< Back Previous The Lehner Quartet Next The Lehner Quartet Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall June 30, 2025 WATCH VIDEO Formed in 2020, the Lehner Quartet brings together four distinguished musicians from the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra (Washington National Opera) and the National Symphony Orchestra: violinists Natasha Bogachek and Zino Bogachek, violist Philippe Chao, and cellist Igor Zubkovsky. Each a celebrated performer with international credentials, the quartet was born from a shared passion for chamber music and a longstanding artistic collaboration. From the outset, the ensemble has earned recognition as one of the most compelling voices in today’s classical music scene, blending virtuosity, emotional depth, and artistic innovation. Between 2021 and 2023, the Lehner Quartet partnered with Virtual Concert Halls and Vox Novus to present a bold series of concerts spotlighting new works by living composers. These performances underscore the ensemble’s mission: to uphold the rich traditions of chamber music while championing diverse and forward-looking voices shaping the future of classical performance. Audiences have come to expect programs that bridge the classical canon with contemporary expression, offering performances that are as intellectually engaging as they are emotionally resonant. Building on this momentum, the quartet has appeared in multiple performances at Carnegie Hall and other leading venues throughout the 2022–2025 concert seasons. Their ongoing collaborations with composers from around the world reinforce their role as dedicated ambassadors for new music in the 21st century. In 2024, the Lehner Quartet released their debut double album, Modern Classics, on the Cicerone Music and Arts (CiMA) label. This landmark recording features original works by living composers from around the globe, further affirming the ensemble’s dedication to expanding and invigorating the contemporary string quartet repertoire. The current lineup of the Lehner Quartet includes violinists Vladimir Dyo and Yevgeniy Dyo, violist Joseph Kauffman, and founding cellist Igor Zubkovsky. Together, they are preparing for an exciting new season filled with performances and upcoming recording projects under the CiMA label, continuing their mission to champion innovative music with passion and excellence. Musicians Vladimir Dyo Violinist Since making his debut with the Kazakh State Symphony Orchestra at the age of 12, Vladimir Dyo has toured extensively and performed at prestigious venues across the former USSR, Europe, Asia, and the United States. His appearances include world-renowned halls such as Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney Hall, Seoul Arts Center, Rachmaninoff Hall, Tchaikovsky Hall, Column Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, KBS Hall, UNESCO Headquarters, and the United Nations General Assembly Hall. Vladimir’s distinctive tone and deeply personal approach to phrasing distinguish him in the world of classical music. Critics have praised his artistry with vivid admiration: “His mystic contour merged with the instrument and hypnotized the audience... The subtlety and flawlessness of Rachmaninoff’s endlessly versatile music evoked such a profound emotional response that many in the audience were moved to tears.” — N. Zemlyakova, musicologist “Dyo’s Sarasate was dazzling…” — Michael Church, BBC World Service “Vladimir Dyo is a violinist who plays with incredible energy and electricity. His rendition of my LEX was spectacular. He is a major talent with a very bright future ahead!” — Michael Daugherty, Grammy-winning composer Recognized for his electrifying performances and expressive nuance, Vladimir Dyo continues to build a remarkable international career as a leading violinist of his generation. Yevgeniy Dyo Violinist "Elegant violinist" — Luis Biava, Principal and Conductor-in-Residence Emeritus, Philadelphia Orchestra "Control, solidity and beauty — who could ask for more?" — Jeffrey Solow American String Teachers Association President "His is fine, sylvan sound, a combination of secure intonation and lithe bow arm. Throughout, Mr. Dyo's playing was elegant, subtle at times, imperious at others, dramatic, and remarkable." — Dr. David Cannata Since making his debut with the Kazakh State Orchestra at the age of nine, Yevgeniy Dyo has performed at many of the world’s most prestigious venues across the former Soviet Union, Europe, Asia, Canada, and the United States, including Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Kimmel Center, Tchaikovsky Hall, Mozarteum Wiener Saal, Meyerson Hall, and the United Nations General Headquarters. A laureate of numerous national and international competitions, he is the Grand Prize winner of the Shabyt International Chamber Music Competition in Kazakhstan and recipient of the “New Names” International Organization Award in Moscow. Dr. Dyo’s career spans performance, education, and cultural leadership. As a soloist and chamber musician, he has appeared at festivals such as Mozarteum Salzburg and co-founded ensembles and concert series including Musica D’Accordo Astana (Kazakhstan’s premier chamber ensemble), Trio Fontes, and the Solo and Chamber Music Series in New Jersey. He has premiered major works such as Karl Jenkins’ Requiem in London under the