2026 Winners Biographies
(Selected Winners)
Browse by Year
Koo Ja-seon, South Korea
Koo Ja-seon majored in Vocal Music at the Department of Church Music at Kyungsung University. He subsequently graduated from the Graduate School of Theology at Hansei University, earning a Master of Divinity (M.Div.).
In 2017, he released a solo single through CCM. He was later ordained as a pastor and currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Full Gospel Church.
Alongside his pastoral ministry, Professor Koo serves as an adjunct professor in the Vocal Music Department at Seoul Arts Conservatory and at Dulos 153 Theological Seminary. He remains actively engaged in musical performance, praise and worship, and ministry, seeking to glorify God through music.
Looking ahead, Professor Koo aspires to travel throughout Korea and around the world, sharing the Gospel through music and using his musical gifts to bring glory to God.
Alexandru Tuchiac, Romania
Alexandru Tuchiac is a Romanian clarinetist with a passion for musical performance and continuous artistic development. Throughout his studies, he has taken part in concerts, masterclasses, and international projects that have broadened his musical experience and strengthened his artistic perspective.
As an Erasmus+ student at the Conservatorio di Musica “Umberto Giordano” in Foggia, Italy, he has had the opportunity to collaborate with musicians from different cultural backgrounds and refine his interpretative skills. He is always eager to embrace new challenges, expand his musical horizons, and continue growing as an artist.
James William Simic, United States
James William Simic is a student at the Beethoven’s Apprentice Piano Academy in Lincoln Nebraska, and also a first year student at Pius X High School. James is a winner of multiple national and international piano competitions, and has already performed at some great venues, such as Carnegie Hall, Mozarteum, Royal Academy of Music in London. James has been also invited to play with a few great orchestras around the world. Besides music, James is also an avid supporter of Manchester United Football Club
Phoebe Croteau, Canada
Phoebe Croteau was born in South Korea to a Korean mother and Canadian father. Having begun piano lessons at the age of 5, Phoebe quickly excelled at her instrument and won 1st prize at the Hankook Ilbo Music Competition at the age of 7. That same year, her family moved to Canada where Phoebe continued her piano studies, taking part and garnering top prizes in the OMFA and ORMTA competitions, as well as being a national finalist at the Concours de Musique de Canada.
Internationally, Phoebe has performed solo, chamber, and collaborative concerts in a variety of renowned venues in countries such as the US, Canada, Italy, Russia, South Korea, and so on.
She has also participated in various international summer festivals including Oberlin Conservatory’s Summer piano festival, and the Cervo International Summer Academy in Italy. She has performed in masterclasses and worked with distinguished artists such as Veronica Jochum, Leon Mccawley, Ian Fountain, Jamie Parker, and James Anagnoson.
Phoebe’s most recent accomplishment includes winning top prize at the 2026 Ken Murray Concerto Competition, allowing her to make her debut as a soloist with the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra.
Phoebe previously studied at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory in the class of Natalia Trull and is currently continuing her piano studies at Wilfrid Laurier University under the tutelage of Anya Alexeyev.
Jada Johnson, United States
Jada Lorienna Johnson is a 16-year-old pianist and student at Floretta P. Carson Visual & Performing Arts Academy in Mobile, Alabama. She began studying piano at the age of three in Biloxi, Mississippi, and has since performed in numerous recitals, festivals, and community events. Her achievements include first prizes at the 2024 Piano Virtuoso Competition, the 2025 Golden Lyre Music Competition’s high school category, and the Annual Sonata Competition in both 2025 and 2026.
In 2026, Jada won third prize in the high school division of the Gulf Coast Steinway Competition and performed at its Winners Concert at Carnegie Hall in New York. She also received an Honourable Mention at the AMTA State Competition and participated in the AMTA conference masterclass. Her repertoire includes works by Bach, Handel, Clementi, Chopin, and Dilorom Omonullayeva. Alongside her musical studies, she regularly shares her music through volunteer performances at retirement homes and community venues.
Taeho Kim, United States
Taeho Kim is a clarinetist and student at Bergen County Academies in Hackensack, New Jersey. He began studying piano at seven and took up the clarinet in fifth grade. While living in Minnesota, he studied with Sang-Yoon Kim of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and performed with the Minnesota Youth Symphony. After moving to New Jersey, he joined several ensembles and was selected for the NJ Northern Regional Band’s Wind Orchestra for the 2024–2025 season.
Since 2024, Taeho has held leadership positions in his school band and Amadeus Youth Winds, while also performing with his school’s Chamber Music Society. In 2026, his Brahms clarinet quintet ensemble was named a finalist in the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Young Musicians Concert. He studies with Jacob Han and will continue his musical training at the Manhattan School of Music in fall 2026, developing his artistry through solo, ensemble, and chamber music performance.
