Winter Concert
FEB 11, 2024
3:00 pm
PACIFIC NW
RISING STARS E-PROGRAM

FEATURING FOUR of the SIX WORLD-CLASS PLATINUM MEDALISTS of the 2023 Bellevue Symphony Concerto Competition!

JULIA YI, violin
CHARLES LEE, cello
JANE KWON, piano
TAIYO OISHI, piano

Mozart: Overture to 'The Magic Flute'
Saint-Saens: Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso Op 28
Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No 1, 1st mov.
Kabalevsky: Piano Concerto No 3 in D major, 1st mov.
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto no. 1 in F-sharp minor, 1st mov.
Dvorak: Symphony no. 8 in G major
Allegro con brio
Adagio
Allegretto grazioso — Molto vivace
Allegro ma non troppo

Sunday, February 11, 2024 at 3pm
Meydenbauer Theater, 11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004

Maestro Brian Davenport

Born in Walla Walla, Washington, Maestro A. Brian Davenport began his interest in music at the age of four. After obtaining his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music from Harvard, he spent three years in Paris, France, studying music under the famous Nadia Boulanger, and conducting in Monte Carlo under the tutelage of Igor Markevitch. He has conducted orchestras in countries throughout the world, including China, Scandanavia, Germany, and Ukraine. In 1990, he conducted the Federal Way Symphony in the opening sellout performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony for the Goodwill Games. He also conducted the world premiere of Handel's Messiah in Russian in the city of Kazan.

Board of Directors:
Dr. Sara Wagner, Board Member, Executive Director
Allan Park, President
Dr. Adam Aleksander, 1st Vice President
Nino Merabishvili, 2nd Vice President
Dr. Hanna Cyba, Secretary
Brian Davenport, Treasurer
Dana Davenport, Board Member, Logistics
Jeff Elwell, Board Member, Concert Manager
Kevin Burton, Board Member, Hospitality Manager

Bellevue Symphony Staff
Bob Gale, Personnel Manager
Deborah McClellan, Librarian

Advisors
Dr. Yelena Balabanova, Advisor
Dr. Natalya Ageyeva, Advisor
Dr. Renato Fabbro, Advisor
Conney Vernall, Advisor

JULIA YI, violin

Julia Yi, age 16, began violin at four, and is currently studying under Leonid Keylin, following tutelage from renowned teachers Jan Colman, Ron Patterson, and Simon James. She's garnered numerous awards in state, regional, and international competitions, including First Prize awards in international competitions in Seattle, New York, London, and Italy, notably performing at Carnegie Hall at 14. Julia received the Edgar Borup Memorial Award, Special Adjudicator Award as a winner of the Concerto and Solo categories twice in the Performing Arts Festival of the East Side. She holds several Gold Seal Awards from the Seattle Young Artist Music Festival, was the Distinguished Gold Medalist at the Seattle International Virtuoso Artist Festival, and has secured accolades from the Seattle Music Teachers Association Simon-Fiset and Korean Music Association. Winning the Pacific Northwest Concerto Competition Gold Trophy led her to perform with the Bellevue Symphony Chamber Orchestra, and recently, she was awarded the First Prize Winner at the International Music Competition London Grand Prize Virtuoso, earning a solo performance at the Royal Albert Hall in 2023. Julia has served as Concertmaster and Principal for the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra, performing solo at Benaroya Hall at age 11. She was chosen for the High School Northwest division and All-State Honor Group Orchestra and won the Regional and State Solo and Ensemble. Also as a pianist, she has studied with Allan Park, achieving Gold medalist at the Virtuoso Seattle Competition and awards in the Sonata Competition. Julia's early engagement in international traditional dance, performing at venues like McCaw Hall, complements her multifaceted artistic growth, shaping her future aspirations.

CHARLES LEE, cello

Charles Lee, a 10th grader at Lakeside School in Seattle, started playing the cello at the age of 4. Since then, he has distinguished himself in numerous competitions, including winning the 3rd Grand Prize in the Strings category (age 8-35) at the Vancouver International Music Competition, 2nd place in Bellagrande International Music competition, 1st place in Simon-Fiset Strings competition, an alternate winner in the Junior string division at WA MTNA, receiving Seals of Recognition in both Concerto and Complete programs in the Seattle Young Artists Music Festival, and at the Performing Arts Festival of the Eastside (PAFE), he received the Best of Divisions-Outstanding Performance in Cello category, 1st place in Concerto Division, and 1st place in Solo Division.

