Karisa Chiu, United States – Gold Medalist
Recognized for her “distinctive and fascinating intellect” and “easy virtuosity” (Spokesman Review; Cleveland Classical), Karisa Chiu gained international recognition after winning the 2021 Isangyun Violin Competition. She has since performed at major venues such as Carnegie Hall, Severance Hall and Casals Forum, and is a top prize winner at the Singapore, Menuhin and Leopold Mozart competitions. Karisa’s debut album, Home, released in collaboration with pianist Zhu Wang and Cedille Records to critical acclaim.
Elli Choi, United States – Silver Medalist
Award-winning violinist Elli Choi is quickly establishing herself as one of the most captivating violinists of her generation. Choi has performed throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East at esteemed venues such as Carnegie Hall, David Geffen Hall, the Berliner Philharmonie, Het Concertgebouw, Maison Symphonique de Montréal, Tonhalle Zürich, Rudolfinum Dvořák Hall in Prague, the Emirates Palace, and Beijing’s National Center for the Performing Arts, appearing with major orchestras such as the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo, the Belgian National Orchestra, the Novosibirsk Philharmonic Orchestra, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège, and Ulster Orchestra.
Aozhe Zhang, China – Bronze Medalist
Aozhe Zhang is a second-level senior at the Music Middle School Affiliated to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. He began learning the violin at the age of three and a half, and at seventeen won First Prize at the 58th Premio Paganini International Violin Competition. He has since been invited to perform in numerous cities across China and Europe, earning widespread acclaim for his performances.
Xunyue Zhang, China – Fourth Place Laureate
Berlin-based Xunyue Zhang is the First Prize winner of the Mozart International Violin Competition Salzburg (2026), and a Prize Winner of the Michael Hill, Henri Marteau, and the Lipizer international violin competitions. As a soloist, she has performed with orchestras including the Munich Chamber Orchestra and Hofer Symphoniker, appearing in venues such as the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg and Victoria Hall Geneva.
Yesong Sophie Lee, United States – Fifth Place Laureate
After winning First Prize at the 2016 Menuhin International Violin Competition, Yesong Sophie Lee gained international recognition as a leading young artist of her generation. She is a prizewinner of the Sibelius and Seoul International Violin Competitions. Lee has appeared as soloist with the Helsinki Philharmonic, Philharmonia Orchestra, Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Orchestra dei Cameristi della Scala, and others. She performs on the “Ames” Stradivari, on loan from the Ryuji Ueno Foundation and Rare Violins In Consortium.
Lina Nakano, Japan – Sixth Place Laureate
Lina Nakano is currently studying at The Juilliard School as a proud recipient of the Kovner Fellowship, after studying at Toho Gakuen School of Music in Japan. She gained international recognition as the youngest-ever First Prize laureate of the Sendai International Music Competition. As a soloist, Lina has appeared with leading orchestras in Japan and abroad, including the NHK Symphony Orchestra. She performs on the 1702 Stradivarius “Lyall,” generously loaned by the ITOH Foundation.
