2024 IGNITE AMBASSADORS
Edric Zhang
Young Artist President 2024
Edric Zhang is a 10th-grade student at Stratford Preparatory Blackford of California. He studied piano at age 5. In 2021, Edric won First Prize at Great Composers Competition, Silver award at The 3rd WPTA Singapore International Piano Competition, and Third Place at 2021 American Classical Young Musician Award. His prior honors include First Place prize at American Protege International Music Talent Competition Fall 2019 and Third Place at 2020 US New Star Piano Competition. He was also selected to perform in Carnegie Hall in 2019. Besides playing piano, Edric loves swimming and badminton.
Ziyou Yan
Ziyou Yan, Age 10, Lives in Fremont, California.
Ziyou is the young pianist of 2024 PYPA. She was the first prize winner of 2024 XV Chopin International Piano Completion Hartford, and 2024 American International music competition. Grand prize of 2024 Franz list international piano competition. In 2023, She was invited to perform with Chamber Orchestra in Tarnow Music Festival of Poland.
Among her honors are top prizes in 2023 Tkaczewski Piano Competition, International BTHVN Wien Competition 2022, San Francisco Artcial Piano Competition and Festival 2022, Vivaldi Music Competition 2022, Vivace international Piano Competition, 2021 International New Star Piano Competition, WPTA China-North America international Piano Competition2022. She was also the champion of Show Case in United States Open Music Competition 2021 with the Scholarship of the competition.
Besides playing Piano, Ziyou loves all kinds of music. She also likes reading, swimming and traveling.
Yixuan Liu
Yixuan Liu, a vibrant third-grade student at Murdock-Portal Elementary School in San Jose, California, exudes joy in all facets of her life, particularly in her deep passion for playing the piano. Her musical journey began at the tender age of four and a half under the guidance of Mrs. Yu Le, sparking a fascination that has only grown stronger over time.
Yixuan approaches each piece with dedication and enthusiasm, striving for excellence in every note. Her repertoire includes challenging works such as Chopin Etudes, Mozart Piano Sonatas, and Beethoven Piano Sonatas etc., which she performs with grace and technical prowess.
Over the past years, Yixuan has achieved remarkable milestones in her musical career. In January 2023, she won First Place in the Young Musicians Category at the American Protégé International Piano & Strings Competition. A few months later, in May 2023, she secured Third Place in the Junior Category of the VIII Paderewski International Piano Competition's Special Online Edition. Her winning streak continued in June 2023, when she took First Place in the Rising Star Category at the regional 2023 Artciál International Piano Competition. In February 2024, she earned Second Place in the USOPEN Showcase Piano Solo - Elementary group. Most recently, in August 2024, she was awarded the Gold Prize at the San Francisco International Piano Competition.
Yixuan’s journey in music is marked not only by her achievements but also by her unwavering commitment to musical excellence and her love for performing. As she continues her piano journey, she is poised to inspire and captivate audiences with her talent and dedication to the art form she holds dear.
Austin Tu
Austin Tu, 12 years old, began learning piano at the age of six. For the past four years, he has been under the guidance of Ms. Lena Grozman.
His achievements include:
Placed in the 2023 CAPMT Concerto Competition (Category B, North Region)
1st place 2023 USIMC Young Artist Award Piano (Group B)
2nd place in the 2024 CAPMT Contemporary Competition (Group B)
Platinum medal in the 2022 Global International Music Competition (Online, Concert Performance Division)
Junior Bach Winner in 2022
1st place in the 2021 USIMC Mozart Music Award (group A)
In his spare time, Austin enjoys basketball, swimming, and reading.
Yuhan Zhang
Yuhan Zhang, aged 7, lives in the Bay Area of California. She began playing the piano when she was three years old and started composing music at the age of six. She was invited to perform on stage at Carnegie Hall when she was four years old. Currently, she is studying with a professor at the Central Music School of the Russian Moscow State Conservatory.
In 2024, she won the First Prize at the American Protégé International Piano & Strings Competition. She also won the First Prize and a $200 cash prize at the Franz Liszt International Competition in 2024. Yuhan won the First Prize and Exceptional Yong Musician Special Prize at the London "Ground Prize Virtuoso" International Music Competition in 2021, when she was 3 years old. In the same year, she also won First Prize and Exceptional Young Talent Special Prize Winner at the Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition.
Yuhan's first chamber work composition for piano and strings in 2023 reflects her deep passion for Baroque and Classical music, likely influenced by her dedication to studying piano. This piece was performed at the Ignite festival in 2023.