He is passionate about spreading love of music and he plays in his school orchestra, chamber music, serves as co-regional director of Bellevue, WA, Bach To Bach Project, and a director of strings at ConChord Music organization. Outside of his cello life, he enjoys reading books and playing chess.

JANE KWON, piano

Jane Clara Kwon is 12 years old, born in Twin City, Minnesota, and is in the 7th grade at Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bellevue, Washington. She began to learn music from her teacher, SH Youn, in 2021. Jane Clara was surrounded by music from her organist grandmother and her three other siblings, who enjoy playing the piano. She recently won Gold Medal and Adjudicator's Choice Award at the 2024 International French Piano Music Competition.

The Kwon’s are often seen playing duets and trios. Jane Clara has won many awards: Gold at the 2022 Russian Chamber Music Foundation of Seattle, Gold chamber medalist at the 2022 Virtuoso Artistic Festival, Silver medalist at the 2022 Pacific NW Piano Competition, 2nd place winners at the 2022 Performance Arts Festival of Eastside and recognized at the 2022 Time Era Festival.

Jane Clara actively volunteers as a piano accompanist at her local church and school choir. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer, reading, and acting in musicals.

TAIYO OISHI, piano

Born in Massachusetts, Taiyo Oishi, 15, was first introduced to the piano at the age of six. He started seriously studying the piano at the age of thirteen with Dr. Oksana Ejokina. Most recently, Taiyo was the 1st place winner of the 2023 WSMTA’s Outstanding Artists Competition and Concerto Grand Prix winner of the 2023 Russian Chamber Music Festival of Seattle Competition. Gold medalist of the 2023 Pacific NW piano competition, Taiyo has won additional accolades in the 2023 Chopin NW competition, 2023 EMTA Scholarship Competition, 2022 RCMFS Competition, 2022 Seattle International Piano Festival’s Bach Festival, and the 2022 Performing Arts Festival of the Eastside.

This past summer Taiyo participated in the 2023 Vivace International Music Festival, where he received masterclasses from renowned pianists such as Alexander Kobrin, Yakov Kasman, Dmitri Vorobiev, Haewon Song, and Robert Shannon.

Taiyo currently attends Inglemoor High School, Kenmore WA. When not practicing, he enjoys playing tennis and going fishing.

PRE-CONCERT PROGRAM
at 2:00 pm

Meet the performers who recently won Gold Medals at the 2024 International French Piano Music Competition. Led by Bellevue Symphony Artistic Advisor, Dr. Yelena Balabanova, over 67 pianists from around world competed for the opportunity to win certificates, medals and Meydenbauer Theater showcase.

TINSLEY XU
Chaminade: Idylle No. 1

Tinsley Xu is eight years old and currently a third-grade student at the Perkins School. She began her piano journey at six years of age with her piano teacher, Shaoming Greene. Notably, she has recently achieved outstanding success in various competitions, showcasing her exceptional talent and deep-rooted passion for music. Tinsley also loves sharing her passion for playing the piano with her two-year-old sister. She recently received the Best of Festival for Jazz at the 2023 Jazz and Rags and Blues Festival, and won a silver medal at the 2023 International German Music Piano Competition. Beyond her love for the piano, Tinsley enjoys playing tennis and skiing with her family.

AISHA BEYDOUN
Debussy: The Little Shepherd

Aisha Beydoun, 9, is a fourth-grader from Washington State. She began piano at six and is studying under Dr. Yelena Balabanova at the International Conservatory Studio. She’s attained several achievements, including Gold Medals in the 2022 and 2023 SCMTA Sonata/Sonatina Festival. Aisha received double Gold medals in the Sanford Wright Chamber Music Competition. Aisha was selected as Alternate Best of Festival in Blues in the 2022 EMTA Jazz, Rags and Blues Festival Junior Division and she attained Gold Seal Recognition in Jazz in the 2023 festival. Aisha earned gold medal in 2023 Time Era Festival. When not practicing, she enjoys playing with her white fluffy Bichon Frisé dog Nala.