Moka Imazeki, Japan
Moka Imazeki is a soprano from Japan, currently studying in the Musical Theatre Course at High School. Aspiring to become a professional musical theatre artist, she has also studied theatre abroad to broaden her artistic perspectives.
She has achieved notable success in competitions, winning 1st Prize at the Supraleitung Methode Japan® Vocal Competition, 2nd Prize at the Special Venue Music Awards, 3rd Prize at the Basel International Vocal Competition, and the Silver Prize at the Inzai International Music Competition. Her accolades also include the Jury Prize at the Tokyo International Orchestral Vocal Competition and 4th Prize at the Cecilia International Music Competition.
Her stage credits include the 2024 production of the musical Annie, the musical concert Jewel Box II, and the Japan Jazz Dance Arts Association’s The Eternal Jazz -Into the Future-.
Leo Yang, New Zealand
Fourteen-year-old Leo Yang is a young New Zealand pianist whose passion for the piano has been evident since he began lessons at age five with Yi Sun and Lixin Zhang. His musical journey is marked by notable achievements: at ten, he received the “Most Promising Performer Under 18” award—the top honour of the Christchurch Competitions Society (2022); he won the Adjudicator’s Award at the 2025 NZ Chamber Music Competition; and he has been selected as a semi-finalist for the 2026 Lewis Eady National Junior Piano Competition. Last month, Leo gave his second solo recital, further demonstrating his artistic growth. Since his debut at twelve, his goal has remained constant: to continually refine his artistry with each performance.
Seonghyeon Kim, South Korea
Seonghyeon Kim is a South Korean composer currently studying Composition at Chugye University for the Arts. He graduated from Incheon Arts High School, where he majored in Composition. He was awarded Third Place at the 7th APEX International Music Competition and received a Special Prize at the 2026 Busan International Music Festival Composition Competition.
Ryoma Yonekura, Japan
Ryoma Yonekura has won numerous accolades, including prizes across various grades at the PTNA Piano Competition National Finals, First Prize in the 4th-Year University Student Division at the 10th Tokyo International Piano Competition, and the Tokyo Shimbun Award. He also won First Prize in the General Division at the 7th Ishikawa International Piano Competition and the Little Pianist Award, among many others.
In March 2025, he held his debut solo recital at the Yamaha Ginza Concert Salon, earning high acclaim for his performance of an “All-Brahms Program: Op.116–119.” He is currently deepening his studies in German repertoire, with a particular focus on the works of Johannes Brahms. Alongside his solo career, he is actively engaged in a wide range of ensemble performances, including vocal and choral accompaniment.
He has studied piano under the late Mayumi Nagase, Yu Kakuno, Momoko Shindo, Yuya Tsuda, and Itsuki Takahashi. After graduating from the Music High School attached to the Faculty of Music, Tokyo University of the Arts, and earning his bachelor’s degree from the university, he is currently a third-year master’s student at the Tokyo University of the Arts Graduate School of Music. Additionally, he serves as a piano assistant instructor at the Itsuki Takahashi Piano School “KLASSE” and as the pianist for the Kanagawa Gakuen Junior and Senior High School Girls’ Choral Club.
Piya Kaur, Australia
Since she was a small child, Piya always enjoyed singing, but it wasn’t until 2023 when she started classical singing lessons that she found her passion for classical music. Since then, she has performed internationally in Prague, Salzburg and Vienna in the MLC School Touring Choir in 2025 and performed in Australian venues such as Sydney Town Hall. Additionally, she competed in the 15 and Under Classical Song Sydney Eisteddfod Competition and came 1st place, scoring 96, after scoring 97 in the same competition a year earlier.
Nikolett Ferenczi-Lévai, Hungary
Nikolett Ferenczi-Lévai is a Hungarian pianist who studied at the Váci Bartók-Pikéthy Secondary School of Music before continuing her education at the University of Miskolc’s Béla Bartók Faculty of Music. She earned her BA in Piano Performance in 2024, followed by master’s degrees in Classical Instrumental Performance (Piano) and Piano Performance and Teaching in 2026. Her teachers have included Tünde Csoba, Krisztina Gulybánné Varga, Balázs Réti, and Gergely Kovács.
Nikolett has participated in masterclasses with pianists including Bruno Vlahek, Balázs Fülei, László Borbély, Fülöp Ránki, and László Stachó. In 2025, she received Third Prize at the 10th Danubia Talents Online Competition. Her performances include graduation recitals in Miskolc and a joint concert with Đorđe Perić at Budapest’s FSZEK Ötpacsirta Salon in 2026.