baton of the composer himself and served as guest concertmaster with the New Jersey Capital Philharmonic. In the media, Dr. Dyo has been featured on Kazakhstan National Television and Radio, WWFM’s “Celebrating Our Musical Future”, and in publications such as The Washington Post , Korea Phila Times , Kazakhstanskaya Pravda , and Koryo Ilbo . His performance of Bernstein’s Music for String Quartet was highlighted in the U.S. premiere coverage. As an educator, Dr. Dyo has taught violin and chamber music at Temple University, The Peddie School, and given masterclasses at institutions such as the Mongolian State Conservatory and the Music School of Delaware. He is a regular adjudicator for New Jersey All-State auditions and has judged international competitions, including the GMP International Violin Competition in New York, where he also serves as Artistic Director. His leadership in arts organizations includes his tenure as President of the Philadelphia Korean Musicians Association, where he organized landmark cultural events and competitions for young musicians. He also collaborates with the Association of Modern Georgian Artists, bringing contemporary music to New York audiences. Dr. Yevgeniy Dyo continues to perform, teach, and advocate for music that connects cultures and generations across the globe. Joseph Kauffman Violist Violinist and violist Joseph Kauffman has performed in many of the world’s most prestigious concert venues, including Tchaikovsky Hall, Disney Hall, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kimmel Center, the Mariinsky Theatre, and the Kennedy Center. He studied with renowned teachers Yayoi Numazawa (Philadelphia Orchestra), James Lyon and Max Zorin (Penn State University), and Dr. Eduard Schmieder (Temple University). Kauffman holds degrees in violin performance from Penn State University (BM) and Temple University (MM), and is currently completing his DMA at Temple. He has won numerous awards, including 1st Prize in the MTNA Chamber Music Competition, as well as the Beene, Kroulik, and Brewster Solo Competitions. He was honored with Temple University’s Albert Tashjian Prize and Max Aronoff Prize for excellence in performance and teaching, and received Penn State’s Creative Achievement Award. As a soloist, Kauffman has performed with ensembles such as the PSU Philharmonic, Williamsport Chamber Orchestra, and the Temple Symphony Orchestra. A member of ipalpiti Artists International since 2010, he has appeared on chamber music broadcasts in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, and performed in chamber concerts with artists including Branford Marsalis. In 2015, he performed for Pope Francis during his visit to Philadelphia. Kauffman performs regularly with leading ensembles including the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Virtuosi, Symphony in C, Princeton Symphony, AVA Opera, and ipalpiti Artists International. He has also recorded music for the documentary television series Philadelphia: The Great Experiment and other upcoming projects. A passionate educator, Kauffman teaches violin and viola to a studio of award-winning students and coaches chamber music at Temple University. He is the Co-founder and Co-Artistic Director of the Music Transforms concert series in Wayne, Pennsylvania, which fosters music outreach and community engagement. Igor Zubkovsky Cellist Cellist Igor Zubkovsky began his musical journey in his native Russia, making his solo debut at age twelve with the Minsk State Philharmonic Orchestra, performing Haydn’s C Major Cello Concerto. He later studied at the Moscow Conservatory under the renowned Natalia Shakhovskaya, Gold Medalist of the 1962 Tchaikovsky Competition. Zubkovsky has been recognized internationally, earning top prizes at the International Cello Competition in Minsk, Belarus (Second Prize) and the Tansman International Competition in Lodz, Poland (Grand Prix). As a member of The Brahms Trio (Moscow), he received Second Prize at the Trapani Chamber Music Competition in Italy and First Prize at the Weimar International Chamber Music Competition in Germany. Awarded a full scholarship to the Peabody Conservatory of Music, he earned a Graduate Performance Diploma and has since enjoyed a dynamic career as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral performer. Since 2003, Zubkovsky has been a member of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra (Washington National Opera). His performance highlights include appearances at Merkin Concert Hall (NYC), the Newport Music Festival, and solo engagements with orchestras in the U.S. and abroad—most notably Brahms’ Double Concerto with the West Chester University Orchestra and Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations with the Altoona Symphony. He has also performed in chamber music series at the Moscow Conservatory’s Rachmaninov Hall, Kennedy Center, and in Paris with the Marquis Ensemble. His trio performances with Anna Ouspenskaya and Elisabeth Adkins, presented by the Levine Presents series, were broadcast on WETA, Washington D.C.'s classical music station. In addition to performing, Zubkovsky is an active arranger and editor, creating original transcriptions and adaptations for cello ensembles. He premiered the Cello Sonata by Isaac Mikhnovsky and has several acclaimed CD recordings to his credit.

