Young Adult Artists' Competition
Plans for the 2026 competition are in progress. The competition will be held Saturday, March 21 in Whittier, California and the application will be available online January 2026. The categories are:
Piano and Brass, Woodwind and Percussion
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Whittier College Memorial Chapel
13406 Philadelphia St.
Whittier, California 90601
Congratulations to all of the participants of the 56th Annual Young Adult Artists’ Competition.
The winner in each category will perform as a soloist with the Whittier Regional Symphony during the 2026-27 season. In addition, each winner will receive $1,000, and each runners-up a $500 cash award to further their music education.
Who Can Apply: Students who are residents of California or attending a California university, college, or school, or are
studying with a private music teacher in California. All contestants must be between 16 and 26 years old. The competition is limited to the first 15 eligible applicants.
For more information, please email questions to Dr. Fay Weber at faycweber@gmail.com or contact the Whittier Regional Symphony Association office at 562.698.8626.
STRING & VOICE
The winner in each category will perform as a soloist with the Whittier Regional Symphony during the 2025-26 season. In addition, each winner will receive $1,000, and each runners-up a $500 cash award to further their music education.
Who Can Apply: Students who are residents of California or attending a California university, college, or school, or are studying with a private music teacher in California. All contestants must be at least 16 years old. String players cannot be older than 26 at the time of the competition; vocalists cannot be older than 30. The competition is limited to the first 15 eligible applicants.
For more information, please call Dr. Fay Weber at 562 631 5262 or email questions to faycweber@gmail.com or contact the Whittier Regional Symphony Association office at 562 698 8626.
Print applications to be sent to YAAC Chair, Dr. Fay Weber. Email questions to Dr. Fay Weber at faycweber@gmail.com or call (562) 631-5262.
Young Adult Artists’ Competition
Past Competitors
Gracie Potter
Landon Fringer
Kana Funayama
WINNERS
The winners will perform with the Orchestra at upcoming concerts.
Erica Lee, Piano
Erica Lee is a Los Angeles-based pianist and educator. She is currently pursuing a DMA in Piano Performance at USC’s Thornton School of Music, where she also earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees under the guidance of Dr. Lucinda Carver and Jeffrey Kahane. At USC, Erica serves as a keyboard studies studio teaching assistant for piano majors. Her recent achievements include finalist distinctions in the Rosalyn Tureck International Bach Competition and the USC Concerto Competition, and performances broadcast on Classical California’s radio station, KUSC.
Erica serves as a studio teaching assistant for piano majors for USC’s Keyboard Studies Department and has performed in masterclasses for distinguished artists, including Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Dr. John Kimura Parker, Isata Kanneh-Mason, and Dr. Mike Cheng-Yu Lee. In addition to solo performance, she is an active chamber musician on both piano and harpsichord, coached by Dr. Lucinda Carver, Glenn Dicterow, and Dr. Seth Parker Woods.
A member of the Music Teachers National Association USC Collegiate Chapter, Erica has represented the chapter at both state and national conferences and currently serves as the chapter’s president. She is also a faculty member at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. In addition to her
musical training, Erica holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from USC’s Marshall School of Business.
Beyond piano, Erica has a diverse musical background. With nine years of experience studying flute with Ginny Atherton, she made her solo debut with the LA Premiere Orchestra conducted by Norman Henry Mamey at the age of 14. Later that year, she was one of two musicians awarded the
inaugural Norman Henry Mamey Music Scholarship. Other orchestral appearances include soloist performances with the Pasadena Summer Youth Chamber Orchestra and the La Cañada High School
Orchestra. Erica is also a former member of the USC Thornton Concert Choir, led by Dr. Cristian Grases, performing at various collegiate festivals and conferences. Erica is a proud alumna of the Pasadena Conservatory of Music and joined the piano faculty in 2021.
During her time at the conservatory, she studied solo piano and chamber music with artist-teacher, Dr. Susan Svrcek. At PCM, she regularly performed at student showcases and played in masterclasses by Dr. Caroline Oltmann, Gilead Mishory, Dr. Raymond Ericksen, and Craig Richey, to name a few. In 2015, she was named the inaugural recipient of the Estelle Broussard Schlueter Piano Scholarship. During the pandemic and in partnership with PCM, Erica launched the podcast series “Practice Break” and co-hosted the episodes with Ashley Cheng, a childhood friend and duet partner. Together, the duo dived into their experiences navigating the world of classical music as students and young professionals. Beyond music, Erica is an avid cat-lover and plant mom.
Minami Mori, Flute
22-year-old flutist Minami Mori became a musician at the age of 4 by playing the piano and violin. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, the SF Symphony’s epic Tchaikovsky 4 solidified her drive to become a professional musician. After hearing them, she committed to the flute, which she started playing in 4th grade, and knew it could fulfill her dream.
