Young Chamber Musicians Hitting High Notes in 2024-2025 Season

YCM’s Aves Trio (from Left): Euisun Hong, violin; Huisun Hong, cello; Jacob Rockower, piano

Young Chamber Musicians (YCM), the Bay Area’s premier training ground for high school-aged classical talent, is proud to celebrate a series of extraordinary accomplishments by its student members this season.

Aves Trio Soars to National Spotlight

The Aves Trio have continued creating their place among the nation’s top young ensembles. After advancing to the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition Quarter Finals they will compete in the 52nd Annual Fischoff event in South Bend, Indiana, on May 9, 2025. On their way, they’ll take the stage at New York’s iconic Lincoln Center on May 7, 2025, a prize earned after sweeping both First Prize and Grand Prize at the 11th Coltman Chamber Music Competition in Austin.

Semifinalists Shine at Johansen International Competition

Violist Jennifer Kang (of the Phaseolus Quintet) and cellist Fiona Huang (of Quartet Soleil) have been named semifinalists in the Johansen International Competition for Young String Players, a prestigious competition spotlighting musicians aged 13–18. They will showcase their virtuosity in Washington, D.C., on March 18–19, 2025. Jennifer and Fiona are the first musicians from YCM to attend this competition, though we believe not the last.

Cara Wang Selected for Carmel Valley Masterclass

Cara Wang, cellist of the Mariposa Trio, has been invited to particpate in a masterclass led by Mark Kosower at Hidden Valley Music Seminars in Carmel Valley this May. Renowned for his work as principal cellist of The Cleveland Orchestra, Kosower will provide great direction to our budding musician. Her participation is generously sponsored by longtime arts advocate Peter Gelfand. Last year, YCM's cellist Fiona Huang was selected for this honor and we're excited to send another exceptional musician this year.

Mariposa Trio (from Left): Isaac Choi, piano; Cara Wang, cello; Aaron Ma, violin

Quartet Soleil & Passeri Trio Advance in Statewide MTAC Competitions

YCM’s Quartet Soleil and Passeri Trio cleared the regional rounds of the MTAC VOCE Competition (Senior Instrumental Ensembles Division), earning spots in the statewide finals. Organized by the Music Teachers’ Association of California, VOCE celebrates excellence in collaborative performance. Judge Jennifer Biggs Walton noted Quartet Soleil's "Excellent accuracy and vibrance." Judge Gail Gerding Mellert noted Passeri Trio's pianist, Jesse Distiller, as "[having] wonderful musicianship and [being] a true artist."

Who We Are

Since its founding, YCM has empowered young musicians through intensive coaching, performance opportunities, and community engagement by "learning through listening and performing." You can learn more about the program at YCM by visiting our website