< Back Previous Zoran Velić Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall February 16, 2026 WATCH VIDEO Zoran Velić (Split, 1985) graduated in 2008 from the Academy of Music in Zagreb in the class of Prof. Đorđe Stanetti and guest professor Karl-Heinz Kammerling. He continued his postgraduate studies with Prof. Kammerling at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg, completing them in 2009. His earlier piano education took place in Split at the Josip Hatze Music School in the class of Prof. Kosovka Čudina. Already at a young age, he distinguished himself as an award-winning pianist. He is a two-time laureate of the Daleki akordi Competition (Split, 1996 and 1998), a winner of national competitions for solo pianists in Sisak (1997) and Dubrovnik (2003), and—together with Marin Limić—a prizewinner at the Piano Duo Competition in Vinkovci (2001). He also won prizes in his categories at the Zlatko Grgošević International Competition (Zagreb, 2000 and 2002), was the absolute winner of the Etide i skale International Competition (Zagreb, 2002), a first-prize winner at the National Competition in Dubrovnik (2005), and the recipient of the Yamaha Award at the Academy of Music in Zagreb (2005). Among his numerous concert performances, notable appearances include concerts in Zagreb (graduation recital at the Croatian Music Institute, recitals at the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall and Matica hrvatska), Split (recitals and performances on the main stage and in the foyer of the Croatian National Theatre, as well as the Meštrović Gallery), Osijek (Darko Lukić Memorial), Zadar (Donat Evenings), Rijeka, and Samobor (Samobor Music Autumn). In December 2012, he performed at the charity event Concert with the President for the association Most at the Croatian National Theatre in Split. In April 2014, he appeared as soloist in Mozart’s Piano Concerto in A major, K. 414, at the Croatian National Theatre in Split under the baton of Pavle Dešpalj. In December 2018, he performed Chopin’s Andante spianato and Grande Polonaise brillante in E-flat major at the New Year’s concerts of the Croatian National Theatre in Split, accompanied by the orchestra conducted by Hari Zlodre. In November 2020, he gave a recital within the Pleyel Cycle of Svetislav Stančić in Zagreb, followed by a recital at the Croatian House in Split in November 2021. In August 2022, he performed at the 68th Split Summer Festival as a member of the piano quintet Arthesis, presenting works by contemporary Split composers. In June 2024, he gave a solo recital at the Croatian House in Split. In May 2025, together with Katja Repušić, he performed Mozart’s Concerto in E-flat major for Two Pianos with the Zadar Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Ivan Repušić in Zadar. In January 2026, he again appeared in solo recital at the Croatian House in Split. He has performed with the Split Chamber Orchestra conducted by Ivan Repušić, the Zagreb Philharmonic under Vjekoslav Šutej, and the HRT Symphony Orchestra under Tomislav Fačini, and has also appeared as a soloist with the Zagreb Soloists. He has further refined his artistry in masterclasses with distinguished pedagogues, including Karl-Heinz Kammerling, Konstantin Bogino, Vladimir Krpan, Đorđe Tikvica, Aleksander Valdmaa, Darko Cikojević, Ivan Kordić, and Cezary Stańczyk. Since 2010, he has been engaged as a piano professor at the Josip Hatze Music School in Split. Since 2014, he has worked as a répétiteur at the Vocal Department of the Academy of Music in Split, and since 2024, he has served as a piano professor at the same institution.