MIYAKO BERMAN
Ibert: The Little White Donkey

Miyako is a 9 year old 4th grader from Washington state and began playing the piano at the age of 7. She has been studying under Steinway Artist Dr. Yelena Balabanova at the International Conservatory Studio. Miyako recently won a Gold Medal in the International German Music Piano Competition, a Gold Medal in the EMTA Time Era Festival and Best of Festival Alternate in the Jazz, Rags and Blues Festival, double GOLD medals in the Sanford Wright Chamber Music Competition and a Silver Medal at the 2024 Chopin NW Competition. Miyako enjoys reading biographies of classical music composers. Her favorite composer is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and her favorite pianist is Nobuyuki Tsujii.

LUCAS POPESCU
Satie: Gnossienne no. 1

Lucas is an 11 years old, 5th grade student at Northshore Christian Academy in Mukilteo. He recently won the Bronze Medal at the 2024 Chopin Northwest Competition. He enjoys mathematics and science, dreaming about becoming an architect. Being born in January, Lucas loves skiing on the high, cool mountains (the only better place than Puget Sound for him being Alaska). He also enjoys competitive swimming (that helped him to develop a sound team spirit), and tennis. Lucas also likes to travel, the last trip to Paris giving him the desire for the French classic music. His next destination is Japan, to see the blooming cherry trees. We live in a small world! Lucas is an Elite Student of S.H. Youn.

SYDNEY CUI
Debussy: Bruyères

Sydney is a young and talented pianist who has been passionate about music since she was three years old. She has been learning from her teacher, Dr. Adam Aleksander, a renowned pianist and educator, who has guided her through the works of various classical and contemporary composers. Sydney has demonstrated her musical skills and achievements by participating in numerous piano competitions at the national and international level. She has won several awards and honors for her outstanding performances and has received positive feedback from the judges and audiences. Sydney loves to share her music with others and hopes to inspire more people to appreciate the beauty and joy of piano. She dreams of becoming a professional pianist and pursuing a career in music. Sydney is currently 11 years old and is studying in the 7th grade. She enjoys reading, painting, and playing with her dogs in her
spare time.

AMOUR LUO
Debussy, Arabesque no. 2

Amour Lou has been studying with Maria Maltseva since she was six. During that time she has become an accomplished pianist and has received many medals from the Chopin NW, Seattle Bach Festival, Virtuoso Festival, and Viennese Festival. She has also been recognized for her playing in some international festivals, including Vienna.

JOYCE YE
Poulenc: Improvisation no. 15 in C minor

Joyce Ye is a sixth-grade student at Explorer Middle School. She has been a student of Dr. Yelena Balabanova at the International Conservatory Studio since 2016. Joyce has been recognized at many events, including Gold medals at Chopin Northwest Festival, WPTA Singapore International Piano Competition and SCMTA Sonatina Sonata Festival. She won the First Prize at Charleston International Contemporary Music Competition, Best of the Festival in Time Era and EMTA Jazz, Rag and Blues Festival. She represented SCMTA to perform at the Washington State Music Teachers Association State Conference. Most recently, Joyce was named one of the winners in the SCMTA Concerto competition. Joyce currently serves as the Membership Chair in the International Beethoven Society of Young Musicians. She participated in the fund-raising concerts for the human rights and war victims in Ukraine. In her free time, Joyce likes to read and play tennis and volleyball

AZEEM EGIZI
Debussy: Prelude, from pour le piano

Azeem Egizi has been studying piano since he was 5 years old. He began lessons at the Kirkland Academy of Music and Performance, and has been studying with Dr. Thomas Lee since 2022. In his first year of participating in piano competitions this year, Azeem has received Silver medal in the 2023 Seattle Bach Competition. Last summer, he participated in Seattle Chamber Music Guild’s Summer Festival, where he performed the Mozart G minor and Dora Pejačević piano quartets. When not practicing classical music, Azeem enjoys studying film scores, playing video games, and spending time outdoors. He is currently 15 and a freshman at Inglemoor High School, where he is attempting to balance piano with lots of homework and learning the French Horn.