Bianca Oprea, Romania
Bianca Oprea is a Romanian conductor who began her musical studies as a violinist before earning Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Orchestral Conducting at the National University of Music in Bucharest under Dumitru Goia. She received Third Prize at the 2019 “Ionel Perlea” National Competition for Vocal Performance and Conducting and was a semifinalist in its 2025 international edition. She has further developed her conducting skills through masterclasses, including a workshop with Tess Jackson at the Royal College of Music in London in 2026.
Since 2021, Bianca has conducted over 100 concerts with the Wind Symphony Orchestra through the “Reviving Authentic Brass Bands” project. Since 2024, she has led the all-female White Symphony Orchestra, performing in more than 17 Romanian cities during the “Viennese Christmas” National Tour and at Bucharest’s Sala Palatului. Her engagements also include the “Serghei Lunchevici” National Philharmonic in Chișinău. Alongside conducting, she teaches music theory and has co-authored a collection of rhythmic exercises and solfège studies.
Siyana Krasimirova Ivanova, Bulgaria
Siyana Ivanova is a Bulgarian pianist studying with Zvezdelina Todorova at the National Musical Institute “Dobri Hristov” in Varna. Since 2018, she has actively participated in concerts and competitions, earning national and international recognition, including awards for her interpretations of Bulgarian music. Her achievements include First Prizes at the Asia Pacific International Arts Festival (2021), the National Competition for Young Performers of Bulgarian Music (2024), CLAVISIMO (2024), and the I STAR Platform International Music Competition in London (2025 and 2026).
An active soloist and chamber musician, Siyana has performed at the “Tradition with a Future” Arts Festival and in the “Side by Side” gala celebrating the 80th anniversary of her school. She has also appeared as a soloist with the ANIMA Chamber Orchestra of Varna Teachers in 2025 and the Shumen Symphony Orchestra in 2026.
Amelia Noble-Murray, Australia
Amelia Noble-Murray a Singer, Dancer, Actor and Multi-instrumentalist at just 13 years old has worked professionally in Musical Theatre, Opera, television, film and has received awards nationally and globally.
Her credits include Opera Australia Summer season of Hansel & Gretel, Opera Australia’s Winter Season of La Boheme, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at the Capitol Theatre( Tim Lawson Group), Les Miserables performing alongside Sophie Salvesani, Gold Dinner performing with Paulini, Kids of Macarthur Ball, Sydney Royal Easter Show, Lifeline Charity Ball, Metlife Gala at the Star Event Centre to name a few.
Amelia has appeared in TV and film including Jays Jungle, Hiccup and Sneeze & Hi 5. She has appeared in commercials for Steggles, ANZ, Amazon Web Services, Robert Timms, Iselect and voiceover work for the Smith family.
Amelia’s recognition and awards include an honourable mention in Parliament of NSW, ACE AWARDS Rising Awards Nominee, Rotary Excellence in Performing Arts Overall (12u), Hollywood Bound Overall 1st Highest Score Preteen at Nationals, talent tribe national champion Singing, tap, Musical Theare & jazz.
Jamie Han, Australia
Jamie Han is a passionate and determined young pianist who has achieved remarkable success in a remarkably short period. His deep love for music was sparked the moment he first heard classical masterpieces, igniting a rapid and dedicated musical journey.In 2025, despite demanding time constraints, Jamie’s exceptional development led to outstanding milestones. He achieved an AMEB Grade 8 High Distinction (A+) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, complemented by a brilliant score of 93/100 in AMEB Grade 4 Musicianship.These achievements have opened extraordinary new pathways for the young musician. After winning first place in the prestigious Allen Family Scholarship, Jamie was selected as a student ambassador for the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music. Furthermore, his exceptional talent earned him a Music Scholarship at Central Coast Grammar School, spanning from Year 7 through to Year 12.Driven by rapid artistic growth and new opportunities, Jamie’s ultimate goal is to become a professional concert pianist, sharing his profound technical skill and musical passion with audiences worldwide.
Daeun Chu, South Korea
Daeun Chu is a South Korean cellist currently studying Cello Performance at Hanyang University in Seoul. She graduated from Gyeonggi Arts High School in 2023, where she majored in cello and served as principal cellist of the school orchestra for three years.
In 2026, she won First Prize at the 58th Nanpa National Music Competition. She has performed as a chamber musician and orchestral cellist, including performances with the Hanyang University B Orchestra in 2025 and 2026. She also performed in Hanyang University’s A Night of Piano Chamber Music as a member of a piano trio in 2025 and a piano quintet in 2026.
In 2024, she performed at Konzert der Empathie Music and the 54th Concert World Opening Concert in Pyeongchang. In 2023, she performed with the Hanyang Cello Ensemble. She also received an Excellence Award at the Gyeonggi Music Performance Competition.