Season 2023-24 AWARDS Album Production and Distribution Contract Cicerone MA Streams Independent Label for Publishing and Distributing Classical, Blues & Jazz Music is sponsoring THREE Album Publication Awards For the Top Participants who receive the title of the Artist of the 2023-24 Season Winners are to be selected from the pool of musicians - participants in the 2023-24 season of Sound Espressivo and collaborative Competitions and Auditions. Prize Winners will be invited to Italy for a recording session at one of Cicerone professional recording Studios. Worldwide Album distribution contract. Learn More The Price Award Premium international Artist management service for a rising performing artist in development stage of career Learn More 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 Learn More Four Scholarships to attend Talent Summer Music Courses Festival 2024 Sound Espressivo and Pianist Avguste Antonov are sponsoring Awards to Pianists. To be considered for this Award, Candidates must fill out Letter of Intent Form attached. Four Full Scholarships will be awarded to selected Winners: Rachmaninoff Auditions - Two Scholarships Artistic Categories Lyrical and Virtuosity - One Scholarship will be awarded in each of these Auditions Learn more Virtual Concert, Broadcast Worldwide Virtual Concert Halls sponsors Performance Awards for the Laureates and Winners Auditions and Competitions organized by Sound Epsressivo and partner companies Selected Laureates will be awarded a production of a personal Virtual Solo Recital. Selected Winners will be awarded participation in Virtual Concerts. Learn More Laureates Gala Sponsorship Laureate Gala will sponsor a limited number of Awards to soloists, piano, instrumental and vocal, for a performance at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. These Awards are provided by progressive Musicians and Virtual Concert Halls. The Award includes a fully sponsored performance on the Gala program of up to 5 minutes, plus: A Carnegie Hall Archival DIGITAL VIDEO of performance (see Regulations for acceptable uses as per by Carnegie Hall rules) Medals; Certificates Full color brochure (digital and printed) Complimentary tickets Winners will be interviewed by Steve Robinson, a world renowned producer of classical music radio shows Photos Learn more Bach GERS Cello Scholarship Award Two Full Cello Scholarships (each is worth ca. $500) Online Summer Cello Master Classes will be awarded to the best cello finalists of the Sound Espressivo Competitions and Auditions 2023-24. These Scholarships are made possible curtesy and through the generosity of Czech Cellist František Brikcius and the BACH FESTIVAL GERS Learn More Brilliant Talent Discovery Awards Two Scholarship for any instrumentalists to take part in immersive cultural tour in Europe Dates TBD 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 Learn more Recognition Award iClassical Academy provides Recognition Awards to Winners and Participants of Sound Espressivo Auditions and Competitions "We believe that anyone, at any time, should have access to the wonderfully beautiful world of music Our mission is to provide new generations of musicians, from any part of the world, the possibility to improve their skills and enjoy a wide audience" iClassical Academy is based in Switzerland and works with clients globally. Learn More Career Coaching A six month membership to Fast Forward, from The Fearless Artist Mastermind Our membership for classical musicians at The Fearless Artist Mastermind will allow you to meet musicians from around the world who understand you and the unique challenges you face on a daily basis. You'll be included in our amazing community and get feedback on your most important career topics to help propel you forwards. With twice a month Zoom calls and an active community on Slack, you'll also be able to set clear goals and get the accountability you need to reach them. The Fearless Artist Mastermind is based in Netherlands and works with clients globally Learn More Walham Forest Cello Scholarship Award Two Full Cello Scholarships (each is worth ca. $500) Online Summer Cello Master Classes will be awarded to the best cello finalists of the Sound Espressivo Competitions and Auditions 2023-24. These Scholarships are made possible curtesy and through the generosity of Czech Cellist František Brikcius and the WALTHAM FOREST CELLO FEST in London. Learn more Colburn School Colburn School will sponsor a Scholarship for One Pianist, to attend the Colburn Summer Seminar, dates TBD Learn More