COOPER SWART
Ravel: Prélude from Le Tombeau de Couperin

Cooper Swart, 15, grew up alongside the family Steinway, discovering the piano at age 4 with his dad before starting formal lessons with Karin McCullough. He has been studying with Dr. Thomas Lee since 2021. His achievements include Gold medals in the SIPF Virtuoso Artists Festival in 2021 and 2023; Silver in the 2023 Helen Crowe Snelling Competition; and Bronze in the 2023 SIPF Bach Festival. Cooper was a participant in the Seattle Piano Institute in 2021 and has also received the SMTA Musical Excellence Award three times. His other musical interests include jazz piano, voice (seven years in the NW Boychoir), drums, and saxophone. In recent summers, he has led a jazz combo of friends from the keyboard. Cooper is also enthusiastic about his high school STEM classes and playing on the school Ultimate Frisbee team.

MEREDITH NAM
Sancan: Toccata

Meredith Nam, 16, is a senior at Inglemoor High School. Over the course of several years, she has won over 60 Gold and Silver Medals in various regional, national and international piano competitions. She was interviewed and performed twice on NW Focus LIVE on Classical KING FM. She received the PAFE Adjudicator’s Choice Award for piano. In 2018, Meredith made her orchestral debut with the Bellevue Symphony performing the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, 1st movement. As an active musician in her community, Meredith plays cello in her school’s chamber orchestra and plays piano in the jazz band. For the past two years, she has volunteered at the Northshore Summer Music School, teaching piano, cello, and chamber music to elementary and middle school students. Meredith is the 2024 Season Finale Featured Artist for Eastside Symphony. Outside of music, Meredith is an IB Diploma Program student and serves as the president of her school’s Science Olympiad team. She enjoys cooking, drawing and video-gaming. In the future, Meredith would like to pursue a double major in computer science and piano performance. Meredith is an Elite Student of S.H. Youn.

MINJAE KIM
Ravel: Gaspard de la Nuit: Ondine

Minjae Kim is a junior at North Creek High School. Along with his brother, they were the 2023 NW Division MTNA winners. Minjae has earned many Gold Medals: Gold Medalist at Chopin NW Competition, Gold Medalist at Russian Chamber Music Competition, Distinguished Gold Medalist at Virtuoso Competition, 1st place at the Carles & Sofia International Piano Competition with CD Recording contract, Gold Medalist at Canadian International Music Competition, Silver Medalist at the Pacific International Piano Competition, two-time Finalist for Seattle Symphony Competition, State Finalist for WMEA’s Solo and Ensemble. He was a featured soloist for Mukilteo Orchestra Fall Concert. He has performed at Benaroya Hall, Mercer Island Burbank Park and Chamber concert venues. Besides music, Minjae loves computer programming, computer gaming and tennis. Minjae is an Elite Student of S.H. Youn.

VINCE AND KAITLYN GIA LEE
Saint-Saëns: Danse macabre

Vince and Kaitlyn Gia collectively has won 1st place in over 50 piano competitions to date, including Gold Medals at 2020 and 2021 NW Chopin Competition, Platinum Medals at 2021 Canadian International Music Competition and Gold at 2018, 2019 and 2020 Russian Chamber Competition, Gold Medal at the 2022 Pacific International Piano Competition. They were also invited to perform at Ten Grands in Portland, Oregon. Kaitlyn has performed with 4 different major orchestras, including Mukilteo Orchestra, Eastside Symphony, Federal Way Symphony and Everett Philharmonic Orchestra. Vince just performed with Mukilteo Orchestra last Fall. Both Kaitlyn Gia and Vince attend Lakeside School in Seattle. They are both involved in raising money for various charities and performed at various outdoor park concerts and even SeaTac airport! Vince and Kaitlyn Gia are Elite Students of S.H. Youn.

