WINNERS | NY Classical Awards

2025 Winners

Yuxin Xiao

Madison Joo

Madison Joo, a 16-year-old student from Glenelg High School, under Soo Chung’s instruction since 2018, has placed in several international competitions, including the 2024 Concert Artist International Competition (3rd Place), the 2024 New York International Classical Music Competition (3rd Prize), the 2024 Young Soloist International Music Competition (3rd Prize), and the 2025 American Protégé International Piano & Strings Competition (3rd Place). Madison serves as Tri-M secretary, plays keyboard in jazz band, flute in the marching band, and has played volleyball for Maryland Juniors since 2021.

Jonasz Jochemczyk

Jonasz Jochemczyk was born in 2001 in Olkusz, Poland. He is a student of the K. Penderecki Academy of Music in Cracow and his teacher is Prof. Gajusz Kęska. Jonasz is the prizewinner of over 30 national and international piano competitions (in Rome, Angri, Vienna, Paris, Cracow, Reiding). In December 2024, he received a Scholarship from the Minister of Culture and National Heritage for outstanding artistic achievements.

Joohan Sim

I am Joohan Sim, a 7th-grade student at SSI. I started studying piano in November 2003 and have participated in various competitions. In February, I had the opportunity to perform Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 with the Prime Philharmonic Orchestra. Outside of piano, I am involved in a violin orchestra and a Catholic choir. Before graduating middle school, I have always wanted to perform at Carnegie Hall.

Alec Van Khajadourian

Alec began exuding musical abilities at two years old, humming melodies and matching them to the piano keys. It was evident he has perfect pitch. He has been performing for audiences since 2024 (four years old), playing various pieces by Beethoven, Bach, Gillock, and Burgmüller. Alec recently won First Prize in the 2025 Charleston International Music Competition. He enjoys composing music and learning to play popular songs by ear.

Jibin Yoon

Jibin Yoon began to shine on stage at the age of 5, when she participated in her very first music competition, having started her violin journey at just 3 years old. She has since won first prize in several major music competitions in Korea. In the meantime, she proved herself to be a truly heartfelt young violinist by winning at the 4th HKIYMC International Music Competition in Hong Kong in 2024, at the age of just 7.

Hyeon Min Cho

Hyeon Min Cho, 16, a sophomore at Wissahickon High School, has played viola for three years after two years of violin study. He placed 3rd in the 2023 TMEA Regionals, performed in the 2024 PMEA District Orchestra, and is a two-year PYO(Philadelphia Youth Orchestra) member. As principal violist of his school’s Symphony Orchestra, he leads performances and mentors young musicians, demonstrating dedication to music and leadership.

Isaac Clavelle

Isaac Fieldstone Clavelle, from Miami, Florida, initiated piano training with instructor Adrian Quesada and was encouraged by his uncle Josh Fieldstone, also a pianist and music enthusiast. In the past three years, Isaac's skills and passion have flourished under the guidance of Armenian artist Armen Martirosyan, especially when playing melodic pieces where he can fully emote. Isaac is humbled and honored to represent the brilliant musicians who inspired him.

Greisi Voja

I am Greisi Voja, an international student from Albania, currently pursuing my undergraduate studies in Dahlonega, Georgia. I am a senior-level music student at the University of North Georgia, majoring in piano performance.
With ten years of experience as a pianist, I have successfully participated in several piano competitions across Georgia.
Upon graduating in May 2025, I look forward to further refining my artistic and performance skills, as I aspire to become a professional performer. Pursuing graduate studies would greatly support me in achieving my career goals as a performer and in preparing for a teaching career—both in academia and in private studio settings.
The piano has always been an important instrument to me, serving as a powerful means of expressing my emotions through music.

Farah Ozturk

Farah Öztürk started her piano education at Mersin University State Conservatory in 2022. In 2023, she was selected for the "International Career Project" of the Tiziano Rossetti International Music Academy in Lugano, Switzerland. She continues her education there as well.

Awards
“Young Talent Award”, International Rhapsody Piano Festival and Competition, Turkey, 2023.
"First Prize", 5 th Swiss International online Music Competition, Lugano, 2023.
"First Prize", International Youth Music Competitions, USA, 2023.
"First Prize", international Deux Mains Et Un Piano Competition, France, 2023.
“Second Prize", International BTHVN Wien Competition, Wien, 2023.
“Second Prize”, Ad Libitum International Piano Competition, 2023.
“Outstanding Achievement Award”International Rhapsody Piano Festival and Competition", Turkey, 2024.
“Honorary Mention Award” Salzburg International Music Competition, Austria, 2024.
“Second place” 7th World Harmony International Competition, Baku, 2024.

Eun Jae Kim

Music is more than just a hobby—it’s a part of who I am. As a 10-year-old pianist, I have spent the past year exploring the beauty and magic of the piano. Every note I play fills me with joy, and through each melody, I tell stories and express feelings that words alone cannot.

I have proudly earned two gold medals in school competitions, and I’m eager to take on more challenges to further develop my skills and gain new experiences. Each performance is a step forward in my musical journey, and I am excited to continue growing as a pianist.