< Back Previous Kaiden Griggs Next colORCHESTRA and Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall Soloist with Orquesta Filarmónica Municipal de Guayaquil WATCH VIDEO Kaiden Griggs is a young rising star pianist residing in Vienna, Virginia. He began studying piano at age six, and he has studied with Dr. Anna Ouspenskaya since 2019. In November 2024 Kaiden made his debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City, performing the Saint-Saens Concerto Number Two with the Orchestra Manhattan, conducted by Karim Said. He is excited to perform internationally with the Guayaquil Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra. Kaiden is a freshman at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Virginia. He participates in mathematics competitions and is a C-rated epee fencer. Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. Soloist - Kaiden Griggs. Orchestra Manhattan, conducted by Karim Said. Saint-Saens, Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor

Opportunity to study in Madrid Musical Arts Madrid “Virtuoso Diploma”  (high level masterclass)  Opportunity to study in Madrid Opportunity to study in Madrid Musical Arts Madrid “Virtuoso Diploma” (high level masterclass) Conditions: Musical Arts Madrid “Virtuoso Diploma” in Madrid (Spain), anytime from December 2021 to June 2022 (high level masterclass): 500 € Scholarship - Dates are flexible, length of course to be agreed with professor Cristina Cavalli. The course can be fully online if necessary. Total worth of festival/masterclass: 4150€ Includes: - 30 individual lessons (75 min) + concerts in Madrid and final “Virtuoso” degree. Competitions winners (1st, 2nd and 3rd) are exempted from the admission exam. Excludes: - Air tickets - Accommodation Please note that scholarship recipients are responsible for their own travelling expenses and possible visas needed for travelling. The conditions and decision for this award are final and cannot be disputed. If necessary, special arrangements can be made directly with the masterclass/festival professor. Learn more Leon Piano Meeting, in León (Spain) July 2022, 11-24: 100 € Scholarship) Conditions: - Dates are flexible, length of course to be agreed with festival professor Cristina Cavalli. If necessary, the masterclass can be hold entirely online (Total worth of festival/masterclass: 450€) Includes: - 4 individual lessons (60 min) + concerts in León + free Workshop about Self Coaching Excludes: - Air tickets - Accommodation Please note that scholarship recipients are responsible for their own travelling expenses and possible visas needed for travelling. The conditions and decision for this award is final and cannot be disputed. If necessary, special arrangements can be made directly with the masterclass/festival professor. Masterclasses with Cristina Cavalli 20% discount on bulk of 6 hours e-learning lessons (all levels) Six hours lesson bulk at a discounted price of 400 euros instead of 500 (20 % discount); a good internet connection is required. Available in English, Italian or Spanish.

< Back Previous Alisa Sadikova Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Alisa Sadikova is a prodigy classical harpist from Saint Petersburg, Russia. She began her formal studies at the Special Music School of the Saint Petersburg Conservatory (2010–2018) with Karina Maleeva, continuing at the Cambridge Musica Mundi High School in Waterloo, Belgium (2018–2021) with Catherine Michel. Since 2021, she has been pursuing her Bachelor of Music degree at The Juilliard School in New York under the instruction of Nancy Allen. Sadikova is a laureate of numerous international competitions, including Absolute First Prize at the International Youth Contest (New York, 2010), First Prize at the International Competition of Music Talent (Germany, 2011), Absolute First Prize at the International Competition (Helsinki, 2011), and the Yuri Temirkanov Prize (2012). Additional honors include awards from The Young Talents of Russia (2017), the 20th International Harp Contest in Israel (2018), the Scandinavian International Instrumental Music Competition (2023), the World Grand Prix International Music Contest (2023), the Eleventh Sibelius International Instrumental Music Competition (2023), and the Clara Schumann International Competition (2023). She has been a scholarship recipient of the Vladimir Spivakov Foundation and the Guzik Foundation (2021–2024). Sadikova has appeared as a soloist at the World Harp Congress in Sydney (2014) and Hong Kong (2017), and toured internationally with Sarah Brightman in the “Royal Christmas Gala” (26 concerts in 16 countries). She serves as an official ambassador for Lyon & Healy Harps and the Salvi Harps Foundation. She has recorded five albums in Germany, Russia, France, and Belgium; her most recent solo album, Harp Constellation, was released in 2023. Sadikova has performed in recital and as soloist with orchestra across Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. Her solo appearances include major halls such as Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage (New York), City Recital Hall (Sydney), the Vienna State Opera, the Bolshoi Theatre (Moscow), the Mariinsky Theatre (St. Petersburg), the Tonhalle (Zürich), Moscow International House of Music, Alice Tully Hall (New York), and numerous arenas and concert venues throughout Europe and Asia. Her online presence has garnered millions of views through projects dedicated to Michael Jackson, Karpur Gauram, and the Global Youth D2D Destiny Foundation.

