The HHSO YCC was inaugurated 18 years ago to inspire young musicians to greater achievement in classical music. It is now one of the most respected competitions of its type in the Southeast, with applications welcomed from talented student string players from 11 states. Please join us at St. Luke’s Anglican Church for a delightful afternoon of solo repertoire from ten impressive young artists, ages 13 – 18 (from five different states), selected as finalists from more than 40 applicants.

They will compete for cash prizes and festival scholarships, plus our esteemed jury of HHSO Principal string players will select the First-Prize winner, who will be invited to perform with the HHSO next season.

2026 – HHSO YCC Finalists
(in alphabetical order)

Soren Allen-Grunspan, Grade 10, Blythewood, SC, cello
Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky: Rococo Variations, Op. 33 – Theme, Var. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 7

Ayano Hata, Grade 9, Peachtree City, GA, violin
Felix Mendelssohn: Concerto in E minor, Op.64 – First Movement

Philip Jeong, Grade 11, Suwanee, GA, cello
Antonin Dvořák: Concerto in B minor, Op. 104 – First Movement

Regine Lee, Grade 11, Mount Dora, FL, violin
Antonin Dvořák: Concerto in A minor, Op.53 – First Movement

Alexander Moon, Grade 8, Vienna, VA, violin
Jean Sibelius: Concerto in D minor, Op. 47– First Movement

James Post, Grade 8, Arlington, VA, violin
Henryk Wieniawski: Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 22 – First Movement

Natalia Siqueira Biasotto, Grade 11, Apex, NC, violin
W.A. Mozart: Concerto No. 4 in D Major, K.218 – First Movement

Stephanie Suedbeck, Grade 11, Greenville, NC, violin
Felix Mendelssohn: Concerto in E minor, Op.64 – First Movement

Mana Takahashi, Grade 12, Tampa, FL, violin
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Concerto in D Major, Op. 35 – First Movement

Leila Warren, Grade 11, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, violin
Erich Wolfgang Korngold: Concerto in D Major, Op. 35 – First Movement

Panel of Judges for the finals:
Brian Allen, HHSO Principal Violin II
Lizhou Liu, HHSO Principal Viola
Daniel Mumm, HHSO Principal Cello

The Youth Concerto Competition is sponsored by