To me, the piano is not just an instrument—it is my voice, my adventure, and my greatest source of happiness.

Polonia Choir

The Polonia Children's Choir provides exceptional musical education and performance opportunities for children in the New York region.
The choir operates at Our Lady of Consolation Parish in Brooklyn. The choir's conductor is Dominik Grzyb.
The choir and soloists have won numerous international music competitions:
- 1st place in the National Polish Song Festival in Opole under the patronage of Polish Television and Polish Radio Channel I in the Premiere category, the International Pueri Cantores Festival, 1st place in the "O Ziemio Polska – z pieśnią i piosenki do Niepodległości" Festival, 1st place in the We Are Free Festival, 1st place in the "Drogi Do Wolnosci" festival, 1st place in the "Young Talents" competition - Polish-Slavic Center, winner of the Voice of the Little Heart, American Young Voices, European Cantates, Jazz is the Best Awards National Culture Center, and winner of the Polish Radio Talent Competition at the Polish Radio Studio. Winner of the W. Szpilman European Song Festival, Bronze Medal in the Choir Competition organized by the Witold Lutosławski National Forum of Music, the Stanisław Jopek Competition organized by the Mazowsze State Song and Dance Ensemble, the "Cursed Soldiers – Enduring Heroes" competition, Polonia Singing, and many others. The choir annually performs musicals in Broadway theaters. The Polonia Choir is a member of Polonia 4U, which promotes Polish and American culture by running an orchestra, a music school, and a song studio for children and youth. The Polonia Choir enjoys international recognition for its outstanding artistic achievements and sound, collaborates with numerous artistic organizations and artists, and maintains an active concert schedule. The choir collaborates with Polish Further Educational Schools in America, the Pulaski Parade Committee, the Polish Consulate in New York, and many other organizations. The choir's activities are constantly supported by cultural ambassadors such as: The Polish Supplementary School Council in America with president Dorota Andraka, Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union and Pulaski Association of Business and Professional Men.

David Cameron

David Cameron is a New York City-based classical piano student and performer. He has been performing on the piano since the age of six, and has dabbled in different instruments since the age of two. Notable achievements in piano include placing 3rd in the Junior Category of the American Protégé International Piano & Strings Competition 2023, which allowed him to perform at Carnegie Hall. He was also selected as a 3rd place winner in the 2023 Prima Volta Music Competition. He has performed for outreach programs at Riverside Rehab Center and the New Jewish Home, and has twice performed at Steinway Hall. He participates annually in NYSSMA music evaluation festivals. After a hiatus in 2024 due to a severe hand injury, he looks forward to returning to the competitive piano circuit in 2025.

Chloe Chung

Chloe Chung started playing the violin at the age of 6. She has been a member of the Howard County GT Orchestra since 3rd grade, where she has served as concertmistress, principal, or assistant principal for several years. Additionally, she joined the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra (BSYO) in 2022 and served as concertmistress during the spring concert cycle in 2023. She is scheduled to serve as concertmistress on the BSYO Portugal Tour in the summer of 2025.
Chloe has been a member of the Maryland All-State Orchestra from 2022 to 2025. She has received awards in several competitions, including the YMIC International Competition (2019), Charleston International Music Competition (2023), OPUS Competition (2023, 2024), BSYO Concerto Competition (2023), HCYO Concerto Competition (2024), and the U.S. Army Orchestra Young Artist Competition (2025).

Carl Von Merz III

Carl von Merz III, age 12, from Houston, Texas, began taking piano lessons at age five and has performed in multiple recitals, including at the Houston Steinway Selection Center. His teacher is Dr. Chaden Yafi. He received an Honorary Mention at the 2024 New York Classical Competition. Carl’s three younger brothers and sister also play piano. Carl plays baseball, basketball and golf and cheers for the Houston Astros.

Bowen Liu

Bowen (Peter) Liu is currently completing his DMA in piano performance at the University of Iowa under the tutelage of, Dr. Ksenia Nosikova. In addition to solo repertoire, Peter has performed many concertos include Prokofiev 2nd, Rachmaninoff 2nd and many others. He is a winner of the Schubert Club competition and Music international Grand Prix. In 2024, he had his international debut in Brazil with a focus on American music.

Chloe Celinsa Wilian

My name is Chloe Celinsa Wilian. I am a 14 years old middle-schooler in Singapore. What started as my parents' attempt to discover the many potentials I might have during my elementary years had grown into a passion and great interest in classical music. Under my teacher's guidance and the discipline instilled in me since young, I hope to continue exploring classical music and hopefully one day be able play with my very own grand piano.

Jane Berghoff

Jane Berghoff, a classical pianist from Salt Lake City, holds degrees from Manhattan School of Music, Indiana University, and Brigham Young University. She has won awards including the Gold Award at the 2nd Leman Lake International Music Competition and Second Prize at the XI Stockholm International Music Competition. Ms. Berghoff has performed nationwide and teaches as an Associate Instructor in the Piano Division at the University of Utah.

2024 Winners

Opus Trio - Portugal