< Back Previous Marcela Gonyea Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 21, 2023 WATCH VIDEO Marcela has studied classical piano since the age of five. Her eleven years of training have provided her with a strong foundation in both musical technique and performance. Throughout the years, she has placed and qualified in numerous piano competitions, receiving First Prize, Second Prize, and Honorable Mentions through the Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association (NVMTA). In high school, Marcela joined the orchestra as a freshman and was placed as a piano soloist in the Chamber Orchestra—the most advanced ensemble at her school. Her most notable achievement to date is earning the Sound Espressivo Carnegie Hall Performer Award, through which she performed Sergey Zubkovsky’s Piano Concerto.

< Back Previous Kevin Matheson Next Violinist Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 26, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Kevin Matheson is an acclaimed violinist known for his expressive artistry and dynamic collaborative work. He was awarded First Prize in the 2021 Charleston International Music Competition for his performance of Vieuxtemps’ Souvenirs d’Amérique. As part of a violin–viola duo with his brother, Matheson received critical praise at their Carnegie Weill Recital Hall début during the Ibla Grand Prize winners’ tour, where critics noted their mesmerizing, spirited performances — two perfect virtuosos, playing as one. The duo has toured extensively, including two successful tours in Japan featuring recorded performances at Yamaha Hall in Tokyo. Matheson has appeared as a soloist with orchestras including the Irish Sinfonietta Orchestra in New York City in Vivaldi’s Four Violin Concerto, and the Valley Chamber Orchestra at Hollins University in concertos by Bruch and Mozart. A frequent recitalist and chamber musician, he performs widely throughout Virginia. He has notably collaborated with the Roanoke Ballet Theatre and Southwest Virginia Ballet, commissioning and organizing new choreography for works such as Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, and Bartók’s 44 Duos. He has arranged numerous Broadway, operatic, film, and orchestral selections for his violin–viola–piano trio, which tours under the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Matheson has also commissioned and premiered new chamber works, recorded five CDs, and serves as a Performing Artist for Young Audiences of Virginia, presenting educational concerts across the state. Kevin Matheson is Concertmaster of the Orchestra of Virginia’s Blue Ridge and Adjunct Instructor at Hollins University.

