presented in Partnership with These uniquely designed Auditions are open to musicians of all ages who are available for soloist engagements within the 2023-24 and 2024-25 concert seasons. Selected artists will be awarded an appearance opportunity to perform solo with esteemed professional orchestras from around the world. Composers are invited to submit scores for consideration. This two-tiered audition has no accompanying and no performance time limit requirements, is readily accessible by video submissions, and there is no time limit imposed on the selections that competitors choose to present—we want YOU to show us what you feel you do BEST! Audition for Upcoming Performance Dates with Orchestras Worldwide and at Carnegie Hall, and for recording opportunities with orchestras for Album publications October 1-20, 2025 - Concert Season at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall and Recordings with Orchestra Manhattan, Lehner Quartet. Soloists, Composers, Ensembles. January 31, 2026 - February 3, 2026. Concert Season at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall and Recordings with Orchestra Manhattan, Lehner Quartet. Soloists, Composers, Ensembles. March 13-16, 2026 - colORCHESTRA for performance and recordings opportunities with orchestras worldwide. Soloists, Composers. May 8-11, 2026 - Concert Season at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall and Recordings with Orchestra Manhattan, Lehner Quartet. Soloists, Composers, Ensembles. June 13-16, 2026 - colORCHESTRA for performance and recordings opportunities with orchestras worldwide. Soloists, Composers. Audition for Upcoming Concerto Performance Dates Regulations Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Selected Soloists will be offered a PAY-TO-PLAY opportunity to benefit their musicianship and career through a RECORDING with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the world’s most prestigious ensembles. Learn More Apply Orquesta Filarmónica Municipal de Guayaquil Important dates: Application deadline - see dates on the website. October 2024, January 2025 - Live Auditions Finals. Broadcast on video and social platforms. Meet the Judges and the Conductors. Streaming technology seminar in preparation for Live Audition - prior to performing LIVE. ~~~~~~~~~~~ No age restrictions. INSTRUMENTAL REPERTORY ONLY – No singers. Learn More Apply Butler Philharmonic Orchestra Application deadlines and Live Auditions dates - see announcements on the website. Broadcast on video and social platforms. Meet the Judges and the Conductors. Streaming technology seminar in preparation for Live Audition - prior to performing LIVE. Concert Dates in 2025-26 Concert Season: March 7, 2026. Soloists - Kate Lee and Calliope Smith Concert Dates in 2026-27 Concert Season: March, 2027 Rehearsals with the Butler Philharmonic Orchestra will be scheduled 3 days prior to the concert date. The concerts are Broadcast Live by Virtual Concert Halls on various public channels on YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Twitch, among other platforms. Video of the concert will be available for playbacks on the channels. Soloists will participate in interviews for media and other activities associated with the event No age restrictions. Any instrumental Concerto, a single movement, or Aria accepted. Any instrumental Concerto, a single movement, or Aria accepted. Learn More Apply Camerata de Coahuila Selected Soloists will be presented at the colORCHESTRA concerts with the Camerata de Coahuila at the Teatro Isauro Martinez in Torreon, Mexico, under the baton of the Guest Conductor Maestro Gevorg Sargsyan. This project combines a public concert and recording for an Album release on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, distributed by the CiMA label Application deadlines and Live Auditions dates - see announcements on the website. Broadcast on video and social platforms. Meet the Judges and the Conductors on your Live Audition. Streaming technology seminar in preparation for Live Audition - prior to performing LIVE. Concert dates in 2026-27 Season: December 4, 2026 Recorded LIVE from the concert Rehearsals with the Camerata de Coahuila will be scheduled 3 days prior to the concert date. The concerts are Broadcast Live by Virtual Concert Halls on public channels on YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Twitch, among other platforms. Video of the concert will be available for playbacks on the channels. Soloists will participate in interviews for media and other activities associated with the event. No age restrictions. See more for repertory specifics and additional details Learn More Apply Cairo Opera Orchestra at Cairo Opera House in Cairo, Egypt Important dates: Application deadline - see dates on the website. October 2024, January 2025 - Live Auditions Finals. Broadcast on video and social platforms. Meet the Judges and the Conductors. Streaming technology seminar in preparation for Live Audition - prior to performing LIVE. Concert Dates for 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons - TBD ~~~~~~~~~~~ Learn More Regulations Apply Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine Important dates: Application deadline - see dates on the website. October 2024, January 2025 - Live Auditions Finals. Broadcast on video and social platforms. Meet the Judges and the Conductors. Streaming technology seminar in preparation for Live Audition - prior to performing LIVE. Broadcast on video and social platforms. Meet the Judges and the Music Director Theodore Kuchar. Concert dates available in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 concert seasons. Learn More Apply

< Back Previous Mason Ishida Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 28, 2026 WATCH VIDEO Mason Kaneto Ishida is a composer and pianist from Northern Virginia and a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music, where he studied composition with John Mallia. Mason also attended the New York Summer Music Festival for three summers from 2013 to 2015, where he studied piano performance and sang in choir alongside faculty from some of the country’s leading conservatories. With over twenty years of piano study and performance experience, Mason draws inspiration from Beethoven, Scriabin, Bartók, and Shostakovich, as well as the creative energy of Nirvana and Radiohead — a combination that shapes his distinctive voice: emotionally direct, rhythmically fearless, and deeply committed to craft. His works span chamber ensembles, orchestra, and solo piano. In 2025, Mason premiered "An Exaggeration" for Chamber Orchestra at Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall as part of the Sound Espressivo Gala Laureate Concert. That work has since earned remarkable recognition on the international stage: Gold Award at the Global Young Musicians Competition in Gdańsk, Poland; Gold Prize in Composition, Gold Prize in Own Composition, Gold Prize in 20th and 21st Century Music; Special Award — Artist of the Season at the Classical Stars International Music Competition; Gold in Composition for his orchestral "Suite" and "String Quartet No. 2" at the Mozart International Music Competition. His "String Quartet No. 2" also received a Platinum Award in the composer category at the Fenix International Music Competition in Gdańsk. Mason is currently a finalist in the World’s Best Musician Competition with "An Exaggeration" for Symphony Orchestra. On April 28, 2026, his solo piano work "Dance of Frustration" is performed by pianist Joanna Chow as part of the Sound Espressivo Gala Laureate Concert. Both artists are based in Northern Virginia, and their collaboration reflects a shared enthusiasm for bringing new compositional voices to the concert stage. Mason’s approach balances tradition with exploration — music shaped by emotion, craft, and curiosity. He plans to pursue graduate study in composition and welcomes opportunities for commissions, future performances, and scoring for video games and indie films. He is also actively seeking opportunities to teach piano in supportive studio and academy settings.