Competition

On January 28, 2023, the 36th Annual Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts Instrumental Competition was held at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. Nine finalists performed before a panel of judges from the LA Phil to compete for $18,500 in prizes generously underwritten by Charles and Kathryn Hofgaarden.

The Grand Prize for Exceptional Talent and Musicianship was awarded to Muyang Wu, a 16-year old violinist from Colburn Academy, shown with Pasadena Showcase President Vikki Sung, Instrumental Chair Christine Upton and Head Judge, Christopher Stills. Wu performed excerpts from Sibelius and Bach, with judges describing his playing as “mature, with solid technique and beautiful style.”

2023 Instrumental Competition

Awards

Grand Prize for Exceptional Talent and Musicianship

Muyang Wu, Violin

First Prize Strings

Anaïs Feller, Violin

First Prize Woodwinds

Max Kaminsky, Clarinet

First prize Woodwinds went to Max Kaminsky, 17, a Calabasas High School student who played the Mozart clarinet concerto. First prize Strings went to Anaïs Feller, 17, Concertmaster of the Colburn Virtuosi for her performance of the Mendelssohn violin concerto.

Over $650,000 in prize money has been awarded since the Instrument Competition began in 1985. Several prizewinners enjoy distinguished careers in Classical music. The 2017 Grand Prize winner is now Principal Flutist with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. Cellist Jonathan Karoly, 1996 winner joined the LA Phil. Sheryl Staples, 1988 First Prize Strings winner is Associate Concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic.

Christine Upton

Christine Upton

Instrumental Competition Chair

Second Prize Strings

Samuel Tatsuki, Viola

Anna You, Violin

Second Prize Woodwinds

David Kwon, Oboe

Jack Smith Memorial Award for Most Promising Talent

Zachary Piesner, Bassoon

Honorable Mention

Samuel Guevara, Cello

Cassie Kao, Flute