1 < Back Masters and Masterworks Sound Espressivo invites Musicians of All Ages to celebrate Live Music Performance by participating in the Application Deadline May 15, 2024 at 4:59:00 PM Apply Regulations Masters and Masterworks Competition 2023-24 Music for Youth! Call for Scores by living Composers Performers who wish to present new music Compositions for Piano, Violin, Cello Winners - Scores and Performers - will be presented at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall Gala Concert in 2024-25 concert season Performance at the Carnegie Hall is a Fully Sponsored opportunity, no performance fee required Application Deadline - May 15, 2024 Masters and Masterworks mission is to connect young musicians and living composers on a journey of discovery of Music for Youth! Music for Piano, Violin, or Cello, written for Young Performers. Violin and Cello pieces can be with or without accompaniment. No compositions for chamber ensembles. Compositions for Piano 4Hands are accepted. Awards Up to Three Scores will be selected for a performance at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in the 2024-25 concert season, at the Laureates Gala (one composition for Piano, plus one for Violin, plus one for Cello). Up to Three Performers will be selected to perform these compositions at the Carnegie Hall. All performances are fully sponsored by Sound Espressivo, Progressive Musicians, and Virtual Concert Halls. There is NO PERFORMANCE FEE required, for Winners to perform at the Gala concert at Carnegie Hall (travel and accommodations in NY City are the responsibility of the Winner) . In addition to the performance, all Winners (Composers and Performers) will receive: A Carnegie Hall Archival DIGITAL VIDEO of their performance (see Regulations for acceptable uses as per by Carnegie Hall rules) Medal Certificate Full color brochure (digital and printed) Complimentary ticket An Interview by Steve Robinson, a world renowned producer of Photos Letters of recommendation and other support Professional Portfolio packets available upon request Judges decisions are final and cannot be disputed. Not all Prizes may be awarded. Application and Audition Process Preliminary Round Composers submit scores. One score per Application. Duration limit - 5 min Performers submit video of any composition of their choice. Time limit - 10 min Results Composers: Up to 6 scores will be selected for the Final Round (two scores per each instrument) Scores will be published on the websites and made downloadable for Performers. Composers whose pieces were selected will join the Judges Panel as Artistic Advisors (non-voting members). Performers: Up to 12 Finalists will be selected for the Live Round (4 musicians per each instrument). Jury may select Alternates. Finalists will choose a piece which they wish to prepare for the Final Round, from the Finalist scores. Final Round Live performance by 12 Finalists in front of the Judges Panel, on a world-wide Internet TV Broadcast. Judges Panel includes Composers of the pieces which were selected for the Final Round. Composers and Performers will have an opportunity to meet and get to know each other. Judges from around the world provide on-air commentary immediately after each performance. Finalists meet the Judges and can ask questions. Musicians' supporters can write comments which will be shown onscreen Family and friends can watch and be part of your LIVE performance from anywhere in the world. Performer Finalists will receive Technical Preparation session with VCHS Broadcast Directors and Engineers, in preparation for the broadcast, at no additional cost. More about Broadcast technology for musicians here Age Limits Composers: no age limit Performers: 18 and under Application Fee Composers: $75 Performers: $100 Finals Live fee: $0 Winners Performance at Carnegie Hall fee: $0 Important DATES May 15, 2024 - Composers submit scores and Application Deadline June 30, 2024 - Scores selected for Finals are announced August 1, 2024 - Performer Application Deadline (submit a video of any composition) September 1, 2024 - 12 Finalists are announced November 2024 - Tech Preparation sessions for Finalists (no additional fee required) Final Round of the Competition Laureates Gala Concert at Weill recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 2025 Previous Next

< Back Previous Noema Erba Next Czech Soprano Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall February 20, 2025 WATCH VIDEO Noema Erba — Sought-After Czech Soprano. Angelic. Passionate. Radiant. These are just a few of the words used to describe Noema Erba, the acclaimed Czech soprano celebrated for her flawless tessitura, expressive artistry, and powerful lyric soprano voice. Noema has portrayed a wide range of operatic roles, including Tosca (Tosca), Micaëla (Carmen), Mimì and Musetta (La Bohème), Violetta, Annina, and Flora Bervoix (La Traviata), Santuzza (Cavalleria rusticana), Genovieffa (Suor Angelica), Dama di Lady (Macbeth), Anna (Nabucco), Ines (Il Trovatore), Contessa di Ceprano and Giovanna (Rigoletto), Kate Pinkerton (Madama Butterfly), Clotilde (Norma), and Alisa (Lucia di Lammermoor). She has appeared in opera productions at leading venues and festivals across Europe and beyond, including the State Opera Banská Bystrica (Slovakia), Teatro Verdi Pisa, Teatro Ariston Sanremo, Teatro San Babila Milano, Teatro dell’Unione Viterbo, Schloßbergbühne Kasematten Graz, Rudolfinum Prague, Palác Žofín Prague, Kongresové centrum Prague, and the Amman Opera Festival (Jordan), among many others throughout Italy, Austria, Slovakia, Chile, and the Czech Republic. As a concert soloist, Noema has been featured in numerous international performances, including: “Masters of Classics”, Hollywood in Prague, and Celebrating the Music of Ennio Morricone (Prague, 2008–2024) “Temporada Internacional 2017” (Santiago, Chile) “Night in the Opera” (Manila, Philippines, 2013) “Jewels of the European Opera” (Manila, Philippines, 2012) “Art for Life” Beneficiary Concert (Anti-AIDS/HIV, Prague, 2012) Noema Erba earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Opera Performance (both completed Magna cum Laude) from the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, Faculty of Music, and is an alumna of the Conservatory of Pardubice, where she specialized in opera voice under Prof. Jana Hamplová. She also pursued international studies at the Hochschule für Musik “Carl Maria von Weber” in Dresden, where she trained in opera voice with Prof. Gisely Burkhardt-Mühlbach and studied opera dramatic art with Prof. Andreas Baumann. Her artistic development has been further enriched through collaborations with Prof. Irene Berlin and Prof. Rolf Schinzl (piano accompaniment).