Beside playing piano, Yuhan enjoys various aspects of school life. She likes spending time with her friends, tennis, math, reading, and participating in science experiments. She has a curious mind and loves exploring different subjects.
Xinyang Guo
Xinyang Guo, 14 years old, Lives in Chaoyang District, Beijing. She started playing piano at the age of 5 and was admitted to the prestigious Piano Department of the Affiliated High School of China Conservatory of Music in September, 2022.
She won the Grand Prize at the 2023 German Ronisch International Piano Competition.
In 2024,she has been invited to participate in the 2024 Seiler (Qingdao) International Open Competition, as well as perform at the 2024 Lanzhou International Piano Art Week and Steinway Art Center.
Among her honors are top prizes in 2018 Jingzhu Cup, 2019Xinghai Cup, and 2020Hope Cup piano competitions.
she aspires to showcase her talents on international stages, collaborating and exchanging ideas with musicians from around the world, contributing to the dissemination of Chinese culture and fostering global musical exchanges.
Layla Guan
Layla Guan, who is currently 10 years old, lives in California, USA.
In 2024, Layla got invited for the final round of 31st International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition for Children and Youth in Szafornia, Poland.
She won first place of 2024 IPPA final round of International Piano Competition and First Prize at the Global Philharmonic 2024 Music Competition! In addition, she also participated in piano event called "Ignite Festival Music" in the past few years.
In 2023, She Won First Place Winner of the American Protégé International Piano
Romantic Music Competition 2023, and she won FIRST PRIZE + EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG TALENT
Special Prize Winner of the 2023 "Golden Classical Music Awards" International Competition.
Moreover, she also won Artciál International Piano Competition FIRST place in San Francisco
region, the third place in the final round competition. She was also the winner in the US Open music
competition showcase category.
In 2022, She won First Place Winner (Young Musicians Category) of the American Protégé
International Piano & Strings Competition 2022, and she also won the FIRST PRIZE +
EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG TALENT Special Prize Winner of the 2022 "Golden Classical Music
Awards" International Competition. Both the competitions invited her to The Carnegie Hall,
At New York. She was the winner of 2022 Artcial international piano festival & competition, and
East Bay Music Festival Piano Competition 2022, and International New Star piano competition.
Besides playing piano, Layla loves Ballet, swimming, and Art
Chengry Hsien
Chengry Hsien, 14, is a talented student at Mission San Jose High School in Fremont, California, who has already made a name for himself on the world stage. With four invitations to perform at Carnegie Hall, New York, and a special invitation to the prestigious Stein Auditorium Perelman Stage in 2022, his musical achievements are extraordinary. Chengry has garnered numerous international piano awards, including first prize and the exceptional young talent special prize at the 2019 International Golden Classical Music Awards, the first absolute prize at the International Grand Prize Virtuoso Competition in Bonn, Germany, and top honors at the American Protégé International Music Talent Competition in 2020.In 2021, he continued his winning streak with top prizes at the American Classical Young Musician Award, New Star Piano Competition, and the Singapore International Piano Competition.
Beyond his musical prowess, Chengry is also a competitive swimmer, having won multiple swimming competition prizes and participated in Far Western, and Zone All-Star swimming competitions. His passion for history has led him to advance to the 2025 London History Olympics.
Chengry is a fun-loving and optimistic individual who enjoys making friends, sharing his love of music with his community, and dreams of traveling the world to explore new horizons.
Jasper Wang
Jasper Wang is a talented 9-year-old pianist who has been playing for less than five years. Despite his relatively short time with the instrument, his performances are known for their delicate expression and passionate delivery. Jasper has participated in numerous concerts, where he has consistently received praise for his musical interpretations,his dedication and skill.
Beyond his love for music, he playing basketball and designing paper airplanes, showcasing his creativity and enthusiasm for both sports and arts. With his dedication and diverse interests, Jasper is truly a remarkable young talent to watch.
Mingkai Guo
Mingkai, age 12, is currently a 7th grader who lives in Los Altos, CA.
He started to learn piano when he was five years old. He has been immensely fascinated by this musical wonderland ever since.
Mingkai has achieved his ABRSM Grade 8 Certificate and won quite a few international prizes: 1st Prize & Exceptional Young Talent Special Prize in London “Grand Prize Virtuoso” International Music Competition; 2nd Prize in American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition; 1st Prize & Exceptional Young Talent Special Prize in New York Golden Classical Music Awards Internationalï¼›and 1st prize in North California Young Talents Music Competition. He has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall twice and to perform at the Royal Albert Hall once. His piano learning journey has also been enriched by various Master Classes.