Her formal education began with lessons from Youtuber “JustAnotherFlutist”, or Joanna Soh. For her Bachelor of Music, she studied with Patricia Cloud at UC Irvine, where she found her stage presence
through solo and chamber performances, and was awarded the chance to play Ibert’s Flute Concerto with the UCI Symphony Orchestra.
Outside of performing, Minami is a flute teacher, having taught at Irvine Yamaha Music School and with UC Irvine. Through the Claire Trevor School of the Arts’ Creative Connections outreach program, she was a teaching artist who specialized in strengthening the beginner bands’ flute sections. She currently runs a private music studio from her home, teaching beginner flutists.
As a current Master’s student at UCLA, she is working with Professor Ben Smolen towards her Master of Music in Flute Performance. During her time in school, she hopes to branch out into the professional world through participating in regional auditions, teaching, and collaborating with musicians and
ensembles.
Minami plays on a Miyazawa 958 Silver flute, and has been a flutist for over 14 years. Away from the flute, Minami enjoys exploring local bakeries and attending orchestra concerts in LA and Orange County
Runners-Up
Wanjoong Kim, Piano
Born and raised in South Korea, pianist Wanjoong Kim is recognized for his profound musicality and technical mastery. After refining his talents at Yewon School and Seoul Arts High School, he received early acceptance to the New England Conservatory of Music (NEC), allowing him to forgo his final year of high school. At NEC, Wanjoong studied with Professor Bruce Brubaker, earning his Bachelor and Master of Music under his guidance. He is now pursuing the Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, studying with Professor Daniel Pollack. As a soloist, Wanjoong has performed with ensembles such as the Gimpo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Busan National Symphony Orchestra, where he earned both First and Grand Prizes in their respective competitions. Internationally, he was awarded First Prize at the 5th Swiss International Music Competition, organized by the Tiziano Rossetti International Music Academy. A devoted chamber musician, Wanjoong has participated in distinguished festivals including Music in PyeongChang, the Seattle Piano Institute, and the Colburn School Piano Festival, expanding his artistic insight and repertoire. His versatility spans from Baroque masterpieces to contemporary works, always marked by sensitivity, imagination, and virtuosity. With his artistry and unwavering commitment to excellence, Wanjoong seeks to inspire audiences worldwide and continue shaping his voice on the global concert stage.
Grigorii Avetisian, Clarinet
Clarinetist Grigorii Avetisian was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in 1999.
His musical career started at the Central Music School based on the State Conservatory (class of Professor Andrey Bolshiyanov).
In 2022, he completed his education at St. Petersburg Conservatory and moved to the US to continue his studies at California State University.
Earning a Masters of Music Performance degree in California State University Fullerton in 2026
2014-2017 he was the principal clarinetist of the touring chamber orchestra Vasiliev-Ostrov.
Every year, the chamber orchestra visited over 10 European countries, and during his latest tour, Grigorii performed Weber clarinet concerto No 1.
In 2015, he was the soloist at the festival Days of Russian Culture in Hungary, being the youngest musician there.
He participated in the Summer Chamber Academy in Mürren, Switzerland, in 2016, and 2017
The laureate of the Russian young performers’ competition in St. Petersburg, 2011 (First place).
The laureate of the competition for woodwinds Petersburg Spring, 2013 (First place).
The laureate of IV International Music Competition in Stockholm, 2015 (First place).
The laureate of the International N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov Woodwinds and Brass competition, 2016 (Third place).
Grigorii has worked with many conductors such as Valerii Gergiev, Yuri Temirkanov, Teodor Curentzis, Mariss Jansons and others.
Grigorii has performed at numerous venues, including Carnegie Hall, St. Petersburg State Philarmony, State Capella, Mariinsky Theatre, Tchaikovsky Concert Hall and others.
WINNERS
The winners will perform with the Orchestra at upcoming concerts.
Erica Lee, Piano
Erica Lee is a Los Angeles-based pianist and educator. She is currently pursuing a DMA in Piano Performance at USC’s Thornton School of Music, where she also earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees under the guidance of Dr. Lucinda Carver and Jeffrey Kahane. At USC, Erica serves as a keyboard studies studio teaching assistant for piano majors. Her recent achievements include finalist distinctions in the Rosalyn Tureck International Bach Competition and the USC Concerto Competition, and performances broadcast on Classical California’s radio station, KUSC.
Erica serves as a studio teaching assistant for piano majors for USC’s Keyboard Studies Department and has performed in masterclasses for distinguished artists, including Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Dr. John Kimura Parker, Isata Kanneh-Mason, and Dr. Mike Cheng-Yu Lee. In addition to solo performance, she is an active chamber musician on both piano and harpsichord, coached by Dr. Lucinda Carver, Glenn Dicterow, and Dr. Seth Parker Woods.