< Back Previous Elena Ulyanova Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall November 24, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Elena Ulyanova began studying piano at age five under her mother, Larisa Ulyanova, in Saki, Crimea. She quickly distinguished herself, winning multiple first prizes in Ukrainian and Russian competitions. Her early successes earned her full scholarships to prestigious Moscow institutions, including Gnessin College of Music, Gnessin Academy, and the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory. Shortly after entering the Conservatory, she became a prizewinner in the second Rachmaninoff International Piano Competition. She completed her Master of Music degree and pursued postgraduate studies with Victor Merzhanov, performing extensively with the Moscow Philharmonic Concert Association, and taking masterclasses with Emanuel Krasovsky, Victor Derevianko, John O’Connor, Howard Shelley, and Leslie Howard. In 2004, Elena recorded her first solo CD of Liszt works with Classica Records. After immigrating to Washington, D.C., she collaborated with Howard Shelley on Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, which, along with Piano Concerto No. 2, was performed with the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra and released on her 2006 Bel Air Music CD. Her performances have been featured on WFMT (Chicago), CKWR (Ontario), and WQED (Pittsburgh). Elena has appeared as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral collaborator worldwide, performing in the U.S., Russia, Ukraine, Great Britain, Austria, Korea, the Netherlands, China, Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania. She has played with the Vienna Musikverein Orchestra, Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra, Crimea State Symphony, State Russian Orchestra “Boyan,” Omsk Philharmonic, and notably performed Rachmaninoff’s Second Concerto with the White Lilacs Festival Orchestra on just four hours’ notice. In 2014, she was named a Steinway Artist. As an educator, Elena has received multiple teaching awards and serves regularly as a juror and examiner for piano competitions and senior recitals, shaping the next generation of pianists.

< Back Previous Anne de Boysson Next Gala at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall April 1, 2024 WATCH VIDEO Raised in an itinerant family, Anne de Boysson was drawn to composition from an early age. In 2013, she won First Prize in Composition at the International “Music and Earth” Competition in Sofia. Shortly thereafter, she received a state commission from France for a cello quintet commemorating the centenary of the First World War. The work premiered in the presence of more than eighty UNESCO ambassadors. Four years later, she was commissioned again—this time by the Army Brass Band (35 musicians)—and her work was featured at the 2018 Gala Concert of the Land Forces in France. A recipient of numerous artistic residencies for composers in France, Israel, and Belgium, de Boysson is regularly invited to festivals for professional panels and jury service. With an eclectic portfolio spanning film, concert music, and multimedia, she has composed music for more than fifty audiovisual projects. Her score for the feature film The Taste of Apples is Red received a Special Mention for Original Music at the Festival International Music & Cinéma de Marseille (2023), and her music for the short film Gauche Touché won Best Music at the International Festival Long Story Shorts (Romania, 2021). In 2021, she released her second album of original works, Fusion, and continues to appear in recital as both pianist and composer across Europe (France, Switzerland, Germany, Sicily, Sardinia). Her compositions have been performed by renowned artists including Elisabeth Möst (Austria), Christoph Bielefeld (Germany), Anna Sutyagina (Germany), Nuala MacKenna (Ireland), Marie Ythier (France), and Jee-Hye Bae (Korea), among others.