Besides playing piano, Mingkai plays golf, enjoys reading and loves debates, and he also wires his robots in his leisure time.
Zhaohan Gong
Zhaohan Gong, a lively 6th grader from California, began his musical journey at the age of 6 when he first sat down at the piano. Since then, the piano has become a central and cherished part of his everyday life.
Zhaohan’s musical influences are both broad and inspiring. He is particularly drawn to the works of legendary composers like Liszt and Chopin, whose compositions resonate deeply with him. He also enjoys venturing beyond classical music, often playing the songs of Jay Chou on the piano. His dedication and talent have earned him several accolades, including First Place in the International Music Competition "London" Grand Prize Virtuoso and Third Place in the Young Musicians Category of the American Protégé International Piano & Strings Competition.
Alongside his piano studies, Zhaohan has been a dedicated member of his school band since 4th grade, playing the clarinet with passion. This year, he was honored to be selected for the School Wind Ensemble and will participate in the California All-State Music Education Conference (CASMEC).
When he’s not making music, Zhaohan expresses his creativity through drawing and enjoys staying active on the badminton court.
Natalie Wang
Natalie Wang, age 10, started her piano journey at age 5. She currently studies with Professor Hans Boepple. She has achieved notable recognition, including 2nd prize at the 2024 ENKOR International Music Competition and 2nd prize at the 2023 KAMSA Piano Competition.
Besides playing piano, Natalie enjoys reading and mathematics. She achieved Honor Roll in the 2024 AMC-8 Math Competition and was a finalist in the 2023 Math League US National Championship.
Lucas Du
Lucas Du, 12yrs, born in upstate NY, started piano at the age of 4 and half under Larisa Kanevski. Lucas has won multiple times of IMTA in state of Iowa from year 2017 to 2024, and the won the alternate of MTNA of state in 2023. In 2023, he got second prize US open piano competition in Solo showcase category, he also got third prize in 2023 Articial International piano competition. He is 7th Grade of the Hopkins middle school. He also enjoy playing violin in the orchestra.
Zimou Z
Zimou Z is a cheerful 12-year-old from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Born in the Atomic City in Tennessee, he has lived in Illinois, California, and Michigan. At the age of 5, Zimou began his piano journey and has been passionate about it ever since. His dedication and talent quickly became evident, earning him First Prize at the International Music Competition "Paris" Grand Prize Virtuoso, where he had the honor of performing at the esteemed Amphithéâtre Cité de la Musique-Philharmonie de Paris. He was also invited to perform at the Weill Hall in Carnegie, New York. He passed the ABRSM Grade 8 with distinction and aced the ABRSM Music Theory exam with a perfect score. Beyond his musical pursuits, Zimou has a strong passion for math and qualified for the AIME at the age of 11. In his free time, he indulges in reading, writing, fencing, and watching movies. His writing has earned him multiple competitive awards in Illinois and Michigan. Additionally, Zimou is a dedicated advocate for nature and the environment, serving as an NPS Junior Ranger in over twenty national parks.
Aditya Subramanian
​Aditya Subramanian is a 10th-grade student at Stratford Preparatory Blackford in San Jose, California. He has studied the piano since the age of 5. In 2023 so far, he has received second place at the US Open Music Competition - Treasury of Romantic Composers category. His favorite composers are Chopin, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff. Outside of piano, Aditya likes computer science, playing and watching basketball, and politics.
Allison Tung​
Allison Tung is an 11-year-old girl who lives in the Bay Area, California. She began her piano studies around 6 years old and has steadily nurtured her passion for classical music year after year. Allison was the First Prize winner of the International Music Competition Salzburg Grand Prize Virtuoso and Amsterdam Grand Prize Virtuoso in 2022. She won First Prize in the 2023 Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition and was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall. She was the Absolute First Prize winner and recipient of the Excellent Musicianship Special Prize at the VIVALDI International Music Competition in 2023. In 2024, she received 2nd Prize in the Great Composers Competition for Best Haydn Performance. She also won First Place in the American Protégé International Piano and String Competition 2024 and performed at Carnegie Hall. Beyond her musical achievements, Allison is a spirited and joyful kid who delights in sharing her passion for music with friends, family, and her community. She loves reading, sports, and exploring the world through travel.