A member of the Music Teachers National Association USC Collegiate Chapter, Erica has represented the chapter at both state and national conferences and currently serves as the chapter’s president. She is also a faculty member at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. In addition to her
musical training, Erica holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from USC’s Marshall School of Business.
Beyond piano, Erica has a diverse musical background. With nine years of experience studying flute with Ginny Atherton, she made her solo debut with the LA Premiere Orchestra conducted by Norman Henry Mamey at the age of 14. Later that year, she was one of two musicians awarded the
inaugural Norman Henry Mamey Music Scholarship. Other orchestral appearances include soloist performances with the Pasadena Summer Youth Chamber Orchestra and the La Cañada High School
Orchestra. Erica is also a former member of the USC Thornton Concert Choir, led by Dr. Cristian Grases, performing at various collegiate festivals and conferences. Erica is a proud alumna of the Pasadena Conservatory of Music and joined the piano faculty in 2021.
During her time at the conservatory, she studied solo piano and chamber music with artist-teacher, Dr. Susan Svrcek. At PCM, she regularly performed at student showcases and played in masterclasses by Dr. Caroline Oltmann, Gilead Mishory, Dr. Raymond Ericksen, and Craig Richey, to name a few. In 2015, she was named the inaugural recipient of the Estelle Broussard Schlueter Piano Scholarship. During the pandemic and in partnership with PCM, Erica launched the podcast series “Practice Break” and co-hosted the episodes with Ashley Cheng, a childhood friend and duet partner. Together, the duo dived into their experiences navigating the world of classical music as students and young professionals. Beyond music, Erica is an avid cat-lover and plant mom.
Minami Mori, Flute
22-year-old flutist Minami Mori became a musician at the age of 4 by playing the piano and violin. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, the SF Symphony’s epic Tchaikovsky 4 solidified her drive to become a professional musician. After hearing them, she committed to the flute, which she started playing in 4th grade, and knew it could fulfill her dream.
Her formal education began with lessons from Youtuber “JustAnotherFlutist”, or Joanna Soh. For her Bachelor of Music, she studied with Patricia Cloud at UC Irvine, where she found her stage presence
through solo and chamber performances, and was awarded the chance to play Ibert’s Flute Concerto with the UCI Symphony Orchestra.
Outside of performing, Minami is a flute teacher, having taught at Irvine Yamaha Music School and with UC Irvine. Through the Claire Trevor School of the Arts’ Creative Connections outreach program, she was a teaching artist who specialized in strengthening the beginner bands’ flute sections. She currently runs a private music studio from her home, teaching beginner flutists.
As a current Master’s student at UCLA, she is working with Professor Ben Smolen towards her Master of Music in Flute Performance. During her time in school, she hopes to branch out into the professional world through participating in regional auditions, teaching, and collaborating with musicians and
ensembles.
Minami plays on a Miyazawa 958 Silver flute, and has been a flutist for over 14 years. Away from the flute, Minami enjoys exploring local bakeries and attending orchestra concerts in LA and Orange County
Runners-Up
Wanjoong Kim, Piano
Born and raised in South Korea, pianist Wanjoong Kim is recognized for his profound musicality and technical mastery. After refining his talents at Yewon School and Seoul Arts High School, he received early acceptance to the New England Conservatory of Music (NEC), allowing him to forgo his final year of high school. At NEC, Wanjoong studied with Professor Bruce Brubaker, earning his Bachelor and Master of Music under his guidance. He is now pursuing the Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, studying with Professor Daniel Pollack. As a soloist, Wanjoong has performed with ensembles such as the Gimpo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Busan National Symphony Orchestra, where he earned both First and Grand Prizes in their respective competitions. Internationally, he was awarded First Prize at the 5th Swiss International Music Competition, organized by the Tiziano Rossetti International Music Academy. A devoted chamber musician, Wanjoong has participated in distinguished festivals including Music in PyeongChang, the Seattle Piano Institute, and the Colburn School Piano Festival, expanding his artistic insight and repertoire. His versatility spans from Baroque masterpieces to contemporary works, always marked by sensitivity, imagination, and virtuosity. With his artistry and unwavering commitment to excellence, Wanjoong seeks to inspire audiences worldwide and continue shaping his voice on the global concert stage.
Grigorii Avetisian, Clarinet
Clarinetist Grigorii Avetisian was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in 1999.
His musical career started at the Central Music School based on the State Conservatory (class of Professor Andrey Bolshiyanov).
In 2022, he completed his education at St. Petersburg Conservatory and moved to the US to continue his studies at California State University.