Violin 1.
Concertmaster, Valerie Tung
Sarah Malmstrom
Na Young Kwon
Carrie Layer-Penner
Jennifer Sullivan
Caroline Faflak
Teresa Sandys
Emily Acri
Violin 2.
Elena Vukosavljev ,Principal
Monica Boros
Thao Huynh
Ross Amkraut do Porto
Kathy Shaw
Kelly Marsh
Jonathan Graber
Jenny Kim
Viola
Julia Adams, Principal
Amy Werner-Allen
Elizabeth Landy
Padua Canty
Eddie NIcholson
Kyle Purnell
Cello
Mara Finkelstein, Principal
Grant Olsen
Joseph Bichsel
Mariah Larsen
Kumiko Chiba
Bass
Ramon Salumbides, Principal
Attilla Kiss
Moe Weisner
Flute
Kate Mondragon
Helen Lee
Oboe
Logan Esterling
Lauren Urban
Clarinet
Beverly Setzer
Jenny Zeifel
Bassoon
Steven Morgan
Cyrus Roat
Horn
Eric Bell
Ben Johnson
Anna Sanchez
Ron Gilbert
Trumpet
Robert Gale
Jerry Warden
Trombone
Ryan Wagner
Gregory Schroeder
Gerald Larkins
Tuba
Kevin Pih
Timpani
Todd Zimberg
Percussion
Emmy Ulmer
Librarian
Deborah McClelland

Dr. Sara Wagner, executive director

Born in Mainz, Germany, Sara Wagner, DO studied piano throughout childhood before changing her focus to singing. She has performed with Lyric Opera Northwest, now Bellevue Opera, and has served as Executive Director of Bellevue Symphony since March 2023. Her musical training has given her an enduring love of Classical music.

As Executive Director, Dr. Wagner is committed to expanding the Bellevue Symphony's season, focusing on outreach to Seniors and students, and shaping the arts culture of Bellevue.

She is a primary care trained physician with an osteopathic manipulative therapy practice in Juanita, WA.

Sarawagnerdo.com

Dr. Yelena Balabanova, artistic advisor

Yelena Balabanova, a native of Kharkiv, Ukraine, is one of only 6 Steinway Classical Artists in WA state. She is an acclaimed soloist and is widely recognized for her extensive repertoire, original interpretations, innovative programs, and a sought-after clinician on healthy technique and artistry, presenting numerous workshops and masterclasses every year. Among Yelena’s many credentials, she holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from CU-Boulder, received a Recognition Certificate from the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts for the Artistic Achievements of her Students, VIP from National Federation of Music Clubs, Teacher of Distinction from the Royal Conservatory of Music of Canada and Certificate of Appreciation for Teaching Mastery from the World Piano teachers Association in Singapore.

In 2023, Dr.Balabanova has been inducted into the Steinway Teacher Hall of Fame.

Dr. Balabanova taught at the Renaissance Music Academy of VA, VA State University, University of CO at Boulder and was featured Artist in Residence at the CO Music Fest for four years. Yelena is a founder of International Conservatory Studio and the North Sound Federated Music Club. Her students have been recognized at many festivals and competitions across USA, Australia, and Europe, and have been awarded admissions to prestigious programs like Cleveland Institute of Music, BYU, Peabody, Wheaton, University of CO, Harvard, Philips-Andover, Chatham School of Music in Manchester, UK, Juilliard, Northwestern and others.

Currently Yelena serves the community as a Board member of the WA Federation of Music Clubs, Vice-President of the Chopin Foundation Northwest Council Artistic Co-director and Artistic Advisor to Pacific Piano competitions. For more information, visit www.SkymusicSpeaker.com

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BELLEVUE SYMPHONY

Bellevue Symphony is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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This is a wonderful way to create sustainable support for the Symphony. Bellevue 500 Society members are enrolled in automatic $500 donations three times yearly. As a thank you, you will receive two concert tickets and two Bellevue Symphony tote bags for our next concert at The Meydenbauer Center. Bellevue 500 Society members also enjoy complimentary Bellevue Symphony Chamber concerts. All Bellevue 500 Society members will have their names listed in our concert programs. To enroll or Inquire, email bellevuesymphonynews@gmail.com

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PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE
$2000+

Allan Park
Brian Davenport
H&R Block
Piali Choudhury
Microsoft Corporation
Rob Coe
Classic Pianos
Jeff Elwell
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DIAMOND SUPPORTERS
$1000-$1999

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Dr. Yelena Balabanova
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Nino Merabishvili
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