THE WINNERS OF 2026 COMPETITION

Angie Wang was born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. She began the violin at the age of six and studied with Chiung Wen Chang, Chun Chang, and C. Nanette Chen during her early years. Since then, she has attained various awards, including 2nd place in the Taiwan National Student Music Competition and Gold Award in the 7th Singapore Raffles International Music Festival competition. In 2022, she attended the Colburn Music Academy and studied with Margaret Batjer. Angie is now studying with Catherine Cho at The Juilliard School as a Jerome L. Greene Fellowship recipient. She has attended TMAF, Meadowmount School of Music, Heifetz Institute, Aspen Music Festival and School on full scholarships and fellowships. 

Ryan Chung is a 15-year old American violinist born in South Korea. He has been an active student at the Juilliard Precollege division on scholarship since the age of 10 and is studying under his instructor, Catherine Cho. Ryan is also currently a student at the Perlman Music Program since the age of 12. His playing stands out by his soulful and rich expression characterized by his deep and rounded tone quality. He began learning the violin at the age of six under Sunyoung Lee and has studied under Francesca dePasquale. In 2026, Ryan won the 1st prize at the Caprio Young Artists Competition, from which he will be playing as a guest performer in early December of 2026 with the Riverside Sinfonia. He obtained the grand prize at the Vitas International Music Competition, the New York Laureate International Music Competition, and first place at the Sempre Musick Concerto Competition where he has performed with the Sempre Musick Orchestra.

Furthermore, he also attained the first prize for the Senior Division of the Ensemble 212 Young Artist Competition, in which he was given the opportunity to record with the Ensemble 212 Orchestra. He also gained numerous prizes from earlier ages including the Gold prize at the Vivo International Music Competition, and the 1st prizes of the strings category at the International Grande Music Competition and the Bellagrande International Music Competition. In August of 2025, Ryan recorded the 1st movement of Prokofiev’s 2nd Violin Concerto with the Prague Metropolitan Orchestra for a project run by the NV factory recording studio. In addition, he has recorded a caprice from the renowned violinist and composer Curtis Stewart in his newest album, 24 American Caprices in November of 2025. Ryan has also had the position of concert master at the Juilliard Pre College Symphony Orchestra, and is passionate about playing chamber music.

On top of playing the violin, Ryan displays exceptional talent in composing as he currently possesses 7 completed opuses. He demonstrates mastery in composing for numerous musical ensembles such as orchestra, solo piano, and chamber alongside his colorful and vibrant sense of harmony. Moreover, he loves to play for his church with a love for glorifying God through music. Outside of music, Ryan enjoys animating and video editing.

Freya Chen is a 9-year-old violinist studying at the Juilliard Pre-College under the guidance of Elizabeth Chang and Ellen DePasquale. She began playing the violin at an early age and quickly developed a deep love for music and performance. Drawn to the expressive and storytelling qualities of classical repertoire, Freya finds joy in shaping musical phrases and bringing character and emotion to every work she performs.

She has received top honors in numerous international competitions, including the Gold Award at the Bravura Philharmonic Young Artists Concerto Competition and Second Prize at the Leonid Kogan International Competition. Her additional achievements include Top Prize at the International Grande Music Competition, Grand Prize and Scholarship Award at the VITAS International Music Competition, Grand Prize at the New York Laureate International Music Competition, Grand Reward at the Apex International Music Competition, and Grand Prize and Cash Award at the Prima Volta International Music Competition. She has also earned First Place and Best Performance Award at the Miclot International Music Competition, First Place at the Manhattan International Music Competition, First Place in the American Virtuoso International Music Competition, Gold Prize and Cash Award at the VIVO International Music Competition, and First Prize and Jury’s Pick Award at the New York Artists International Competition. She was also recognized as a Finalist in the Ensemble 212 Concerto Competition.

Freya has been featured in interviews and live performances on major national and local television networks, including CBS Mornings, NBC News, and NY1. She also had the extraordinary honor of performing on Mozart’s childhood violin, becoming the first violinist in the United States invited to play this historic instrument.

Beyond music, Freya enjoys reading, skiing, tennis, and traveling with her family, and loves exploring new cultures and experiences. She is passionate about sharing music with others and hopes to inspire joy and connection through her performances.