Earning a Masters of Music Performance degree in California State University Fullerton in 2026
2014-2017 he was the principal clarinetist of the touring chamber orchestra Vasiliev-Ostrov.
Every year, the chamber orchestra visited over 10 European countries, and during his latest tour, Grigorii performed Weber clarinet concerto No 1.
In 2015, he was the soloist at the festival Days of Russian Culture in Hungary, being the youngest musician there.
He participated in the Summer Chamber Academy in Mürren, Switzerland, in 2016, and 2017
The laureate of the Russian young performers’ competition in St. Petersburg, 2011 (First place).
The laureate of the competition for woodwinds Petersburg Spring, 2013 (First place).
The laureate of IV International Music Competition in Stockholm, 2015 (First place).
The laureate of the International N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov Woodwinds and Brass competition, 2016 (Third place).
Grigorii has worked with many conductors such as Valerii Gergiev, Yuri Temirkanov, Teodor Curentzis, Mariss Jansons and others.
Grigorii has performed at numerous venues, including Carnegie Hall, St. Petersburg State Philarmony, State Capella, Mariinsky Theatre, Tchaikovsky Concert Hall and others.
We Thank All Who Participated And Are Pleased To Present The Winners And Runners-Up Of The Young Adult Artists’ Competition 2025
WINNERS 2025
Eiline Tai, cello, performed November 23, 2025, and Lily Berthold, voice, performed September 21, 2025, with the Whittier Regional Symphony at the Vic Lopez Auditorium.
Eiline Tai, String
Eiline has performed internationally as a cellist, making her solo debut at the age of 10 with the Southern California Philharmonic after winning the Young Artist Competition. Since then, she has performed in prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Zipper Concert Hall, Jordan Hall, New World Center, and Kaufman Music Center. Her musical journey has taken her to play in the United States, Switzerland, Germany, Liechtenstein, Canada, France, Slovenia, England, and Italy. At just 16, she has had the privilege of studying Beethoven’s complete five cello sonatas with Maestro Alfred Brendel. In 2020, Eiline was invited to participate in the Piatigorsky International Cello Festival’s Mass Cello Ensemble at Walt Disney Concert Hall. She gained further recognition in January 2023 when she appeared on NPR’s From The Top nationwide radio show. Demonstrating outstanding artistry and dedication, she was awarded the 2025 YoungArts Award Winner with Distinction, the highest honor from the National Foundation, and invited to the YoungArts Week in Miami.
Eiline has appeared as a soloist with several symphonies, including the Southern California Philharmonic and Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra.
Currently, Eiline is a Kohl Scholar studying at the Colburn School.
Lily Berthold, Voice
Lily Berthold is an operatic soprano based in Los Angeles. After making her operatic debut in the summer of 2023 as Mozart’s heroine Pamina, Lily has quickly become an in demand singer. The talented soprano is making her mark on the opera scene throughout California, having performed as a soloist with notable companies statewide, such as: Opera SLO, Pacific Lyric Association, Lyric Opera Orange County, Mission Opera, & more. Select role credits include: Adina in L’elisir D’amore, Gretel in Hänsel und Gretel, Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi, Valencienne in The Merry Widow, Pamina in Die Zauberflöte, & Frasquita in Carmen. Ms. Berthold is in the first year of her Master’s Degree, attending Bob Cole Conservatory of Music (BCCM) at California State University Long Beach, graduating in 2026.
RUNNERS-UP 2025
Yul Yang, Strings
Yul Yang is a junior at Northwood High School in Irvine, CA, and an accomplished cellist recognized in both national and international competitions. He was one of six American semi-finalists in the XI International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians. He has won first place in the Edith Knox Concerto Competition, the South Coast Symphony Young Stars of the Future Competition, and the California ASTA State Solo Competition (Southern California Division) in both 2022 and 2024.
Zachary Mascarinas, Voice
A passionate performer, Zachary Mascarinas has showcased his talent in operatic roles with esteemed institutions such as the CSULB Opera Institute and Chicago Summer Opera. Notable performances include Harashta in The Cunning Little Vixen, Dr. Falke in Die Fledermaus, and the Vicar in Albert Herring with Chicago Summer Opera in 2024. Looking ahead, Zach will prepare the role of Papageno in Die Zauberflöte with the CSULB Opera Institute in Spring 2025 and the role of Figaro in The Ghost of Versailles with Miami Music Festival in Summer 2025. Zach has graced the stage with Pacific Opera Project in Madame Butterfly and collaborated with Lyric Opera of Orange County on their production of The Mighty Casey. He was the winner of the 2024 SoCalPhil Young Artist Competition and is pleased to earn First Runner Up in the 2025 Whittier Regional Symphony Young Artist Competition.