Riku Nakazawa, Japan
Riku Nakazawa is a Japanese conductor, composer, arranger, and string player. He studied conducting with Yoshio Nomoto at the Murakata Conducting Academy and later continued his studies in conducting and harmony with Yuki Urabe. His musical training also includes cello and voice, alongside twenty-five years of violin playing before his current transition to the viola.
His conducting repertoire spans works by Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Bartók, and Yasushi Akutagawa, with a particular interest in Czech music, especially Dvořák and Smetana. In October 2025, he conducted the SEM Memorial Orchestra in Beethoven’s Egmont Overture and Smetana’s Vltava. He began composing and arranging at twelve and has written original music for game development groups and theatrical companies.
Aika ONISHI, Japan
Aika Onishi is a Japanese pianist who studied at Tokyo College of Music, pursuing master’s studies with Guigla Katsarava and Nobuyuki Hirose. In 2023, she undertook a scholarship-supported period of study at the Guildhall School of Music in London. She is also a scholarship recipient of the Japan Institute of Art and serves as a research assistant at Tokyo College of Music.
Her achievements include the Grand Prize at the 5th Beethoven International Piano Competition in Asia and the Espoir Prize at the 22nd Osaka International Music Competition. She has also received prizes at the Virtuoso Piano Competition, the Young Artist Piano Competition, and the Rachmaninoff International Piano Competition JAPAN, where she additionally received the Tacticato Orchestra Concerto Nomination Prize. She was a finalist at the 24th Japan Piano Competition and a semifinalist in the highest category, “Tokkyu,” of the 2024 PTNA Piano Competition.
Gunes Sunar, United States
Gunes Sunar is a 16-year-old composer and pianist who began composing at a young age and has since expanded from solo piano writing into chamber music. He is currently pursuing advanced composition study through the Penn State Young Composers Institute and previously completed Indiana University’s Jacobs Composition Academy Summer Intensive, where his music was performed by university musicians. His original compositions have received numerous awards and recognitions in music competitions. He is also the founder of PieceFoundry, a free online music composition platform created to introduce younger students to composition.
Kosei Noda, Japan
Kosei Noda is a bright and energetic 12-year-old Japanese vocalist currently based in Bangkok, Thailand. He has performed a leading role in a major production by Shiki Theatre Company, one of Japan’s leading musical theatre companies.
In summer 2026, Kosei performed at Carnegie Hall in New York. He has also received several international awards, including the Grand Prize at the 2026 Thailand Vocalist Awards, 1st Prize at the Charleston International Music Competition, the Absolute 1st Prize at the Special Venue Music Awards, and 1st Prize with a Jury Special Award at the Basel International Junior Music Competition.
Kosei has also appeared as a soloist on NHK television. He currently studies at Wellington College International School as a Performing Arts Scholar and continues to develop his vocal skills through professional coaching.
With his expressive voice, musicality, and love of storytelling, Kosei hopes to connect with audiences and share the emotions behind each song.
Moana Williams, New Zealand
Moana Williams is an emerging young actor and creative based in Auckland, New Zealand. Currently a Year 12 student at Westlake Boys High School, Moana is deeply dedicated to his craft, focusing his main ambitions on pursuing a career in acting.
But alongside his acting, he is a naturally gifted, self-driven composer and skilled pianist. Choosing to usually develop his musical talents away from the competition circuit, Moana creates original music as a humble extension of his artistic voice. For him, composition is a powerful way to explore mood and narrative, enriching his perspective and bringing a deeper layer of creativity to his storytelling.
Lily Noble, Australia
Lily at 8 years has been singing, dancing and acting since she was 2 years old . Lily has been a national champion in Australia in vocal. Song and tap , jazz and open categories. She won this years Sydney Eisteddfod for contemporary vocal. Her credits include Big W and Warner Bros series . She has performed at Nida Theatre , Sydney Royal Easter Show and for charities including Make a wish and Kids of MacArthur . She recently performed for Teatro Live alongside artists like Caroline Oconnnor and Michael McCormick.
Kota Seki, Japan
Kota Seki is a Japanese pianist who began playing the piano at the age of three. He is a third-year student in the Music Course at Utsunomiya Junior College Attached High School and also studies at the Piano Art Academy affiliated with Showa University of Music. He previously studied with Hanae Mori and currently studies with Keiko Tsuboyama, Fumiko Eguchi, and Masataka Goto. Upon receiving the Grand Prize at the Brahms Young Musician Competition, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his teachers for their guidance and to everyone who has supported him. His lifelong goal is to share the beauty of music with audiences through his performances. He entered the competition to gain wider recognition and build a foundation for future concert opportunities, and hopes that this award will be a meaningful step towards achieving that goal.